Bogey, Par, Birdie, Eagle, Albatross, FORE!
Ever felt lost listening to golfers chat about “making a birdie” or yelling “FORE!” on the course? Don’t worry – you’re not alone! Let’s break down these common golf terms with some fun examples that’ll make you sound like a pro at the 19th hole.
Bogey
Taking one shot more than par on a hole is called a bogey. While it may not sound great, bogeys are actually quite common for recreational golfers and nothing to be ashamed of. For example, if you take 6 shots on a par-5 hole, you’ve made a bogey – and hey, that’s still better than a double bogey!
Definition: One stroke over par on a hole.
Par
Par is the target number of shots that a skilled golfer should take to complete a hole. On a typical par-4 hole, this means getting from the tee to the hole in 4 shots: a drive off the tee, an approach shot to the green, and two putts. Think of par as your friendly benchmark – it’s what you’re aiming for!
Definition: The standard number of strokes set for a hole.
Birdie
A birdie is when you complete a hole in one shot less than par – it’s a reason to celebrate! Imagine sinking an amazing 20-foot putt on a par-4 hole after reaching the green in just 2 shots, finishing with a total of 3 strokes. Your playing partners will definitely be impressed!
Definition: One stroke under par on a hole.
Eagle
An eagle is two shots better than par and it’s a pretty rare achievement for most golfers. Picture yourself on a par-5 hole, crushing a perfect drive, following it up with an incredible 3-wood that lands on the green, and sinking the putt for a 3 – that’s an eagle that you’ll be talking about for weeks!
Definition: Two strokes under par on a hole.
Albatross
Also known as a “double eagle,” an albatross is one of the rarest scores in golf – three under par on a hole. Imagine holing out your second shot on a par-5 from 250 yards out – congratulations, you’ve just made an albatross! This feat is so rare that many professional golfers go their entire careers without making one.
Definition: Three strokes under par on a hole.
FORE!
This isn’t a scoring term, but rather a warning shout used when your ball might be heading toward other golfers. If you’ve ever hit a shot that’s veering off toward another fairway, yelling “FORE!” is the universal way to alert others that a golf ball might be coming their way – it’s like a golfer’s version of “heads up!”
Definition: A warning cry to alert others of an incoming golf ball.
That’s all there is to know and however you play the game is fine if you’re having fun. You just don’t want to be that guy who yells FORE, shoots bogey and writes down par.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Scores
Which is better, birdie or bogey?
A birdie is definitely better than a bogey as it means you’ve scored one stroke under par. While a bogey represents one stroke over par, a birdie demonstrates excellent play and is something most golfers strive to achieve. Birdies are less common than bogeys for the average golfer and are always worth celebrating.
Is a bogey golfer a 18 handicap?
A bogey golfer typically has a handicap closer to 20, not 18. This type of player generally scores around one stroke over par on each hole, which translates to shooting around 90 on a par-72 course. They’re considered an average recreational golfer with consistent but not exceptional skills.
Is bogey one over par?
Yes, a bogey is exactly one stroke over par on a hole. If you’re playing a par-4 hole and take 5 shots to complete it, you’ve made a bogey. Similarly, taking 4 shots on a par-3 or 6 shots on a par-5 would also be considered a bogey.
Is 72 always par?
No, 72 is not always par for a golf course, though it is the most common par for 18-hole courses. Some courses might have a par of 70, 71, or even 73, depending on their layout and design. Championship courses tend to play at par-72, but this isn’t a universal rule.
What is a par 3 in golf?
A par-3 hole is the shortest standard hole in golf, typically ranging from 100 to 250 yards from tee to green. These holes are designed to be completed in three strokes: one shot to reach the green and two putts to get the ball in the hole. Par-3 holes are often considered the most accessible for beginners but can still present significant challenges.
How many shots is a birdie in golf?
A birdie means completing a hole in one stroke less than par. This means scoring a 2 on a par-3, a 3 on a par-4, or a 4 on a par-5. Getting a birdie requires both skill and sometimes a bit of luck, making it a notable achievement for any golfer.
Why do they call it a birdie?
The term “birdie” originated in American golf slang from the late 19th century, where “bird” was used to describe something excellent or cool. The story goes that in 1899, at the Atlantic City Country Club, Ab Smith hit a great shot and declared it was a “bird of a shot,” leading to the term birdie for a score one under par.
Is a birdie 2 under par?
No, a birdie is one under par, not two. Two under par would be called an eagle. Birdies represent completing a hole in one stroke less than the designated par, while eagles are two strokes better than par.
Why is 2 under par called an eagle?
The term “eagle” was chosen as a follow-up to “birdie” because an eagle is bigger and more impressive than a regular bird. This American golf slang emerged in the early 20th century as a logical extension of the bird theme, representing an even better score than a birdie.
Has anyone ever aced a par 5?
No one has ever recorded a hole-in-one on a par-5 hole in a professional tournament. While there are some unverified claims of this happening in casual play, it would require an incredibly long shot of over 500 yards to achieve. This feat is considered virtually impossible under normal playing conditions.
Is a 1 on a par 4 an albatross?
No, a score of 1 on a par-4 is actually called a hole-in-one or an ace, and it would also count as a double eagle. An albatross specifically refers to scoring three under par on any hole, which most commonly occurs on par-5 holes.
Has Tiger Woods hit an albatross?
Surprisingly, Tiger Woods has never recorded an albatross in a professional tournament despite his incredible career achievements. While he has numerous eagles and holes-in-one to his name, the rare albatross has eluded even one of golf’s greatest players.
What to do when someone yells fore in golf?
When you hear someone yell “fore,” you should immediately duck and cover your head with your arms. Don’t try to look for the ball, as this increases your risk of being hit. Wait a few moments until you’re sure the ball has landed before resuming your normal position.
Why do pro golfers not shout fore?
While it’s a misconception that pro golfers never shout fore, they sometimes rely on their caddies, officials, or marshals to yell for them. This has been a point of criticism in professional golf, as some pros have been accused of not warning spectators quickly enough about errant shots. The PGA and European Tours have emphasized the importance of this safety protocol.
What is a Scratch Player in Golf?
A scratch golfer is a player who can play to a zero handicap, meaning they consistently shoot around par on their home course. These golfers have developed their skills to such a high level that they can regularly hit long, accurate drives, execute precise approach shots, and maintain a strong short game. You might find scratch golfers competing in top amateur tournaments or club championships, as they represent some of the best non-professional players in the game.
