Golf Scoring Terms Explained

Golf has its own language, and if you’re new to the game, it can feel like everyone else already knows the code. Terms like par, birdie, and bogey get tossed around on the course and in the clubhouse, and understanding them is part of feeling comfortable in the game.

The good news is that golf scoring terms are simple once you know the basics. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common ones, explain what they mean, and show how they fit into your round. By the end, you’ll be able to track your own score and stay on top of your golf game.

Why do golf scoring terms matter?

Golf scoring terms give you a reference point for how you’re playing compared to the course. Par is the standard, and every other term tells you how your score stacks up against that standard.

Knowing the terminology helps you keep track of your progress, understand your scorecard, and communicate more easily with other golfers. It also makes watching professional golf more enjoyable, since you’ll know exactly what it means when someone makes an eagle or struggles with a bogey.

At the same time, scores and terms are only part of the game. They’re useful for measuring performance, but they don’t define your experience. Whether you shoot under par or over it, the important thing is getting out on the course, hitting shots, and enjoying the round.

Golf scoring terms at a glance

Before we dive in, here’s a quick cheat sheet you can bookmark or reference the next time you’re out on the course.

Golf Scoring Terms

1. Par: number of strokes for a skilled golf to complete a hole

Par is the baseline for scoring in golf. It represents the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to take to complete a hole. Every other scoring term is defined in relation to par.

Holes are typically labeled as par 3, par 4, or par 5. A par 3 means you’re expected to take three strokes: one to reach the green and two putts to finish. A par 5 is longer, giving you more strokes to reach the hole.

For most golfers, especially beginners, par is less about perfection and more about reference. It’s a way to measure your performance on a hole. If you shoot above par, that’s completely normal. If you shoot below par, you’ve done something worth celebrating.

2. Birdie: one stroke under par

A birdie is when you complete a hole in one stroke less than par, like scoring a 3 on a par 4. Birdies usually happen when you hit the green in regulation (reaching the green with enough strokes left to two-putt) and then sink a putt in fewer strokes than expected.

Birdies are a good indicator of progress because they show you’re not only keeping up with the course but also getting ahead of it. While professional golfers aim for multiple birdies per round, even a single birdie can be a highlight for casual players.

3. Eagle: two strokes under par

An eagle means finishing a hole in two strokes less than par. On a par 5, this usually happens when you reach the green in two shots and then make your putt. On shorter holes, like a par 4, an eagle might happen if you drive the ball close to the green and chip in.

Eagles are rare for most golfers, but they’re worth striving for. Recording an eagle shows not only accuracy off the tee but also strong short-game execution.

4. Double eagle: three strokes under par

A double eagle, also called an albatross, is when you finish a hole in three strokes less than par. This could mean scoring a 2 on a par 5 or a hole-in-one on a par 4.

Albatrosses are extremely rare in golf. They usually happen when a player hits a long approach shot that rolls into the cup. Because of their rarity, they’re considered one of the greatest achievements in the game.

5. Bogey: one stroke over par

A bogey is when you complete a hole in one stroke more than par. For example, scoring a 5 on a par 4. While professional golfers usually avoid bogeys, they’re common for recreational players.

For many golfers, playing “bogey golf” (averaging one over par on each hole) is a realistic and respectable goal. It represents steady play without requiring the consistency needed to make par or better.

6. Double bogey: two strokes over par

When you finish a hole two strokes over par, it’s called a double bogey. For example, this could mean scoring a 5 on a par 3 hole. Scoring over par is very normal for beginner golfers.

7. Triple bogey: three strokes over par

Three strokes over par is a triple bogey. Scores higher than that are often just referred to by the number of strokes taken, but the idea is the same: you’re several shots over the target.

Double and triple bogeys are especially common for beginners or on tough holes with hazards like water or bunkers. They’re a normal part of learning the game and often highlight areas where improvement can make the biggest difference.

More common golf scoring terms

• Ace: A hole-in-one! When you hit the ball from the tee directly into the hole in a single shot, most often on a par 3. Rare, but unforgettable.
• Handicap: A number that represents your skill level and helps even the playing field when competing with others.
• Stroke play: The most common format, where every stroke counts toward your total score. Lowest total after 18 holes wins.
• Match play: A format where players compete hole by hole. Winning the most holes wins the match.
• Condor: Four under par on a single hole. Extremely rare (think a hole-in-one on a par 5).
• Net score: Your score after factoring in your handicap. Used in many casual and competitive rounds.
• Gross score: Your total strokes taken, without adjusting for handicap.
• Up-and-down: When you miss the green, then take just two shots (a chip and a putt) to finish the hole.
• Sand save: Saving par after hitting your ball into a bunker.

Want to learn more golf terms? Check out our Glossary of 100 Golf Terms →

How to notate your golf scores on a scorecard

Once you know the scoring terms, the next step is recording them correctly on your scorecard. Scorecards list each hole along with its par, length, and handicap rating. Your job is simply to track how many strokes you take on each hole.

• Write the actual number of strokes you took on the hole (e.g., if you took 5 strokes on a par 4, just write “5”).
• If you want to add shorthand, you can note terms like “B” for birdie or “E” for eagle, but it’s not required. The numbers are what matter most.
• Don’t forget to factor in any golf penalties you might’ve accrued during the game.
• At the end of the round, total your strokes for each nine holes (front nine and back nine), then add them together for your final score.
  

Some scorecards also have a column for each player’s handicap. This allows you to calculate net scores, which adjust for skill level. But if you’re just starting out, focus on tracking your gross score.

How to improve your golf score

Learning the language of golf is a great first step, but the real goal is lowering your score out on the course. Improvement doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right focus, you can start shaving strokes off your game.

Focus on your short game

For most golfers, the quickest way to see progress is in the short game. Putting and chipping account for nearly half of your strokes in a round, so even small improvements can have a big impact. Working on distance control, green reading, and simple chip shots will often save more strokes than adding yards to your driver.

Improve your course management

Course management is another key. Play smart by choosing the right club off the tee, aiming for safer spots on the fairway, and avoiding high-risk shots. This can prevent big numbers from piling up on the scorecard.

Practice with a purpose

Instead of just hitting balls at the range, focus on drills that simulate real on-course situations. Tracking your progress over time through your handicap is one of the best ways to see where you’re improving.

Learn how to practice golf right at home →

Switch up your clubs

The equipment you use also makes a difference. If you’re still playing with hand-me-downs or outdated clubs, upgrading to a set that’s more forgiving and designed with modern golfers in mind can immediately help your consistency. Stix golf clubs are built to simplify your game, with sleek, high-performing designs that make it easier to hit straighter, more confident shots.

Want a deeper dive? Check out our guides to improving your golf handicap. 

• Breaking 100: A Beginner’s Guide to Improving Your Golf Score
• Breaking 80: 10 Strategies to Take Your Golf Game to the Next Level

Less jargon, more golf

Once you understand the basics of golf scoring, the rest starts to fall into place. These terms give you a way to track your progress and share the game with others, but they’re not the whole story. At the end of the day, golf is about enjoying the course, improving at your own pace, and celebrating the good shots along the way.

If you’re ready to focus less on jargon and more on your game, check out Stix Golf clubs. We’ve designed modern, stylish clubs that make it easier to enjoy golf without the intimidation factor. Simple, high-performing gear so you can get out there, swing confidently, and have fun.

Shop Stix Golf Club Sets →

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