What is an ace in golf?
Make a ace, it means getting the ball into the hole with the first shot, played from the tee box. The hole is completed in a single stroke.
An ace is almost always achieved on a by 3, the only type of hole short enough to allow a direct shot at the green from the tee with an iron, a hybrid, or a wood. On a very short par-4 hole, this is still possible but rare.
Ace, hole-in-one: What's the difference?
None: These are three names for the same feat.
- Hole-in-one: the original English expression, which is widely used in French.
- Hole-in-one: its translation, used particularly in clubs and by the press.
- Ace: the short term, borrowed from English, that appears on scoreboards and in clubhouse conversations.
What score is an ace?
On the scorecard, you simply write "1." But relative to par, an ace is called by a different name depending on the hole:
| Through the hole | Ace in One Shot | Score Name |
|---|---|---|
| Par 3 | 2 strokes under par | Eagle |
| Par 4 | 3 strokes under par | Albatross |
| Par 5 | 4 strokes under par | Condor |
A hole-in-one on a par-3 hole is therefore both an ace and an eagle. A condor—a hole-in-one on a par-5 hole—has been achieved only on very rare occasions.
In Stableford, a gross ace on a par-3 hole is worth at least 4 points (eagle), and more if you receive a stroke on that hole.
How do you celebrate an ace?
According to the most widely held tradition, the person who made the hole in one offers a tour at the clubhouse. Many clubs also record the player's name, the date, and the hole on a honor roll, and sometimes present a souvenir.
It is customary for a partner in the game to witness this, particularly so that the club can record it on its scoreboard.
How can you improve your chances?
A hole-in-one involves a lot of luck, but it’s primarily a reward for a good tee shot on a par-3:
- Bring enough clubs To reach the flag: most amateurs fall short.
- Aim for the flag only when it is within reach; otherwise, the center of the green, which offers the best chance for a birdie.
- Choosing the Right Tee Height with an iron: lift the ball just slightly for a clean strike.
- Take wind and elevation changes into account in choosing a club.
Video Lessons on How to Attack the Flags on Par-3 Holes
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Related terms
Frequently Asked Questions: ACE at the Golf Course
What is the difference between an ace and a hole-in-one?
There isn't one: "ace," "hole in one," and "trou en un" all refer to sinking the ball into the hole on the very first shot.
Is a hole-in-one an eagle?
On a par-3 hole, yes: a hole-in-one is two strokes under par, so it's also an eagle. On a par-4 hole, it's an albatross.
What should you do after an ace?
Traditionally, the player buys a round of drinks at the clubhouse. Many clubs also record the achievement on a roll of honor, usually based on the account of a playing partner.