The game of Golf has specific terminology that beginner players should understand before playing the game.

Understanding words like Par, Eagle, Birdie, and Bogie etc.

Just like any other sport, you must know what each of your plays should be described as, and in the case of golf, these are specific conditions of shots which are made.

The majority of golf courses today have three different types of holes: par-3, par-4, and par-5. And there are some advanced courses that only have par-3 holes.

The term “par” is a score that a good golfer would expect himself to make on every hole if he or she played the course properly. If you add the pars from every hole then the total would be considered the par value of that course.

Most golf courses that have 18 holes have a total par of 72. Professional golfers are considered to play through each hole without exceeding the par of that hole. For example, if the hole is a par-3, then the ideal finish would be to get the ball from the tee into the hole in 3 shots maximum, preferably less!

Length Of Par Shots

Par-3: These are considered to be the shortest holes and are generally between 90 yards and 230 yards. A best-case shot for this hole would be to get to the green in one shot.

Par-4: These holes are medium in length, somewhere between 240 yards and 470 yards.  A perfect situation would be to hit the ball onto the green in two shots.

Par-5: Par-5 holes can range up to 600 yards. Excellent golf players may make their way to the green in two to three shots on a par-5 hole.

Eagles, Birdies, & Bogies

Now that you understand what par means, the other terms that have to do with golf scoring are the eagle, birdie, and the bogie.

Birdie: You have made a “birdie” if the ball went from the tee and into the hole in one less stroke (or swing) than the par of the hole.  For example, you have made a birdie if you hit the ball into the hole in two strokes on a par-3.

Eagle: An “eagle” is the term for making the ball into the hole in two less shots than the par of the hole. Pat yourself on the back for this shot because it's a tremendous accomplishment, even for a professional.

Bogie: A “bogie” is the term that describes a hole played where it took you one more stroke above the par of the hole. For example, if it took you 5 shots on a par-4 then this would be considered a bogie. There is also a double bogey and a triple bogey, for each additional shot taken over the par of the hole.