What does it really take to score an eagle in golf, and why does it seem like everyone on the course stops to watch? Is it just pure power, perfect accuracy, or a magical moment that happens once in a round? For a lot of golfers, an eagle is more than just two strokes under par. It’s a shot that changes the game, boosts confidence, and sometimes defines a career. But what is an eagle in golf, where did the word come from, and how often does it happen compared to a birdie or an albatross?
If you’ve ever wondered why this golf scoring term is so important, you’re about to find out what makes an eagle so special and why it remains one of the most celebrated achievements in the game.
What is an Eagle in Golf?
An eagle in golf is a score of two strokes under par (-2) on a single hole. To achieve this, you have to finish a hole in two fewer strokes than the established par, like a 2 on a par 4 or a 3 on a par 5. It is considered a rare and elite scoring achievement.
The word “eagle” comes from the US in the early 1900s as an extension of the word “birdie.” It means a better score, and the eagle was chosen to stand for a more majestic American bird for a better-than-average achievement.
For most golfers, getting an eagle on one hole is a rare feat. Only about 11.6% of amateur players have ever made an eagle in golf, and for most club golfers, the chances of making an eagle on a par-5 are about 250-to-1. In general, eagles in golf happen in only 1-2% of amateur rounds. On par-4 holes, they are even less common, with estimates for amateurs being about 6,000-to-1.
Eagles, on the other hand, are much easier for professionals to get, especially on par-5s, where they happen very frequently about once every 23 tries. Still, par-4 eagles are very rare at the highest level, with odds of about 1,000-to-1, which shows how special the achievement really is.
Eagle vs. Birdie vs. Albatross
“Birdie,” “Eagle,” and “Albatross” are all golf terms that describe how many strokes it takes to get to par on a hole, with the names reflecting an increasing level of difficulty and rarity.
| Aspects | Eagle | Birdie | Albatross |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score relative to par | 2 strokes under par (-2) | 1 stroke under par (-1) | 3 strokes under par (-3) |
| Rarity | Rare; major momentum boost | Common; expected for skilled players | Extremely rare; once-in-a-lifetime moments |
| Example | Scoring 3 on Par 5 | Scoring 3 on Par 4 | Scoring 2 on Par 5 |
How Do You Get an Eagle? (By Hole Type)
An eagle in golf refers to achieving a score that is two strokes under par on a hole. The way an eagle affects your score varies depending on the par of the hole. To secure an eagle in golf, follow these guidelines for each type of hole:
- Par-5 Holes (Most Common): Reach the green in two strokes with a long drive and strong approach, followed by one putt.
- Par-4 Holes (Rare):
- Drivable Par-4s: Drive the ball onto the green and sink a single putt, or ‘hole out’ your second shot from the fairway or a greenside chip.
- Longer Par-4s: For a second stroke, hit a wedge or iron shot from the fairway, or hit a very long drive followed by a chip-in.
- Par-3 Holes (Extremely Rare): Get the ball holed in one stroke from the tee box (a “hole-in-one” or “ace”).
How to Mark an Eagle on Your Scorecard?
Scoring an eagle is a moment worth remembering, but it is also important to record it correctly. Here is how golfers mark an eagle on their scorecard.
- Draw two different circles around the score number (for example, a “3” on a par-5).
- Some golfers like to write “-2” in the margin or on top of the score to show that they shot 2 under par.
- A birdie in golf (1-under) is marked with one circle, and an eagle in golf (2-under) is marked with two circles. This makes it an easy visual reference to see how well someone is doing.
- A single square means a bogey (+1) and a double square means a double bogey (+2).
Checkout this detailed guide to know more about golf scorecard basics.
Strategies to Increase Your Eagle Opportunities
Identifying eagle opportunities starts with understanding course design and hole characteristics that support scoring two under par.
- Course Mapping & Planning: Study the course layout beforehand to identify the best, most reachable eagle-viable holes. Analyze wind patterns, green slopes, and hazards to plan safe yet aggressive routes.
- Strategic Par-5 Management: Focus on reaching par-5 greens in two strokes. This requires a long, accurate drive followed by a precise, long-iron or wood approach.
- Improve Approach Accuracy & Distance Control: Practice “partial-swing wedges” from specific, common eagle-attempt distances (e.g., 45-85 yards) to improve proximity to the hole.
