WHAT IS A BIRDIE IN GOLF? A GUIDE TO SCORING

The scoring system in golf is unique in the world of sport and can seem peculiar. What is a birdie in golf? What does Double Bogey mean exactly? We will do our best to explain that and more as we dive into how golf is scored.

The Basics of Golf Scoring

Unlike most sports, where a higher score is desirable, in golf, the goal is to have the lowest score possible. Scoring is based on the number of strokes a player takes to get their ball into the hole. Each hole on a golf course is assigned a certain number of strokes, known as ‘par,’ representing the standard score an experienced golfer is expected to make.

Strokes in Golf

The concept of strokes is fundamental to understanding what constitutes a birdie in golf and golf scoring in general. A stroke is counted each time a player strikes the ball with their club. This means drives, approach shots, chips, and putts all count as strokes. Penalties, which occur when hitting the ball out of bounds or into a water hazard, also result in additional strokes. Referred to as Stroke Play Scoring, the player who completes the course with the least number of strokes is the winner.

Hence, shooting below Par is every golfer’s dream. Terms like ‘birdie,’ ‘eagle,’ and ‘albatross’ indicate scores under Par on a hole. On the flip side, ‘bogies’ represents scores over Par. Now, let’s get into those specific definitions below.

What is Par?

Again, Par refers to the number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to need to finish a hole or a round. It is the benchmark against which every player’s performance is measured. For example, a hole could be a Par 3, 4, or 5, implying that a golfer is expected to take 3, 4, or 5 shots to get the ball from the tee into the hole. If you play par golf, you usually only need the assigned amount of strokes and are a scratch golfer.

What is a Birdie in Golf?

A Birdie in golf refer to a score that is one stroke under Par. It is an indication of an above average performance on that hole. For example, if a hole is a Par 4 and the golfer only uses 3 strokes, that’s a birdie. Getting a birdie in golf is relatively uncommon for amateur golfers. Achieving this can be a significant highlight in a round of golf.

What is an Eagle in Golf?

An Eagle in golf refers to a score of two strokes under Par. Getting an Eagle in golf is quite an accomplishment, because it means the golfer completed the hole in significantly fewer strokes than expected. For most amateurs this occurs when they get a hole-in-one on a Par 3. But it can happen on a Par 5 when using two strokes to reach the green and only one putt. Both are rare feats for the average golfer and are definitely cause for celebration.

What is an Albatross or Double Eagle?

An Albatross in golf, also known as a Double Eagle, is three strokes under Par. This is an extremely rare score in golf, even for professional golfers. This most often occurs when a player only uses two strokes on a hole that is a Par 5. Meaning their second shot landed on the green and rolled into the cup.

What is a Bogey in Golf?

On the other hand, a Bogey in golf is a score of one stroke over Par. This term means a golfer uses one shot more that the allotted number of strokes to complete a hole, implying a below-average performance. So if the hole is a Par 4, and you take five strokes to get the ball in the cup, that is a bogey in golf. However for most amateur golfers, playing bogey golf – meaning you average one shot over par on each hole – is actually a very decent score.

What is a Double Bogey?

A Double Bogey refers to a score that is two strokes over Par. It occurs when a golfer completes a hole with two shots above what an experienced golfer should need.

What is a Triple Bogey?

A Triple Bogey refers to a score that is three strokes over Par. This typically indicates a particularly challenging hole for the golfer or a series of mistakes, as it means the golfer needed three more shots to complete the hole than an experienced golfer.

What is a Golf Handicap?

A handicap in golf, also referred to as an index, is a system from the United States Golf Association (USGA) to help compare scores of players with varying skills. It represents the number of additional strokes a player would need to complete a round of golf at a score of par.

What is Match Play and How is it Different?

Some golf tournaments, such as the World Golf Championships – Dell Technologies Match Play, use a different scoring methodology. In match-play games, the scoring system differs from stroke-play scoring. Instead of counting the sum total of strokes, the aim is to win more holes than your opponent. This means you are competing on a hole-by-hole basis. For example, if you take 5 strokes on a hole and your opponent takes 6, you win the hole, regardless of the hole’s Par. The total number of strokes you take over the entire game doesn’t matter in match play.

On the other hand, most golf tournaments use stroke play scoring. This involves counting the combined number of strokes over a series of rounds. The player with the fewest strokes at the end of the tournament is the winner. While stroke play, also known as medal play, is the most common form of competitive golf, it’s important to note that both formats may be used across different stages in some professional golf tournaments.

Keeping Score in Golf

When it comes to scoring in golf, it’s not just about the numbers — it also involves a high level of honesty and integrity. Let’s delve into some practical tips for keeping score in golf:

Keep a Scorecard or Use a Scoring App: Always have a scorecard or scoring app with you during a game. It allows you to track your scores hole by hole in real-time and is crucial in stroke play games. Today’s technology offers numerous golf scoring apps to help track your scores. These apps often come with extra features such as GPS and statistics tracking.

Mark Scores After Each Hole: It’s easier and more accurate to mark your scores immediately after completing each hole rather than trying to recall them at the end of the game.

Double-Check Your Scores: Mistakes can happen, so it’s always a good idea to double-check your scores at the end of the game.

Remember, golf is a game steeped in tradition. Ensuring fairness in scoring is part of the game. A golfer’s integrity comes down to how accurately they keep their score and respect the game.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, understanding golf scoring is fundamental to the game. Not only do you now know what a birdie in golf is, but you are also up to speed on the formats of stroke play and match play, and how to keep score. So, for your next round, remember to have a scorecard or scoring app ready, mark strokes after each hole, and double-check your scores to ensure accuracy and integrity.

For more foundational golf information, head over to our Golf Basics section.