Golf Scoring: What is Four Under Par Called?

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Quick Answer

• Four under par on a single hole is called an albatross.
• It’s also widely known as a double eagle.
• This incredibly rare score means you’ve completed a par 5 in just two strokes, or a par 4 in a single stroke (a hole-in-one on a par 4, which is almost unheard of).

Who This Is For

• Golfers who are ready to move beyond the basics and understand the more advanced scoring terms.
• New golfers who are trying to get a solid grip on the nuances of handicap systems and stroke play formats.
• Players aiming to deepen their comprehension of tournament scoring, official terminology, and how a good score is truly defined on the course.

What to Check First

• The Par of the Hole: Before anything else, confirm the designated par for the hole you just played. Is it a par 3, par 4, or par 5? This is the absolute foundation for all scoring calculations. You’ll find this information clearly marked on the scorecard.
• Your Total Strokes: Accurately count every single stroke you took from the moment you addressed the ball on the tee until it finally dropped into the cup. This includes any penalty strokes incurred along the way. I learned this the hard way on hole 7 last weekend – thought I had a birdie, but forgot about that lost ball in the woods. Ouch.
• Gross Score vs. Net Score: Understand the distinction, especially if you play with a handicap. Your gross score is your raw, actual number of strokes. Your net score is your gross score minus any handicap strokes you receive on that hole. This is crucial for handicap tracking and equitable competition.
• Penalty Strokes: Be acutely aware of any situations that incur penalty strokes. Common culprits include hitting the ball out of bounds, into a penalty area (water hazard), or declaring your ball unplayable. Each of these adds strokes to your score and must be accounted for.

To accurately track these impressive scores, having a reliable golf scorecard is essential. You’ll find the par of each hole clearly marked on your scorecard, which is the first step in calculating your score relative to par.

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Understanding Golf Scores Like Four Under Par

When you’re out on the links, keeping score is more than just tallying numbers; it’s about understanding the game’s terminology and the relative achievement of each score. Knowing what lies beyond a simple birdie or eagle can add a whole new layer of appreciation to the game. Let’s break down how to achieve and identify those exceptional scores.

1. Action: Identify the par of the hole.

• What to look for: The number designated as par for the hole you just played. This is typically printed clearly on the scorecard next to the hole number, usually a 3, 4, or 5. For example, you’ll see “Par 4” or “Par 5”.
• Mistake to avoid: Assuming the par without checking the scorecard. While most courses have a standard distribution of par 3s, 4s, and 5s, relying on memory or assumptions can lead to errors. Always confirm the par directly from the scorecard or course signage. This is the bedrock of calculating your score relative to par.

2. Action: Count your strokes accurately from tee to cup.

• What to look for: Every single swing taken during the play of the hole, from your first shot on the tee box to the final putt that drops into the hole. This includes any strokes taken to get out of trouble or any shots that were part of the continuous play of the hole.
• Mistake to avoid: Forgetting penalty strokes. This is a common pitfall that can significantly inflate your score without you realizing it. For instance, if you hit your ball into a water hazard and take a penalty drop, that’s one or two strokes added right there, depending on the rules and situation. Always be mindful of these added strokes.

3. Action: Calculate your score relative to par.

• What to look for: Subtract the hole’s par number from your total number of strokes. If the result is a negative number, you are under par. For example, if you took 4 strokes on a par 5, your score is 4 – 5 = -1, meaning you are one under par.
• Mistake to avoid: Confusing the total number of strokes taken with the number of strokes under or over par. These are distinct values. Taking 3 strokes on a par 4 results in a score of 3, which is one under par (a birdie), not “three under par.”

4. Action: Recognize and name the scoring terms.

• What to look for: Based on your calculation of strokes relative to par:
• Birdie: One stroke under par (e.g., 3 on a par 4).
• Eagle: Two strokes under par (e.g., 3 on a par 5 or 2 on a par 4).
• Albatross (or Double Eagle): Three strokes under par on a par 5 (e.g., 2 on a par 5) or four strokes under par on a par 4 (e.g., 1 on a par 4). This is where “four under par” comes into play, but it’s specifically on a par 4.
• Mistake to avoid: Thinking an albatross is just a slightly better eagle. They are distinct achievements. An albatross is significantly rarer and represents a much more exceptional performance on a hole.

