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How Birdies Relate to Par in Golf
Par is the number of strokes that are expected to complete a hole. Par for each hole is based on the hole's distance and difficulty. For example, a relatively straightforward 400 yard par 4 hole may be reachable in two shots with an accurate drive and approach shot. So par for that hole is set at 4.
Birdies occur when a player completes a hole in one stroke less than par. So on our example 400 yard par 4, a birdie would be finishing the hole in 3 strokes. Birdies are usually recorded with a circle ("O") on the scorecard.
Here are other common golf scoring terms in relation to par:
- Eagle: Two strokes under par
- Bogey: One stroke over par
- Double Bogey: Two strokes over par
So if a player takes 5 strokes on our example par 4, they would record a bogey. An eagle would be completing the par 4 in 2 strokes. Birdies and eagles are considered very good scores on a hole, while bogeys and double bogeys are less desireable.
Why is it Called a Birdie in Golf?
The term "birdie" has been used in golf since the late 19th century. It is believed to derive from the term "bird of a hole," meaning a really good score on a hole. The lowest score possible is an eagle, analogous to the impressive hunting bird. A birdie is the next best thing, capturing the feeling of an excellent hole.
There are a few competing theories on the true origin of "birdie" in golf:
- From the term "bird of a shot" used in the 1860s.
- A very early reference says it was coined because a golf ball in flight resembles a bird.
- In 1899 a Maryland golfer started calling holes he completed in one under par "birdies" based on this flight resemblance.
However it exactly began, by the early 1900s "birdie" was a firmly established golf term and it remains integral to the game today. Keeping track of birdies is a key part of golf scoring and achieving them is one of the main goals when playing a round.
How to Score a Birdie in Golf
Making birdies in golf requires a combination of skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck. Here are some tips for scoring birdies during your round:
- Hit excellent tee shots: The drive is your first opportunity to get closer to the green. Putting your tee shot in the fairway and ideally within 100 yards of the green sets you up for easier approach shots.
- Dial in your irons: Consistently hitting greens in regulation with your irons and wedges is key to creating birdie chances. This requires mastery of distance control and shot shaping.
- Get up and down: Even if you miss a green, you can save par or birdie with strong chipping and bunker play to get the ball close to the hole. Sharpening your short game is crucial.
- Make more putts: Sinking putts from beyond 10 feet greatly increases your birdie chances. holing longer putts for birdie is thrilling.
- Think aggressively: Birdies often require taking a calculated risk like trying to drive a par 4. Think through when it's smart to gamble to set up a possible birdie.
To maximize birdie opportunities, focus on eliminating big mistakes like penalty strokes and eliminating doubles and triples. Playing bogey-free golf is a great pathway to dropping in more birdies.
Famous Birdies in Golf History
Birdies have played a starring role in many famous golf moments through the years:
- 1999 Ryder Cup: Justin Leonard made a famous 40+ foot birdie putt on the 17th hole to complete an improbable American comeback against the European team.
- 2013 Masters: Australian Adam Scott defeated Angel Cabrera in a playoff at Augusta National with a clutch 15 foot birdie putt on the 2nd playoff hole.
- 2019 Women's British Open: 20-year old Japanese rookie Hinako Shibuno captured the title with a chip-in birdie on the final hole for the win.
- 2021 PGA Championship: Phil Mickelson at age 50 became the oldest major winner with a closing birdie to win by 2 shots.
- 2022 Masters: Tiger Woods made an emotional return to competitive golf 14 months after his car crash, making birdie on his very first hole.
Birdies have also lead to famous golf nicknames like "Lord Byron" for Byron Nelson who had an incredible year making 113 birdies in 1945. Birdies bring excitement and thrills to golf and remain one of the best parts of the game for pros and amateurs alike.
Birdies as a Way to Measure Golf Skill
For most golfers, the ability to score birdies is a key way to benchmark progress in your game. Lower handicap players expect to make a certain number of birdies based on their skill level.
Here are some birdie benchmarks:
- 10 handicap: Should make 2-3 birdies in a typical 18 hole round
- 5 handicap: Should make 4-6 birdies in a typical round
- Scratch or pro: Expect to make 7+ birdies in a competitive round
- PGA Tour pros: Average around 12-16 birdies per tournament
By tracking your birdie rate over time in your regular rounds and in tournaments, you can get valuable feedback on the progress of your game. More frequent birdies indicate growing proficiency in skills like ball striking, distance control, and scoring.
Of course most amateur golfers will never replicate the birdie barrage of touring professionals. But steadily increasing your personal birdie rate can be a fun way to measure improvements as you practice and gain experience playing golf. Keep striving for those birdies!
Conclusion: The Thrill of Birdies
Birdies have been an integral and iconic part of golf for over a century now. The thrill that comes from circling a "1" under par on the scorecard after a great hole of golf is unmatched. Understanding how to track birdies and how they relate to par and eagles are key to following the game.
With skill and strategy, all golfers can create more birdie opportunities. Strive to eliminate mistakes and develop consistency in tee shots, iron play, wedge shots, and putting. Stay hungry for birdies to increase your enjoyment and lower your scores. The next time you drain a putt for birdie, take a moment to appreciate the great golf shot and give your playing partners a high five.
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