What Is An Eagle In Golf? How To Calculate An Eagle In Golf?
An eagle in golf is a highly inspirational achievement in golf. It represents a score of two strokes under par on a single hole. This is in contrast to a birdie, which is one stroke under par.
Scoring an eagle requires a combination of skill, strategy, and luck, making it a rare and impressive feat.

How Common Is An Eagle Shot In Golf?
Eagle shots are relatively rare in golf. According to data, only around 1% of golfers can achieve an eagle in a round of golf.
This depends upon many factors such as the length of the hole, the player’s skill level, and the course’s difficulty.
Where Does The Term Eagle Come From?
The term “eagle” has been used in golf for over a century. It is believed to have originated in the United States. It is a nod to the national bird of the country that is the bald eagle.
The term was likely chosen to represent the exceptional and rare nature of an eagle shot in golf.
How To Calculate An Eagle in Golf?
3 steps to calculate an Eagle in golf are,
- Determine the hole’s par
- Subtract two strokes from the hole’s par
- Record the score
1. Determine The Hole’s Par
The par of a hole is the number of strokes that a skilled golfer should take to complete the hole or round. This is determined by the length and difficulty of the hole.
2. Subtract Two Strokes From The Hole’s Par
The calculation of an eagle shot is simply subtracting two strokes from the hole’s par. For example, if the hole’s par is 4, an eagle shot would mean completing the hole in 2 strokes.
3. Record The Score
The resulting score is recorded as an “eagle” and is indicated by a minus sign. For example, if the hole’s par is 4, an eagle shot would result in a score of -2 for that hole.

Table For Calculating Eagle in Golf
Hole’s Par | Strokes taken to complete hole | Eagle Score |
4 | 2 | -2 |
5 | 3 | -2 |
3 | 1 | -2 |
Formula For Calculating An Eagle in Golf:
The formula for calculating an eagle is as follows:
Eagle = Par of Hole – 2
For example, if the par of the hole is 4, then an eagle would be calculated as:
Eagle = 4 – 2 = 2
Most Common Par for a Hole
Par for a hole typically ranges from 3 to 5. The most common par for a hole is 4.
Holes with a par of 3 are typically short holes. It can be challenging to get an eagle on.
Holes with a par of 5 are typically longer holes. It can also be challenging to score an eagle.
Best Opportunities To Score An Eagle In Golf
1. Short Par 4 Holes To Score An Eagle In Golf
Short Par 4 holes offer the best opportunities to score an eagle. These can be reached in one shot. It makes it easier to get a two under par score.
2. Downwind Holes To Score An Eagle In Golf
Holes that play downwind offer a great opportunity to score an eagle. This is because the wind can help propel your ball further. It gives you a better chance of reaching the green in regulation.
3. Wide Fairways To Score An Eagle In Golf
Holes with wide fairways also provide a good opportunity to score an eagle. This is because you can be more aggressive with your shots and go for the green.
4. Reachable Par 5 Holes To Score An Eagle In Golf
While not as common as short par 4 holes, reachable par 5 holes can also provide an opportunity to score an eagle. If you can reach the green in two shots, you only have to sink a short putt to score an eagle.
Tips For Scoring An Eagle In Golf
Here are some tips to help you score an eagle in golf.
1. Understand The Course
Before you start your round, it is important to understand the course you will be playing. Study the layout of the holes, including the length and any hazards.
Get familiar with the greens and their slopes. This information can help you select the right club. You can make informed decisions throughout your round.
2. Practice Your Short Game
Your short game is a crucial component of your golf game. Spend time practicing your chipping, pitching, and putting.
These shots can be the difference between a birdie and albatross so make sure you’re comfortable with your short game before you hit the course.
3. Drive With Precision
Driving the ball accurately can set you up for success on the fairway. Work on hitting straight shots that land in the fairway, rather than slicing or hooking the ball into the rough.
Also, consider using a 3-wood or hybrid instead of a driver on tighter holes to increase your chances of hitting the fairway.
4. Choose Your Clubs Wisely:
Selecting the right club can make all the difference in your golf game. Consider factors such as wind speed, distance, and the slope of the green. When choosing your club don’t be afraid to ask your caddy or fellow golfers for advice on club selection.
5. Stay Focused And Confident
Golf is a mental game as much as it is physical. Stay focused on each shot and trust in your abilities.
Confidence in your swing can lead to better shots and lower scores. Also, try to relax and have fun on the course. A positive attitude can go a long way in helping you score an eagle.

Conclusion:
Golf is a challenging sport that requires a combination of skills, patience, and focus. A golf eagle is a rare achievement. However it is possible with the right techniques and strategies in golf.
Eagles have a significant impact on a golfer’s game. It helps in boosting confidence and providing a positive influence on their scorecard.
Eagle can also play an important role in competitions. Even one eagle can greatly improve a player’s chances of success.
To achieve an eagle, golfers must have a solid understanding of course management, club selection, and mental preparation.
It is also important to avoid common mistakes. These are rushing shots or neglecting course knowledge. A golfer must maintain focus throughout the hole.
When a golfer successfully scores an eagle, it is a moment to be celebrated. Hitting an eagle is a proud moment for any golfer.
Eagles in golf are a thrilling and highly valued accomplishment. Golfers can strive to add eagles to their scorecard and elevate their game through continued improvement.
FAQs
An eagle in golf is a score of two strokes under par on a hole. It’s a rare and impressive accomplishment for golfers. The term “eagle” comes from the bird being a symbol of freedom and power.
A birdie in golf refers to completing a hole one stroke under par, while an eagle means completing it two strokes under par. These terms are used to describe a player’s score relative to the expected number of strokes for that hole. Getting a birdie or eagle is considered an accomplishment in the game of golf.
A birdie is a golf term used to describe a score of one stroke under par on a hole. It is an achievement for a golfer to get a birdie as it means completing the hole in fewer strokes than expected. Golfers strive to get as many birdies as possible to improve their overall score.
A hole-in-one is better than an eagle in golf because it is a shot that goes directly into the hole from the tee. This achievement is considered rare and highly desirable among golfers. Scoring a hole-in-one is the pinnacle of success in golf.
In golf, a phoenix is not a term or concept used in the game. It is possible that the term “phoenix” may refer to a specific golf course or club, but it does not have a universally recognized meaning in golf.