A birdie is one stroke under par, a bogey is one over, and an eagle is two under. Par is the reference score assigned to the hole. Compare your score with that number to name the result.
For example, taking 4 strokes on a par-4 is a par. Taking 3 is a birdie; taking 5 is a bogey. The same stroke total can therefore have a different name on a different hole.
The basic scoring vocabulary
| Term | Score relative to par | Example on a par-4 |
|---|---|---|
| Albatross, also called double eagle | 3 under | 1 |
| Eagle | 2 under | 2 |
| Birdie | 1 under | 3 |
| Par | Level | 4 |
| Bogey | 1 over | 5 |
| Double bogey | 2 over | 6 |
| Triple bogey | 3 over | 7 |
These examples describe hole scores relative to the stated par. They are not a points table. A competition using Stableford or another scoring system applies its own method to those results.
A hole-in-one, or ace, means the ball is holed with the first stroke. On a par-3 that is an eagle. “Ace” describes the one-stroke result, while “eagle” describes its relationship to par.
A birdie changes with the hole
Suppose you play three holes with pars of 3, 4 and 5.
| Hole par | Birdie | Par result | Bogey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 strokes | 3 strokes | 4 strokes |
| 4 | 3 strokes | 4 strokes | 5 strokes |
| 5 | 4 strokes | 5 strokes | 6 strokes |
This is why saying “I made a 4” does not tell someone whether you made a birdie or bogey. You also need the par of the hole.
For a beginner keeping a personal record, writing the actual stroke total clearly is more useful than memorising every name immediately.
What does “three over” mean?
It compares a score with par across the holes being discussed. On a fictional three-hole stretch with par 12, a score of 15 is three over par: 15 minus 12 equals 3.
That does not tell you exactly how each hole went. Three bogeys produce the same total relative to par as a par, a double bogey and a bogey. The hole-by-hole record preserves the detail.
A leaderboard may also display a player's score relative to par across a tournament. Check how many holes or rounds the display covers before comparing two players.
Gross and net describe different views of the score
Your gross score includes strokes made and any penalty strokes. A net score applies the relevant handicap strokes.
For a simple fictional hole example, a gross 5 with one handicap stroke received produces a net 4. On a par-4, that is a gross bogey and a net par.
Do not subtract a Handicap Index directly from every score. The course, tees and competition format determine the applicable handicap calculation. Ask the organiser or golf shop which figure to use.
What should you write on the scorecard?
Follow the event's instructions and keep the required hole scores clear. Do not replace the needed stroke totals with circles, squares or informal abbreviations.
Players sometimes use marks to highlight birdies or bogeys, but decorative symbols do not replace a correctly completed scorecard.
Our worked scorecard guide shows how the hole number, par and score rows relate. If you are watching an event where players win individual holes, use the match-play-versus-stroke-play guide as well.
A useful first-round approach
Count carefully, ask about penalties when unsure, and compare the final hole score with par afterwards. Learning the vocabulary becomes much easier when each term is attached to a hole you have actually played.