Golf is a sport that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. One of the most important aspects of golf is scoring. Knowing the golf scoring terms is essential for anyone who wants to play or watch the sport. These terms are used to describe the number of strokes it takes to complete a hole or a round of golf.
Understanding golf scoring terms can help you keep track of your score and determine how well you are playing. The most common golf scoring terms include par, birdie, bogey, eagle, and double eagle. Each of these terms refers to the number of strokes it takes to complete a hole or round of golf. For example, par is the number of strokes it should take to complete a hole, while a birdie is one stroke under par and a bogey is one stroke over par.
Whether you are a seasoned golfer or a beginner, understanding golf scoring terms is essential for enjoying the sport. In this article, we will explore the most common golf scoring terms and what they mean. We will also provide tips for keeping track of your score and improving your golf game. So, whether you are a fan of the sport or looking to improve your skills, read on to learn more about golf scoring terms.
Basic Golf Scoring Terms
Par
Par is the expected number of strokes a skilled golfer should take to complete a hole. It is determined by the length and difficulty of the hole. A par-3 hole is typically between 100-250 yards, a par-4 hole is between 250-450 yards, and a par-5 hole is over 450 yards. If a golfer completes a hole in the expected number of strokes, they have made par.
Birdie
A birdie is when a golfer completes a hole in one stroke less than par. For example, if a golfer completes a par-4 hole in three strokes, they have made a birdie. Birdies are considered a good accomplishment and can help lower a golfer’s overall score.
Eagle
An eagle is when a golfer completes a hole in two strokes less than par. For example, if a golfer completes a par-5 hole in three strokes, they have made an eagle. Eagles are a rare accomplishment and can greatly improve a golfer’s score.
Bogey
A bogey is when a golfer completes a hole in one stroke more than par. For example, if a golfer completes a par-4 hole in five strokes, they have made a bogey. Bogeys are considered a minor setback but can add up quickly and negatively impact a golfer’s score.
Double Bogey
A double bogey is when a golfer completes a hole in two strokes more than par. For example, if a golfer completes a par-3 hole in five strokes, they have made a double bogey. Double bogeys are considered a significant setback and can greatly impact a golfer’s score.
Some common questions related to basic golf scoring terms include:
- What is a good golf score?
A good golf score depends on various factors such as course difficulty and skill level. Generally, breaking 80 on an 18-hole golf course is considered a good score for an average golfer or a beginner.
For professional golfers, the average score for 18 holes stands at 71.25, with a good score ranging from -2 to -5.
For beginners, shooting around 110 is considered a good score. Ultimately, a good golf score depends on an individual’s skill level and the course’s difficulty.
- What is the difference between par and bogey?
Par and bogey are both golf scoring terms. Par refers to the number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to complete a hole or course. In contrast, bogey refers to the number of strokes above par it takes to complete a hole or course.
For example, if a hole is a par 4, a skilled golfer is expected to complete it in four strokes. If a golfer completes the hole in five strokes, they have made a bogey. In short, par represents the expected score, while bogey represents a score above the expected score.
Advanced Golf Scoring Terms
If you’re a seasoned golfer, you may be familiar with some of the more advanced golf scoring terms. These terms are used to describe exceptional scores and are not commonly seen in everyday play. Here are a few of the most notable advanced golf scoring terms:
Albatross
An albatross, also known as a double eagle, is a score of three strokes under par on a single hole. This is an incredibly rare feat and is considered one of the most impressive accomplishments in golf. To achieve an albatross, a golfer must typically hit a long tee shot, followed by an accurate approach shot and a successful putt.
Hole-in-One
A hole-in-one, also known as an ace, is a score of one stroke on a single hole. This is another rare accomplishment that is highly coveted by golfers. To achieve a hole-in-one, a golfer must hit their tee shot directly into the hole without any additional strokes.
Condor
A condor is a score of four strokes under par on a single hole. This is an extremely rare occurrence and has only been achieved a handful of times in history. To achieve a condor, a golfer must typically hit a long tee shot, followed by a series of accurate shots and a successful putt.
Ace
An ace is another term for a hole-in-one, which is a score of one stroke on a single hole. This is considered one of the most impressive accomplishments in golf and is highly sought after by golfers of all skill levels.
Some common questions about advanced golf scoring terms include:
- How rare is an albatross in golf?
