Last Updated on May 15, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
I’ll never forget my first eagle. It was a par 5 that was playing a little short that day, and I took full advantage of it. As a golf professional, I’ve since had a few more eagles, the most notable, of course, being on a par 3. Whether you are still on the hunt for your first eagle or a new golfer who isn’t sure what an eagle is, let’s get you the answers you need.
What Does Eagle In Golf Mean?
Eagle in golf means two under par. It’s a 3 on a par 5, a 2 on a par 4, and a one on a par 3. Making an eagle on a par-5 hole is technically the easiest way to get this done. You’ll notice that many professional golfers make eagles on par 5s.
However, some courses have a drivable or very short par 4, making a chip-in or even a long putt a possible option for a skilled golfer. The par 3 eagle, also known as a hole-in-one, is certainly a little more rare. You may chase this one your entire career with very little luck.
What Is A Double Eagle In Golf?
The double eagle is a hole-in-one on a par-4 hole or hitting the ball in the hole on your second shot on a par 5. It’s not possible to make a double eagle on a par 3 as this would be three strokes under par.
Sticking with the avian theme in golf, the double eagle is also known as an albatross. I’ve never had a double eagle and have never really come close to one.
The course where I play has a drivable par 4, and that would be my best shot for this to happen, but it would still require a stroke of luck!
Tips To Make Your First Eagle
The eagle concept is quite simple – what’s not as simple as making one?
I’ll show you how to take advantage of eagle opportunities so you can cross this one off of your golf bucket list.
Start With A Par 5 In Two
The easiest way to make an eagle is on a par 5. If you hit your tee shot in the fairway, scan the area around the green for trouble. If there are water hazards and out-of-bounds parks, this may not be the individual hole you want to try and make your first eagle on. Find a given hole where the worst mistake you could have is a ball in a sand trap.
Use a fairway wood or hybrid to hit your second shot as close to the hole as you can, and then work on a chip in or long putt.
I’ve seen amateur golfers focus too much on giving themselves a short putt for an eagle. Your best chance may be a chip in just off the side of the green. Don’t give up on the eagle just because you didn’t hit the green in two. On many longer holes, that won’t even be a possibility.
Go At The Hole When You Can
This next tip applies to par 3, 4, and 5 golf holes. The best golfers know when to go after a hole. They won’t hit a golf shot at a pin that is in a tricky spot on the green or one that may result in a double bogey if they miss.
They wait until there is a pin. they can be aggressive with. Then they go after it.
If you are playing a shorter par 3 and feel confident with your short irons – go right at the pin. Golf is a game of precision, but there is a bit of luck involved as well.
Make Sure You Are Playing From The Right Tee Box
Take a look at the yardage for the 18-hole golf course you are playing.
The eagle will be very hard if the yardage is a little longer than it should be for your skill level. You need to be able to hit at least one par 5 in two shots (even if it’s a driver and a perfect 3 wood) to increase your eagle chances.
The next time you head out to play, check the scorecard and see the total yardage and if this is a good spot for you. Eagles are a rare feat, but it’s not just professional players who make the occasional eagle.
How Many Eagles Do The Pros Make?
As an average golfer, if you made an eagle once every few seasons, you would like to be ahead of the curve. Even a scratch golfer is likelier to make a bunch of birdies than to eagle a hole. However, even though this can feel like a remarkable achievement, for professionals, it’s a goal to make an eagle in almost every round.
In 2023, Kevin Tway had the most eagles with 23.
In 2024, Wyndham Clark has taken an early lead with 12 before the start of June.
To make 23 eagles in the course of a season is a lot. However, remember that we are talking about an expert golfer. Even these players will admit the game of golf is hard and making an eagle requires a perfect single stroke, likely followed by one or two more.
Final Thoughts
I’ll finish with a quick story to help you keep that fire of making an eagle alive. I have a hole-in-one on a par-3 hole, and I’ve made several eagles on par 5’s. However, the eagles I remember the most are those made on par 4’s. It’s fun to drive a green in one for the shorter ones, but the real fun is when you hole one from 150 yards. Hitting a great drive in the middle of the fairway and then just putting it in the hole feels like one of this game’s biggest accomplishments. Work on getting your first shot in the right spot and then analyze if this is your perfect timing to go for the eagle shot!
