What Is An Eagle In Golf, And How Common Is It?
The only thing you need to know in order to get the equivalent strokes needed for an eagle score on a particular hole is the par. This article sheds light on all you need to know about eagle in golf.
In golf, an “eagle” is when a player scores two under par on a hole. An eagle shot is considered to be very good, and it’s not as common as you might think.
In this article, we’ll discuss what an eagle shot is, how common it is, and some fun facts about this impressive feat while playing golf.
What is an eagle in golf?
An eagle is a golf shot that occurs when a player scores two under par on a hole. For example, if a player was to shoot a three on a par five hole, that would be considered an eagle.
According to the PGA Tour, only a few percent of players score an eagle or better on any given hole.
How common/rare is an eagle shot?
While eagles are relatively rare, they are becoming more common thanks to advancement in technology and equipment.
An eagle shot in golf is challenging and requires precise skills to achieve. You have to be a long hitter who smashes golf drives with power. It is best achieved on par-5 or par-6 holes because there’s less room for error.
How many strokes do you need to score an eagle in golf?
To score an eagle in golf, a player must shoot two under par on a hole. Moreover, scoring an eagle means sinking the golf ball in:
1) A single stroke on a par-3 hole
Scoring a single stroke on a par-3 hole in golf is popularly known as a “Hole in One,” but technically, it is also considered an Eagle. However, the odds of an average player achieving a Hole in One are significantly lower at 12,000 to 1 compared to an Eagle at 1,000 to 1. This highlights that getting a Hole in One is an exceedingly rare feat.
2) 2 strokes on a par-4 hole
Earning an eagle on a par 4 hole requires completing the hole in just two strokes fewer than the designated par score. Golfers can achieve this by driving the ball onto the green and making the putt or by holing a long approach shot or chipping in from off the green. While it is still a challenging feat that requires a high degree of skill and accuracy.
3) 3 strokes on a par-5 hole
Golfers can score Eagles in various ways, but most commonly, it involves hitting a long drive followed by a precise approach shot onto the green, then sinking the putt for a total of three strokes. Players with solid driving and approach skills have higher chances of scoring Eagles, particularly on Par 5s. Unlike Par 4s, where driving close to the green is a challenge, golfers have more opportunities to chip in for an Eagle on a Par 5.
4) 4 strokes on a par-6 hole
Par-6 holes are not frequently seen on golf courses, but if a player can complete the hole in just four strokes on par-6, it is considered an eagle or 2-under par. Most amateur golfers consider scoring four strokes on a par-6 hole as an excellent achievement, regardless of the hole’s par rating. Achieving this score is a testament to a player’s skills, accuracy, and decision-making on the course, and it is highly sought after by golfers.
Where does the term eagle come from?
Although there is no clear origin story for the term “eagle” in golf, it is not uncommon to see the terms “birdie” and “eagle” used together.
The term birdie was developed in the 19th century and referred to something that was considered “cool” or with a positive wow factor. From there, we can assume that “eagle” meant even cooler.
If “birdie” meant wow, then eagle would mean absolutely incredible – which is essentially what an eagle score is considered to be in golf.
Why is it called an eagle shot?
The term “eagle” comes from the national bird of the United States of America. When someone scores an “eagle” in golf, it’s considered patriotic.
On which par is an eagle shot the most common?
Eagles are most commonly scored on par fives, which makes sense because those are the holes where players have the chance to hit the ball the farthest.
An eagle shot is five strokes under par, and with up to three extra shots allowed, your odds of making the shot go up.
Not only does a 5-par give you a better chance for an eagle, but it also allows you to fine-tune your strokes. For example, start with a long drive and use the second shot to get closer to the green. Then, you’re only left with a short putt for an eagle shot.
What is a double eagle in golf?
A double eagle is when a player scores three under par on a hole. This is an even more impressive feat than an eagle and is quite rare.
Tips to get a golf eagle shot on shorter holes
One of the most exciting things that can happen during a game of golf is making an eagle shot. This occurs when the golfer hits the ball two strokes under par. Playing on shorter holes makes it possible to get an eagle shot by hitting the ball close to the hole.
Here we have mentioned some tips on how to make an eagle shot on shorter holes.