An albatross, also known as a double eagle, is an extremely rare score in golf. It is achieved by completing a hole in three strokes under par. According to ReachPar, the odds of making an albatross in golf are six million to one (source: ReachPar).
In comparison, the National Hole-in-One Association estimates the odds of making a hole-in-one in golf at 12,000 to 1.
- Has anyone ever achieved a condor in professional golf?
No one has ever achieved a condor in professional golf. The condor is a score of four strokes under par, which is only possible on a par-5 hole if a golfer completes it in one shot. However, the longest hole in professional golf is a par-7, making it impossible to achieve a condor in professional golf.
Other Golf Scoring Terms
Gimme
A “gimme” is a term used in golf when a player is allowed to pick up the ball and count it as holed without actually sinking it into the hole. This is usually allowed when the ball is very close to the hole and the other players in the group agree to it. This is done to save time and speed up play. However, the rules of golf do not allow for gimmes and it is up to the players to decide whether to allow them or not.
Mulligan
A “mulligan” is a term used in golf when a player is allowed to take a second shot without counting the first one. This is usually allowed when the first shot is not good and the other players in the group agree to it. Mulligans are not allowed in official tournaments, but they are common in casual games.
Sandbagger
A “sandbagger” is a term used in golf to describe a player who deliberately plays poorly in order to lower their handicap. This is done by intentionally playing badly in some games and then playing well in others. The purpose of this is to make it easier to win bets or tournaments. Sandbagging is considered cheating and is not allowed in official tournaments.
| Term | Definition |
| Birdie | A score of one stroke under par on a hole. |
| Eagle | A score of two strokes under par on a hole. |
| Bogey | A score of one stroke over par on a hole. |
| Par | The number of strokes that an expert golfer is expected to take to complete a hole or course. |
| Double Bogey | A score of two strokes over par on a hole. |
Match and Stroke Play Scoring
Match Play Scoring
Match play is a format of golf where players compete against each other hole-by-hole rather than counting the total number of strokes taken. The winner of each hole is awarded one point, and the player with the most points at the end of the round wins. Unlike stroke play, where the player with the lowest total score wins, match play is all about winning individual holes.
Match play scoring can be a bit confusing for those unfamiliar with the format. Essentially, match play scoring tells golfers and spectators not how many holes each golfer has won, but how many more holes than his opponent. For example, if a player wins 4 holes and his opponent wins 3 holes, the score would be “1 up” for the player who won more holes. If the players are tied after 18 holes, the match is considered “all square.”
Stroke Play Scoring
Stroke play is the most common format of golf, and is used in most professional tournaments. In stroke play, the player with the lowest total score over the course of the round or tournament is the winner. Each player’s score is recorded for each hole, and the total number of strokes for the entire round is added up to determine the winner.
Stroke play scoring is straightforward and easy to understand. The player with the lowest total score at the end of the round or tournament is the winner. In the event of a tie, a playoff may be used to determine the winner.
Handicap System
Golf is a game of skill, and players of different skill levels can play against each other thanks to the handicap system. This system allows players to adjust their scores based on their skill level, making it possible for players of different abilities to compete on an equal footing.
Establishing a Handicap
In order to establish a handicap, a golfer needs to play several rounds of golf, typically around 5-10 rounds. The scores from these rounds are used to calculate the golfer’s handicap index, which is a measure of the player’s potential ability. The handicap index takes into account the difficulty of the courses played, so players who play more difficult courses will have a higher handicap index than players who play easier courses.
Once a player has established a handicap index, they can use it to calculate their course handicap for a particular course. The course handicap takes into account the difficulty of the course being played and adjusts the player’s handicap index accordingly. This means that players with higher handicap indexes will get more strokes on difficult courses, while players with lower handicap indexes will get fewer strokes.
How Handicap Affects Scoring
The handicap system allows players of different abilities to compete on an equal footing by adjusting their scores based on their skill level. When playing against a player with a higher handicap, a player with a lower handicap will need to shoot a lower score to win. Conversely, when playing against a player with a lower handicap, a player with a higher handicap will have an easier time winning.
For example, if a player with a handicap of 10 is playing against a player with a handicap of 20, the player with the handicap of 20 will get 10 strokes added to their score. If both players shoot a score of 90, the player with the higher handicap will actually win the match, as their adjusted score will be 80 (90+10), while the player with the lower handicap will have an adjusted score of 90.