Golf Scoring: Par, Birdie, Bogey Explained
Golf is the rare sport where the lowest score wins, and where every possible result has its own name. Par is the reference point everything else is measured against.
Scores relative to par
| Name | Strokes vs par |
|---|---|
| Albatross | −3 |
| Eagle | −2 |
| Birdie | −1 |
| Par | 0 |
| Bogey | +1 |
| Double bogey | +2 |
| Triple bogey | +3 |
How par is set for a hole
Par assumes two putts on the green, so the rest reflects length: a par 3 expects one shot to reach the green, a par 4 two, a par 5 three. A standard 18-hole course totals par 72.
Stroke play versus Stableford
In stroke play you count every shot and the lowest total wins. In Stableford you earn points against par — 2 for par, 3 for birdie, 1 for bogey, 0 for worse — and the highest total wins. Stableford stops one disastrous hole from ruining a round, which is why club competitions favour it.
Frequently asked questions
A number representing your standard above par, subtracted from your gross score to give a net score. It lets players of different levels compete on equal terms.
From American slang around 1900, where "bird" meant something excellent. An eagle and albatross followed the bird theme upward.