Eagle in golf: What is an eagle in golf?
In golf, each hole has a by, the number of reference moves needed to complete it (3, 4, or 5). A eagle (“eagle” in English) is the score of two strokes under par.
- On a par-5 hole: an eagle in 3 strokes. This is the most common scenario.
- On a par-4 hole: an eagle in two shots—either by making the second shot from the fairway or by reaching the green with a drive and then making the putt.
- On a par-3 hole: eagle in one shot. It's a hole-in-one, also known as ace or hole-in-one.
Be careful not to confuse the two: a hole and a one on one by 4 is not an eagle but a albatross, since it is three strokes under par.
Eagle, birdie, albatross: the scoring scale
| Score on the hole | Last Name | Example on a par-4 hole |
|---|---|---|
| 3 strokes under par | Albatross | 1 shot |
| 2 strokes under par | Eagle | 2 shots |
| 1 stroke under par | Birdie | 3 shots |
| The par | By | 4 strokes |
| 1 stroke over par | Bogey | 5 shots |
| 2 strokes over par | Double bogey | 6 shots |
The word follows the "birds" theme launched in the United States with the birdie: a bigger bird for a higher score. In fact, Americans call the albatross a “double eagle.”.
How do you make an eagle?
On a par-5 hole
The classic scenario: a good drive, a second shot (fairway wood, hybrid, or long iron) that reaches the green, followed by a made putt. Another possibility: getting close to the green in two shots and making a chip or approach shot on the third.
On a par-4 hole
Much rarer. You either have to sink your approach shot directly, or play a fairly short par-4 hole so you can reach the green on the first shot and sink the resulting putt.
On a par-3 hole
Only a hole-in-one counts as an eagle. It is counted as both an ace and an eagle.
Is an eagle rare?
For a professional golfer, par-5 holes that can be reached in two shots make eagles a regular occurrence on the tours, though not a common one. For an amateur, it’s a big deal: it requires both distance and an excellent final shot. Many golfers play for years before recording their first eagle, and that first one often comes from a chip or a successful approach shot rather than a second shot onto the green.
How many points is an eagle worth in Stableford?
In Stableford, a eagle net (after accounting for the hits blocked by your index finger) results in 4 points, compared to 3 for a net birdie and 2 for a net par. A player who receives a penalty stroke on a par-5 hole therefore scores 4 points by playing the hole in 4 gross strokes.
How can you create more opportunities for eagles?
- Gaining Distance at the Start without missing the fairway: that's the key to reaching the green in two on a par-5 hole.
- Mastering a long second shot with a club, a 3-wood, a 5-wood, or a hybrid, off the fairway.
- Weighing the Risk: If the green is protected by water, a third short approach shot often offers a better chance at a birdie—and sometimes an eagle—than a forced second shot.
- Working on the short game: For amateurs, a successful chip or wedge shot remains the most common way to score an eagle.
Video Lessons to Create Opportunities for Eagles
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Related terms
Frequently Asked Questions: Eagle at the Golf Course
What is an eagle in golf?
This is a score of two strokes under par on a single hole: 3 strokes on a par-5, 2 strokes on a par-4, or a hole-in-one on a par-3.
Is a hole-in-one an eagle?
On a par-3 hole, yes: a hole-in-one is also an eagle. On a par-4 hole, a hole-in-one is an albatross—three strokes under par.
How many points is an eagle worth in Stableford?
A net eagle is worth 4 points in Stableford. A net birdie is worth 3 points, and a net par is worth 2 points.
What's the difference between an eagle and an albatross?
An eagle is scored two strokes under par, and an albatross is scored three strokes under par. On a par-5 hole, an eagle is scored in three strokes and an albatross in two.