Tip 1
The first tip is to choose the right club. When you are choosing a club, you should take into account the wind speed and direction, as well as the distance of the shot.
For example, if you are hitting a strong wind, you will need to use a higher lofted club so that the ball does not go too far. If you are hitting a headwind, you should use a lower lofted club so that the ball does not go too high.
Tip 2
The second tip is to make sure that you hit the ball in the sweet spot. The sweet spot is the area on the clubface where you will get maximum distance and accuracy. If you hit the ball off-center, it will result in a loss of distance and accuracy.
Tip 3
The third tip is to ensure that your grip is firm but not too tight. A firm grip will help you control the club and hit the ball where you want it to go. However, if your grip is too tight, it will cause your shots to be inaccurate.
Tip 4
The fourth tip is to keep your head down and your eyes on the ball. If you take your eye off the ball, you will not be able to hit it where you want it to go.
Tip 5
The fifth tip is to follow through with your swing. A good follow-through will help you hit the ball further and straighter.
These are some tips that will help you make an eagle shot on shorter holes. Remember to practice these tips so that you can execute them perfectly when you are playing a game.
What about a condor?
In extremely rare cases, a player might score what’s called a triple eagle or a condor. These are both shots that are four-under-par. A condor is when a player scores four-under par on a hole that’s longer than par five.
The chances of either of these happening is about one in every 8,000 rounds played, so it’s not something you’re likely to see very often! This shot is only viable on a 5-par or 6-par hole.
Dustin Johnson’s eagle performance at Augusta National
In the golfing world, an “Eagle” is a coveted achievement, and most professional golfers would be thrilled to score even one during a round at the prestigious Master’s Tournament. However, in 2015, Dustin Johnson set a remarkable record at the Masters by carding the most recorded Eagles in a single round.
During the second round of the 2015 Masters Tournament, Dustin Johnson achieved an impressive feat by making THREE Eagles in a single round, scoring one on the 2nd, 8th, and 15th holes. This outstanding performance made golfing history and left spectators and fellow players in awe.
Although Dustin didn’t win the 2015 Masters Tournament, he did secure a remarkable victory in the 2020 tournament, which was held in November instead of its usual April date due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. His achievement in the 2015 tournament, along with his incredible skills and perseverance, has earned him a special place in the hearts of golfing enthusiasts worldwide.
What style of hole results in the most eagles?
In golf, players have the best chance to score an Eagle on Par 5 holes that are shorter and can be reached in two shots. However, there are certain holes with natural features that make Eagles more likely to happen. For instance, some courses have fast fairways that allow the ball to roll farther, while others have greens that are shaped like a bowl, guiding the ball toward the hole once it reaches the putting surface.
Additionally, changes in wind direction can make drives and tee shots longer than usual, creating more opportunities for players to score an Eagle. These natural elements add an element of unpredictability to the game and make it more challenging for golfers. Moreover, they also provide players with the chance to showcase their skills and potentially score an Eagle.
Which PGA tour player makes the most eagles?
At the end of the 2022 PGA Tour Professional season, Patrick Rodgers played 89 rounds of golf and successfully hit 21 birdies. This is a noteworthy achievement and shows a considerable improvement in the “Total Eagles” category compared to the past leaders.
In 2021, Cam Davis was the leader with 20 Eagles, while Collin Morikawa held the top spot in 2020 with only 16 Eagles. Patrick Rodgers‘ performance in the 2022 season has put him at the top of the leader board for this category.
What shape is used to mark an eagle on the scorecard?
Golfers use symbols on the scorecard to represent their score on each hole. A circle denotes a birdie, while two circles represent an eagle, and a triangle represents a hole-in-one. On the other hand, a square denotes a bogey, and two squares represent a double bogey. The number of circles indicates how many strokes a player is under par, with one circle for a birdie, two for an eagle, and three for an albatross (double eagle). Knowing these symbols and what they represent can help golfers keep track of their performance on the course.
Conclusion
Making an eagle shot can be an exciting moment during a game of golf. Eagles are most commonly scored on par fives, which makes sense because those are the holes where players have the chance to hit the ball the farthest. Moreover, by following these tips, you can increase your chances of making an eagle shot on shorter holes.