- Increase Clubhead Speed & Distance: Work on fitness, particularly core strength, to increase power and distance, providing shorter, easier approaches to the green.
- Elevate Approach Shots: Practice higher ball flights to allow shots to land softer and hold greens more consistently.
- Refine Short Game & Putting: Sharpen bunker play and practice putting from 15-25 feet to increase the likelihood of converting opportunities into eagle putts.
- Target Short Par-4s: Identify holes where a long drive can land on or very near the green, allowing for an eagle chip or putt.
- Mental Preparation: Use visualization techniques, such as picturing perfect shots and successful putts, to boost confidence and focus.
Famous Eagle Shots in Golf History
Eagles are about more than just the math; they are the high-voltage highlights that can flip a tournament’s momentum in a single swing.
Phil Mickelson’s “Eagle-Eagle” Streak (2010 Masters)
Phil’s 2010 Masters win was fueled by an incredible Saturday stretch where he dropped back-to-back eagles on the 13th and 14th holes—an ‘eagle-eagle’ streak that is almost unheard of in Major championship history. While his most famous shot actually came on Sunday – a 206-yard 6-iron from the pine straw on the 13th that landed 4 feet from the pin—he actually missed that eagle putt and settled for birdie. It was his Saturday “eagle-eagle” streak that truly shifted the momentum of the tournament.
Scottie Scheffler’s Three-Eagle Sunday at Pebble Beach
At the 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler delivered one of the most memorable shots of the week during his final-round surge. Scheffler fired a brilliant 9-under 63 on Sunday, highlighted by three eagles, a career best on the PGA Tour, which included an iconic approach on the 18th hole.
From about 186 yards, he hit a precise iron to just 3 feet, setting up a closing eagle putt that briefly tied him for the lead at 20-under. Although he ultimately finished T-3/T-4 at 20-under and finished in a group including Tommy Fleetwood and others, while falling short of the winner Collin Morikawa for that stunning finish under pressure and showcased his elite ball-striking and clutch play.
Dustin Johnson’s Triple-Eagle Round (2015 Masters)
While Jordan Spieth won the tournament with steady birdies, Dustin Johnson made history by recording three eagles in a single round on Friday. He eagled the 2nd, 8th, and 15th holes, becoming the first player in Masters history to achieve that feat. It remains one of the most powerful displays of “eagle hunting” ever seen at Augusta National and helped the field reach a record-breaking total of 47 eagles for the week.
Tom Watson’s Chip in at Pebble (1982 U.S. Open)
Tom Watson’s most iconic, eagle-level scoring moment is his legendary chip-in on the 17th hole at Pebble Beach to win the 1982 U.S. Open. Tied with Jack Nicklaus, Watson holed a delicate chip from deep rough, shouting, “I’m going to sink it,” creating one of golf’s greatest clutch shots, often misremembered as an eagle but actually a birdie of par-3.
The exchange with his caddie, Bruce Edwards, is often summarized as: “Get it close,” to which Watson responded, “Get it close? Hell, I’m going to sink it.”
FAQs
What is a hole-in-one?
In golf, a hole-in-one or an “ace” is when a player hits the ball directly from the teeing ground into the cup in one stroke. It happens most often on par-3 holes and signifies a score of 1. It is a very rare accomplishment, with estimated odds of 1 in 12,500 for amateur golfers.
What is a “Double Eagle”?
A double eagle, also called an “albatross,” is when you get three strokes under par (-3) on a single hole. This very rare event usually happens when a golfer hits the green in one stroke on a par-4 hole or in two strokes on a par-5 hole. It is more prestigious and rare than a hole-in-one, and it usually takes a lot of skill and luck to get it.
What is a triple eagle in golf?
A score of 4-under par (-4) on a single golf hole is called a “triple eagle,” but most people call it a “condor” or “double albatross.” This extremely rare achievement is when a golfer holes out in one stroke on a par-4 or in two strokes on a par-5. It is also considered to be the lowest individual hole score compared to par.
How rare is an eagle for an average golfer?
For an average golfer, getting an eagle in golf is very rare. The odds are about 1 in 250 for a par-5 hole. About 88% of amateur golfers have never made an eagle. This is because eagles happen much less often than birdies for most players. Eagles in golf are more likely to happen on par-5s, but they are much harder to get on par-4s, with odds for amateurs often closer to 6,000 to 1.
