Golf has its own unique scoring system, and while most players are familiar with terms such as birdie, bogey, and eagle, there are several much rarer scoring achievements that many golfers never experience during their lifetime. Some are officially recognized, while others are informal terms that have become popular among golfers.
This guide explains every major golf scoring feat, from the common birdie to the almost mythical condor, along with how each score is achieved.
Hole in One
A hole in one, also called an ace, happens when a golfer hits the ball directly from the tee into the hole with a single stroke. Most hole in one shots occur on par 3 holes, although they are extremely rare.
- Score: 1 stroke.
- Most common on: Par 3 holes.
- Difficulty: Extremely rare.
Albatross
An albatross, sometimes called a double eagle, is a score of three strokes under par on a single hole.
Examples include:
- 2 strokes on a par 5.
- 1 stroke on a par 4, which is also a hole in one.
An albatross is one of the rarest scoring achievements in golf and is significantly less common than a hole in one.
Eagle
An eagle is recorded when a golfer completes a hole in two strokes fewer than par.
- 1 on a par 3.
- 2 on a par 4.
- 3 on a par 5.
Many skilled golfers may record several eagles during a season, although they remain uncommon for recreational players.
Birdie
A birdie means finishing a hole one stroke below par.
- 2 on a par 3.
- 3 on a par 4.
- 4 on a par 5.
Birdies are considered an excellent result and are a common goal for golfers of every skill level.
Par
Par is the expected number of strokes needed to complete a hole. Finishing a hole in par is considered a solid result and is the benchmark used to measure every other score.
Bogey
A bogey is one stroke over par.
- 4 on a par 3.
- 5 on a par 4.
- 6 on a par 5.
Many recreational golfers consider a bogey an acceptable score, particularly on more difficult holes.
Double Bogey
A double bogey is two strokes over par.
Triple Bogey
A triple bogey is three strokes over par. While golfers can score even higher, scores beyond triple bogey are usually described by the number of strokes over par rather than using special names.
Condor
A condor is four strokes under par and is widely considered the rarest recognized score in golf.
A condor can only occur in a few situations:
- A hole in one on a par 5.
- 2 strokes on a par 6.
Only a handful of condors have ever been documented, making it one of the rarest achievements in the sport.
Ostrich
An ostrich is an unofficial term for five strokes under par. This score would usually require a hole in one on a par 6. While the term exists in golf discussions, there are no widely accepted documented examples in professional competition.
Phoenix
Some golfers have suggested the term phoenix for six strokes under par. However, this is not officially recognized by golf governing bodies and is rarely used outside informal discussions.
Golf Scoring Summary
| Score | Relation to Par | Example on a Par 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | 6 under par | Not realistically possible on a par 5. |
| Ostrich | 5 under par | Not possible on a par 5. |
| Condor | 4 under par | 1 stroke. |
| Albatross | 3 under par | 2 strokes. |
| Eagle | 2 under par | 3 strokes. |
| Birdie | 1 under par | 4 strokes. |
| Par | Even par | 5 strokes. |
| Bogey | 1 over par | 6 strokes. |
| Double Bogey | 2 over par | 7 strokes. |
| Triple Bogey | 3 over par | 8 strokes. |
Which Golf Score Is the Rarest?
Among officially recognized scoring achievements, the condor is generally considered the rarest. Only a very small number of verified condors have ever been recorded because they require an unusual combination of hole length, terrain, and an exceptional shot.
An albatross is also extremely uncommon and is estimated to occur far less often than a hole in one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is better than an eagle in golf?
An albatross is better than an eagle because it is three strokes under par instead of two. A condor is even rarer and is four strokes under par.
Is a double eagle the same as an albatross?
Yes. Double eagle is another name for an albatross. The term albatross is more commonly used in many parts of the world.
Has anyone ever scored a condor?
Yes. Although extremely rare, a small number of verified condors have been recorded in golf history.
What is the most common good score in golf?
A birdie is the scoring achievement that golfers most commonly celebrate. It is one stroke under par and is achievable for skilled recreational golfers as well as professionals.
Final Thoughts
Golf scoring is one of the features that makes the game unique. While most rounds include scores such as par, birdie, and bogey, rare achievements like the albatross and condor have become legendary because of how difficult they are to accomplish. Understanding these scoring terms can help both new and experienced golfers appreciate the skill and precision required to achieve some of the rarest feats in the game.