For newcomers to golf, hearing terms like Par, Eagle, or Bogey can feel like trying to understand a different language. Add in phrases like “under par” or references to 72 holes in a PGA Tour event, and it’s no wonder many beginners feel overwhelmed.
At Birdie Indoor Golf Center, we’re not only here to help you perfect your swing—we’re also here to help you understand the game itself. This guide breaks down essential golf terms and explains how they apply to both casual rounds and professional tournaments.
What Does “Par” Mean in Golf?
In golf terminology, Par is the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete a hole or a full round. Each hole on a golf course is assigned a Par based on its length and difficulty—typically Par 3, Par 4, or Par 5.
For example:
A Par 3 hole expects a golfer to reach the green in one shot and then take two putts.
A Par 72 course means the total expected strokes for 18 holes is 72.
Professional tournaments like those on the PGA Tour often play across 72 holes (four rounds of 18 holes), making Par a key benchmark for performance.
When a golfer finishes a hole in fewer or more strokes than Par, that’s where other terms come into play.
What’s an Eagle? A Golfer’s Dream Score
An Eagle is one of the most exciting terms in golf. It means completing a hole two strokes under Par.
Examples:
On a Par 5 hole, scoring an Eagle means sinking your ball in three strokes.
On a Par 4 hole, it means finishing in two strokes—often accomplished with a fantastic approach shot or even a hole-in-one.
Eagles are rare even on the PGA Tour, and for casual players, they’re often a milestone worth celebrating.
What About a Bogey?
On the other side of Par, we have the Bogey. This term means taking one stroke over Par to complete a hole.
Example:
A Par 4 hole finished in five strokes = Bogey.
While professional players aim to avoid Bogeys, they’re extremely common for beginners and intermediate golfers. Double Bogey (+2) and Triple Bogey (+3) are also part of the golf terminology you’ll hear frequently.
What Does “Under Par” Mean in a Tournament?
In professional events like the PGA Tour, players are scored relative to the course Par.
“Under Par” means a golfer completed the round or tournament in fewer strokes than Par.
For instance, finishing 70 on a Par 72 course = 2-under Par (-2).
This term becomes especially important over 72 holes, where top players may end up dozens of strokes under Par to win.
Why Knowing Golf Terms Matters
Whether you’re watching the PGA Tour, playing screen golf at an indoor simulator, or stepping onto a local course for the first time, understanding golf terminology helps you enjoy the game more. It allows you to:
- Follow commentary and scoring with ease
- Communicate clearly with coaches, fellow players, or even your own caddy
- Set realistic goals for improving your performance
At Birdie Indoor Golf Center, you can not only practice like a pro on our advanced simulators but also learn the language of the game. Whether you’re trying to get your first Par or dreaming of scoring an Eagle, our CPGA-certified coaches and indoor golf technology are here to help.
Book a session today and see how understanding these golf terms will transform both your practice and your game.
