In golf, an eagle means completing a hole in two strokes under par (−2).
For example, scoring a 3 on a par-5 hole or a 2 on a par-4 hole is called an eagle.
Golf is full of colorful terms, but few sound as exciting as an “eagle.” If you’ve ever watched a tournament or checked a scorecard and wondered what does eagle mean in golf, you’re not alone. An eagle is one of the most celebrated achievements in the game rare enough to feel special, yet common enough that every golfer dreams of making one.
In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down the meaning of an eagle in golf, where the term comes from, how it’s used in real games, and how it compares to other golf scoring terms like birdie, par, and albatross. Whether you’re a beginner, a casual fan, or a serious player trying to lower your obstacle, this article will give you a clear, friendly, and complete understanding.
Understanding Golf Scoring Basics
Before we dive deeper into eagles, it helps to understand how golf scoring works.
Each hole on a golf course is assigned a par, which represents the number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to take to complete that hole.
Common pars include:
- Par 3 – short holes
- Par 4 – medium-length holes
- Par 5 – long holes
Your score on each hole is measured relative to par, not just the raw number of strokes.
What Exactly Is an Eagle in Golf?
An eagle occurs when a golfer completes a hole in two strokes fewer than par.
Examples:
- Par 5 hole → Eagle = 3 strokes
- Par 4 hole → Eagle = 2 strokes
- Par 3 hole → Eagle = 1 stroke (hole-in-one)
Because of course design and distance, most eagles happen on par 5 holes, where players can reach the green in two shots and sink a putt for 3.
Why Is It Called an “Eagle”?
The Origin of the Term
The term “eagle” originated in the United States in the early 20th century, following the earlier introduction of the term “birdie.”
- Birdie = 1 under par
- Eagle = 2 under par
Since an eagle is larger and more powerful than a bird, the name naturally fit a bigger scoring achievement.
This pattern later inspired:
- Albatross (or Double Eagle) = 3 under par
The bird theme stuck—and today it’s one of the most iconic parts of golf’s language.
How Rare Is an Eagle in Golf?
Eagles are rare but achievable, depending on skill level and course conditions.
Frequency by Skill Level:
- Beginner golfers: Very rare
- Average amateurs: Occasional (often once every few rounds or seasons)
- Low-obstacle players: More frequent, especially on par 5s
- Professionals: Regular, especially on reachable par 5s
An eagle often requires:
- Long, accurate driving
- A precise approach shot
- Or a long holed putt or chip-in
That combination makes eagles exciting—and memorable.
Real-World Usage: How Golfers Talk About Eagles
In everyday golf conversations, “eagle” is used proudly and positively.
Friendly Tone Examples:
- “I eagled the par 5 on the back nine today!”
- “That was my first eagle ever 🦅”
Neutral / Commentary Tone:
- “He makes eagle to move to eight under par.”
- “An eagle here would put her in contention.”
Excited or Emphatic Tone:
- “EAGLE! What a shot!”
- “Back-to-back birdie and eagle—unbelievable!”
There’s almost never a negative or dismissive use of the term. An eagle is always a good thing.
Eagle vs Other Golf Scoring Terms
To fully understand what an eagle means in golf, it helps to compare it with other common scoring terms.
Golf Scoring Comparison Table
| Term | Meaning | Strokes vs Par | Example on Par 5 |
| Albatross | Three under par | −3 | 2 strokes |
| Eagle | Two under par | −2 | 3 strokes |
| Birdie | One under par | −1 | 4 strokes |
| Par | Expected score | 0 | 5 strokes |
| Bogey | One over par | +1 | 6 strokes |
| Double Bogey | Two over par | +2 | 7 strokes |
Eagle vs Birdie: What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most common beginner questions.
- Birdie: 1 stroke under par
- Eagle: 2 strokes under par
Example:
On a par 4 hole:
- Birdie = 3 strokes
- Eagle = 2 strokes
In terms of excitement:
- Birdies are common goals
- Eagles are standout moments
Eagle vs Albatross
An albatross, sometimes called a double eagle, is even rarer.
- Albatross = 3 under par
- Example: 2 strokes on a par 5
While some golfers use “double eagle,” albatross is more widely accepted internationally.
How Do Golfers Make an Eagle?
There’s no single way, but here are the most common scenarios:
1. Two Great Shots on a Par 5
- Long drive
- Accurate approach to the green
- One or two-putt
2. Hole-Out from Distance
- Chipping in from off the green
- Sinking a long iron or fairway wood shot
3. Hole-in-One on a Par 3
- Counts as an eagle because it’s two under par
Eagle in Professional Golf
Eagles play a huge role in professional tournaments.
- They can dramatically change leaderboards
- Often shown in highlights and replays
- Crowd reactions are instant and loud
Famous Eagle Moments:
- Tournament-winning eagles on final holes
- Long eagle putts under pressure
- Risk-reward par 5 eagles that define careers
On TV, you’ll often hear phrases like:
“That eagle puts him right back in the hunt.”
Eagle in Amateur & Casual Golf
For everyday golfers, an eagle can be:
- A once-in-a-lifetime moment
- A personal milestone
- A story told for years
Many golfers remember:
- Their first eagle
- Where they were
- Who they were playing with
That emotional value is part of what makes the term so special.
Alternate Meanings of “Eagle”
While this article focuses on golf, it’s worth noting that “eagle” can mean other things:
- A bird of prey 🦅
- A symbol of strength or freedom
- A term in disc golf (same meaning: two under par)
- Names of sports teams or awards
In golf contexts, however, “eagle” is always about scoring.
Polite or Professional Alternatives
While “eagle” is already professional, you might see variations like:
- “Scored two under par on the hole”
- “Finished the hole at minus two”
- “Converted an eagle opportunity”
These are often used in:
- Formal reports
- Broadcast commentary
- Written summaries
Common Mistakes About Eagles
Let’s clear up a few misconceptions:
- ❌ Eagle does NOT mean the best possible score
- ❌ Eagle is NOT the same as a hole-in-one (except on par 3s)
- ❌ Eagle is NOT common on every hole
Understanding these helps new golfers follow the game more confidently.
FAQs
1. What does eagle mean in golf scoring?
An eagle means completing a hole two strokes under par.
2. Is an eagle better than a birdie?
Yes. An eagle is better because it’s one additional stroke under par compared to a birdie.
3. How many strokes is an eagle on a par 5?
An eagle on a par 5 is 3 strokes.
4. Can you get an eagle on a par 3?
Yes. A hole-in-one on a par 3 counts as an eagle.
5. How rare is an eagle for amateur golfers?
Eagles are rare but possible, especially on shorter par 5 holes.
6. What’s better than an eagle in golf?
An albatross (double eagle), which is three strokes under par.
7. Why is it called an eagle in golf?
The term follows the bird-themed naming system that started with “birdie,” symbolizing a bigger achievement.
8. Do professional golfers make eagles often?
Yes, especially on reachable par 5s, though they’re still considered highlights.
Conclusion
- An eagle = two strokes under par
- Most common on par 5 holes
- Always a positive, exciting achievement
- Less common than birdies, more common than albatrosses
- A memorable milestone for amateur golfers
If you want more eagle chances, focus on:
- Improving driving distance
- Practicing long approach shots
- Developing confident putting from mid-range
Olivia Brooks is a skilled writer at ValneTix.com dedicated to making word meanings simple, practical and relatable. Her clear explanations empower readers to use language effectively and confidently.
