An “eagle” in golf means a score 2-under par on each hole.
This golf term is really easy to understand. All there is to know to get the equivalent strokes you need to target to get an eagle score on a particular hole is the par.
As you may have known already, each hole on a course is assigned a par. Par basically ranges from 3 to 6, with the latter being rare. And so, to identify how many strokes you would need to limit yourself to get an eagle is to just subtract the par by 2. Below is your legend.
How many strokes do you need to score an eagle in golf?
Following the 2-under par definition, to score an eagle, you would need to sink the golf ball in:
- A single stroke on a par-3 hole – which if you make is actually called a hole-in-one
- 2 strokes on a par-4 hole
- 3 strokes on a par-5 hole
- 4 strokes on a par-6 hole
Where does the term eagle come from?
The origin of the term eagle has something to do with the conception of the term “birdie.” As you can tell by these two terms, they follow an avian theme. So in hindsight, golfers back then just followed through once the birdie expression was established.
How rare is an eagle in golf?
Making eagle in golf can be a challenge and would require absolute golf ball maneuvering skills on the course to achieve. You have to be a long hitter who smashes golf drives with maximum power. We are not making this statement to discourage you from trying though. But if you ever do try to aim for one, you better chase for it on par-5 or par-6 holes. Par 5 and 6 allows you little room for error, while pars 3 and 4 are just too tight.
What does it mean to get an eagle in golf?
You are a notorious golfer if you do make eagles like a machine. Seriously, though, it can be a big boost to your confidence while sapping your competitors’. Also, the more you make eagles means the lower your golf score will be, the better your chances of winning the game. And you are no longer an average golfer if eagle is something you score often.