What is a hole in one?

A hole in one (also called an ace) is when you sink the ball on the very first shot from the tee. It can happen on any par, but it is most common (and most celebrated) on par-3 holes. Statistically, the average amateur golfer makes about one hole in one every 12,500 rounds.

What is the difference between net score and gross score?

Your gross score is the actual number of strokes you took. Your net score is your gross score minus your handicap strokes — the score used in handicap competitions. If you shot a 94 gross with a 20 handicap, your net score is 74.

What does the plus or minus column mean on a golf scorecard?

The plus or minus column (often written +/−) shows how many strokes over or under par you are. A +14 means 14 strokes over par; a −2 means 2 under par. Most beginners are in the +20 to +40 range and work their way down as they improve.

What is a snowman in golf?

A snowman is slang for a score of 8 on any hole — named because the number 8 looks like a snowman. It usually means the hole got away from you: a penalty stroke, a lost ball, or too many attempts to escape trouble. Two snowmen in a round can add 6 strokes to your score compared to the same holes going double-bogey.

What is stableford scoring?

Stableford is an alternative scoring system where you earn points based on how you score relative to par: 1 point for bogey, 2 for par, 3 for birdie, 4 for eagle. The highest total points wins, not the lowest strokes. Most beginners never encounter stableford in casual play, but many club competitions use it.

What is match play vs stroke play?

In stroke play, you count every stroke across all 18 holes — the player with the fewest total strokes wins. In match play, each hole is its own mini-competition — win the hole (fewest strokes on that hole) and you win the point for it. Matches are won by holes, not strokes.

Can you get a score better than eagle on a hole?

Yes. An albatross (also called a double-eagle) is 3 under par on a single hole. On a par-5, that means you hole out in 2 strokes. A condor is 4 under par — only possible on a par-5 with a hole in one, which has been recorded only a handful of times in history.

What is the E on a golf leaderboard?

E stands for even par — the player has taken exactly as many strokes as par requires. On a leaderboard, E means they have not gone over or under par. It is used instead of 0 to make it visually clear that the player is right at par.

Golf Scoring Terms Explained: Birdie, Eagle, Bogey, and Everything Else

Every score in golf has a name. Here they all are, from the rarest (condor) to the most common (bogey), with exactly what each means and an example on the course.

−4

Condor

4 strokes under par on a single hole. The rarest score in golf — only possible with a hole-in-one on a par-5. Has been confirmed only a handful of times in history.

Hole-in-one on a par-5: 1 stroke = condor.

−3

Albatross (Double Eagle)

3 strokes under par on a single hole. Typically a 2-shot hole out on a par-5. Extremely rare at any level.

Score a 2 on a par-5: 3 under = albatross.

−2

Eagle

2 strokes under par on a single hole. Common on par-5 holes when a strong second shot sets up a short putt, or on a long par-4 when a player hits onto the green in one.

Score a 3 on a par-5: 2 under = eagle.

−1

Birdie

1 stroke under par on a single hole. The most common good score above par in recreational and professional golf. Making one birdie per round is a meaningful milestone for beginners.

Score a 3 on a par-4: 1 under = birdie.

Par

The expected number of strokes for a scratch golfer to complete a hole. Courses have par-3, par-4, and par-5 holes. A full par-72 course has 18 holes and adds up to 72 total par strokes.

Score a 4 on a par-4: even = par.

Bogey

1 stroke over par. Bogey golf (one over par per hole) on a par-72 course adds up to 90 — a reasonable target for many recreational golfers. Making consistent bogeys is much better than alternating pars and doubles.

Score a 5 on a par-4: 1 over = bogey.

Double Bogey

2 strokes over par. Usually the result of a penalty stroke, a bad chip, or a three-putt. Limiting double bogeys is one of the best levers for improving your score as a beginner.

Score a 6 on a par-4: 2 over = double bogey.

Triple Bogey

3 strokes over par. Often called a "triple." One triple per round is manageable; three or four triples will destroy a score. When a hole is going badly, picking up (if allowed by your group) prevents a triple from becoming a snowman.

Score a 7 on a par-4: 3 over = triple bogey.

±0

Snowman (8)

Slang for scoring an 8 on any hole — named because 8 looks like a snowman. A snowman on a par-4 is 4 over par. Avoiding snowmen is the fastest way to lower your score as a beginner.

Score an 8 on any hole = snowman.

Ace (Hole in One)

Sinking the ball in one stroke from the tee. Almost always on a par-3, though there are rare exceptions. The average recreational golfer makes about one ace every 12,500 rounds.

Drive goes straight in the cup on a par-3.

Frequently asked questions

What is a hole in one?: A hole in one (also called an ace) is when you sink the ball on the very first shot from the tee. It can happen on any par, but it is most common (and most celebrated) on par-3 holes. Statistically, the average amateur golfer makes about one hole in one every 12,500 rounds.
What is the difference between net score and gross score?: Your gross score is the actual number of strokes you took. Your net score is your gross score minus your handicap strokes — the score used in handicap competitions. If you shot a 94 gross with a 20 handicap, your net score is 74.
What does the plus or minus column mean on a golf scorecard?: The plus or minus column (often written +/−) shows how many strokes over or under par you are. A +14 means 14 strokes over par; a −2 means 2 under par. Most beginners are in the +20 to +40 range and work their way down as they improve.
What is a snowman in golf?: A snowman is slang for a score of 8 on any hole — named because the number 8 looks like a snowman. It usually means the hole got away from you: a penalty stroke, a lost ball, or too many attempts to escape trouble. Two snowmen in a round can add 6 strokes to your score compared to the same holes going double-bogey.
What is stableford scoring?: Stableford is an alternative scoring system where you earn points based on how you score relative to par: 1 point for bogey, 2 for par, 3 for birdie, 4 for eagle. The highest total points wins, not the lowest strokes. Most beginners never encounter stableford in casual play, but many club competitions use it.
What is match play vs stroke play?: In stroke play, you count every stroke across all 18 holes — the player with the fewest total strokes wins. In match play, each hole is its own mini-competition — win the hole (fewest strokes on that hole) and you win the point for it. Matches are won by holes, not strokes.
Can you get a score better than eagle on a hole?: Yes. An albatross (also called a double-eagle) is 3 under par on a single hole. On a par-5, that means you hole out in 2 strokes. A condor is 4 under par — only possible on a par-5 with a hole in one, which has been recorded only a handful of times in history.
What is the E on a golf leaderboard?: E stands for even par — the player has taken exactly as many strokes as par requires. On a leaderboard, E means they have not gone over or under par. It is used instead of 0 to make it visually clear that the player is right at par.