The term used for hitting a ball into a hole two strokes under par in golf is an eagle. An eagle is a highly coveted achievement in golf, representing a score of two under par on any given hole.
Understanding Golf Scoring and Par
In golf, "par" refers to the predetermined number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to take to complete a specific hole or an entire course. Scores are then measured against this par value. Achieving a score under par indicates excellent play.
Golf scoring uses various terms to describe a player's performance relative to par on a hole:
- Par: Scoring exactly the expected number of strokes for the hole.
- Birdie: One stroke under par (e.g., scoring a 4 on a par-5 hole).
- Eagle: Two strokes under par (e.g., scoring a 3 on a par-5 hole or a 2 on a par-4 hole).
- Albatross (or Double Eagle): Three strokes under par (a very rare feat, typically scoring a 2 on a par-5 hole).
- Bogey: One stroke over par.
- Double Bogey: Two strokes over par.
- Triple Bogey: Three strokes over par.
Here's a quick reference table for common golf scores relative to par:
| Score Relative to Par | Term | Description |
|---|---|---|
| -3 (three under) | Albatross (or Double Eagle) | Extremely rare, usually on a par-5 hole |
| -2 (two under) | Eagle | A highly impressive score |
| -1 (one under) | Birdie | A good score, indicating strong play |
| Par (even) | Par | The expected score for the hole |
| +1 (one over) | Bogey | One stroke more than par |
| +2 (two over) | Double Bogey | Two strokes more than par |
| +3 (three over) | Triple Bogey | Three strokes more than par |
Achieving an Eagle
An eagle is a challenging yet rewarding accomplishment that requires precision, power, and often a bit of luck. It typically occurs on:
- Par-5 Holes: The most common scenario for an eagle is making the green in two shots on a par-5 hole and then sinking the putt. For instance, if a par-5 hole is completed in just three strokes, it's an eagle.
- Par-4 Holes: A rarer way to achieve an eagle is by holing out your tee shot on a par-4 hole. This is also known as a hole-in-one on a par-4, a very difficult feat.
- Par-3 Holes: It is mathematically impossible to score an eagle on a par-3 hole, as an eagle requires two strokes under par, meaning a score of 1, which is a hole-in-one. While a hole-in-one on a par-3 is also an excellent score, it is not referred to as an "eagle" in this context but simply a hole-in-one.
Significance of an Eagle
Eagles are significant because they demonstrate exceptional skill and can drastically improve a player's overall score. For professional golfers, eagles can be crucial for winning tournaments, while for amateur players, they are memorable highlights that make the game even more exciting. The rarity of an eagle adds to its prestige, making it a celebrated moment whenever it occurs.
To learn more about golf terminology and scoring, you can consult resources like the PGA.com Golf Glossary.
