If you're new to golf, one of the first things you'll notice is that golfers use some unusual scoring terms. Instead of simply talking about numbers, players celebrate birdies, eagles, and even the incredibly rare albatross while trying to avoid making a bogey or worse.
Understanding golf scoring terms like 'par' is essential whether you're playing your first round, watching professional tournaments or simply trying to improve your own score. Once you know what each term means, it becomes much easier to follow the game and measure your progress on the course.
This guide explains every major golf scoring term, how par works and what each score means.
Every hole on a golf course is assigned a par, which represents the expected number of strokes a proficient golfer should need to complete that hole. Par takes into account the length and difficulty of the hole and always assumes two putts on the green.
Most holes are classified as par 3, par 4 or par 5.
A par-3 hole requires three strokes to complete, while a par-4 requires four and a par-5 requires five. The total par for an 18-hole course is calculated by adding together the par for every hole.
Most 18-hole golf courses have a total course par of 70, 71 or 72, although some layouts fall between 69 and 73.
Your golf score is always compared to the par for each individual hole and then to the total course par at the end of the round.
Even par means completing the course in exactly the number of strokes assigned.
For example, if you play a par-72 course in 72 strokes, you have finished at even par.
If you play four rounds of a par-72 course during a tournament, the total par is 288 strokes.
Even par is an excellent score for most amateur golfers and often remains highly competitive depending on the course conditions.
Under par means completing a hole or an entire round in fewer strokes than the assigned par.
For example, a score of 69 on a par-72 course is three under par.
Professional golfers frequently finish several shots under par, particularly during favourable scoring conditions.
The most common scores under par are birdie, eagle and albatross.
A birdie is one stroke under par.
If you complete a par-4 hole in three strokes or a par-5 in four strokes, you have made a birdie.
For many amateur golfers, making a birdie is a memorable moment and often provides a huge boost in confidence during a round.
An eagle is two strokes under par.
Scoring an eagle on a par-5 usually means reaching the hole in three strokes, while an eagle on a par-4 requires holing out in just two shots.
A hole-in-one on a par-3 is also considered an eagle because it is completed two strokes under par.
Although eagles are much less common than birdies, they remain one of the most exciting achievements in golf.
The name follows golf's long-standing tradition of using birds to describe impressive scores, progressing from birdie to eagle and eventually albatross.
An albatross, sometimes called a double eagle, is three strokes under par.
This means completing a par-5 in just two strokes or making a hole-in-one on a par-4.
An albatross is exceptionally rare and is one of the least common achievements in competitive golf.
Like golden eagles, hawks, buzzards and many other species of birds that soar with powerful wings, the names reflect the increasingly remarkable nature of these scoring achievements.
A bogey is one stroke over par.
For example, taking five strokes on a par-4 results in a bogey.
Making the occasional bogey is perfectly normal, even for experienced golfers, particularly on more challenging holes.
A double bogey is two strokes over par, while additional strokes continue to increase your score over par.
'Over par' means completing a hole or an entire round in more strokes than the assigned par.
If you finish a par-72 course in 76 strokes, you are four over par.
Every golfer records both good and bad holes throughout a round. Understanding how your score compares to par provides a simple way to monitor your performance regardless of the course you are playing.
One of the most frequently asked questions in golf is why scoring terms reference birds.
The tradition dates back more than a century in the United States, where "bird" was used to describe something exceptional. The phrase eventually evolved into 'birdie', before expanding naturally to 'eagle', 'albatross' and, on the incredibly rare occasion, 'condor', which represents four strokes under par.
Interestingly, while birds such as golden eagles, hawks, buzzards and many other species are admired for their ability to glide, soar and hunt with incredible precision, their names have become permanently associated with some of golf's greatest scoring achievements.
Knowing the meaning of par helps golfers make better decisions throughout a round.
Instead of simply trying to hit every shot as far as possible, understanding par encourages smarter course management, realistic expectations and improved decision-making.
A golfer who knows a hole is a difficult par 4 may happily accept par rather than taking unnecessary risks.
Likewise, recognising genuine birdie opportunities can help players develop confidence and improve scoring over time.
Improving your score isn't just about understanding the terminology. Having properly fitted golf equipment also plays an important role.
The right golf clubs can improve consistency from the tee and fairway, while choosing suitable golf balls helps optimise distance, spin and control around the green.
Golfers looking to improve their understanding of equipment can also read our guide to what happens during a driver fitting, which explains how custom fitting can improve performance throughout the bag.
Understanding golf scoring terms, like 'par', is one of the first steps towards enjoying the game.
Whether you're celebrating your first birdie, hoping for an eagle, chasing the incredibly rare albatross, or simply trying to avoid making a bogey, every score is measured against par.
Once you understand how par works, it becomes much easier to follow professional tournaments, track your own progress and set realistic goals on the course.
To explore the latest golf equipment, receive expert advice and improve every aspect of your game, visit Golf Gear Direct, where golfers of every ability can find the right equipment to lower their scores.