The Elusive Albatross: What is Four Under Par Called?

The term “four under par” is where the magic of the albatross truly shines, but it’s important to understand the context. An albatross is defined as scoring three strokes under par on a single hole. This can manifest in two primary ways:

• On a Par 5: To achieve an albatross on a par 5, you must complete the hole in just two strokes. This typically involves a long drive followed by holing out your second shot from a considerable distance. This is the more common scenario for an albatross, though still incredibly rare.
• On a Par 4: This is where the “four under par” aspect becomes relevant. If you make a hole-in-one (score of 1) on a par 4, you have beaten par by three strokes (4 – 1 = 3). This is still an albatross. However, some might colloquially refer to a hole-in-one on a par 4 as “four under par” because the hole is a par 4, and you’ve achieved a score that is four less than the par for that specific hole if you were to score a 0, which is impossible. The official definition remains three under par.

The rarity of these scores cannot be overstated. Most amateur golfers will never witness an albatross, let alone make one in their playing career. It requires a combination of exceptional skill, precise execution, and a significant amount of good fortune. Professional golfers achieve them, but even for them, it’s a career highlight.

Common Mistakes in Golf Scoring

Getting your score right is fundamental to the game. Here are some common slip-ups and how to avoid them:

• Mistake: Incorrectly counting strokes.
• Why it matters: This is the most basic error, but it can lead to signing an incorrect scorecard, which is grounds for disqualification in formal play. It also completely messes up your handicap record.
• Fix: Make it a habit to verbally confirm your stroke count with your playing partners after each hole, especially if there’s any ambiguity or you’ve been in the rough. Before signing your scorecard, do a final mental or verbal recount of each hole’s score.

• Mistake: Forgetting penalty strokes.
• Why it matters: Penalty strokes can add up quickly and significantly alter your score. Forgetting them gives you a falsely low score and an inaccurate handicap, which isn’t fair to yourself or others.
• Fix: Familiarize yourself with the most common penalty situations: hitting out of bounds (OB), taking relief from a water hazard or unplayable lie, or losing your ball. If you’re ever unsure about a penalty, ask your playing partners or consult the Rules of Golf. It’s better to add a stroke you might not need than to miss one you do.

• Mistake: Confusing birdie, eagle, and albatross.
• Why it matters: These terms are the building blocks of advanced golf scoring. Misunderstanding them means you’re not fully appreciating the achievements on the course or the terminology used by fellow golfers.
• Fix: Commit these definitions to memory:
• Birdie: One stroke under par.
• Eagle: Two strokes under par.
• Albatross: Three strokes under par (on a par 5 or par 4).
• Condor: Four strokes under par (only possible on a par 5 with a hole-in-one, an almost impossible feat).

• Mistake: Not understanding net versus gross score.
• Why it matters: If you play with a handicap, your gross score (the actual number of strokes) isn’t the score that directly impacts your handicap index or is used for winning net competitions. The net score is what matters for handicapping.
• Fix: Learn how your handicap strokes are applied to the course. Typically, you receive handicap strokes on the hardest holes (indicated by stroke index numbers on the scorecard). Subtract these strokes from your gross score on those specific holes to arrive at your net score for handicap calculation.

• Mistake: Misinterpreting scores on par 3s.
• Why it matters: Par 3s have a different scoring potential than par 4s and 5s. You can’t make an eagle or albatross on a par 3.
• Fix: Remember that on a par 3, a score of 2 is a birdie (1-under), and a score of 1 (a hole-in-one) is an eagle (2-under). The terms “albatross” and “double eagle” do not apply to par 3s.

FAQ About Golf Scoring

• What is a birdie in golf?

A birdie is a score of one stroke under the designated par for a hole. For instance, scoring a 3 on a par 4 hole, or a 4 on a par 5 hole, is considered a birdie. It’s a solid achievement for any golfer.

• How many strokes under par is an eagle?

An eagle is a score of two strokes under the designated par for a hole. This means scoring a 2 on a par 4 hole or a 3 on a par 5 hole. Eagles are less common than birdies but are still a significant accomplishment.

• Is an albatross a common score?

Absolutely not. An albatross is an extremely rare score in golf. Most recreational golfers will never achieve one in their lifetime. It requires a perfect combination of power, accuracy, and a good dose of luck, often involving holing out a second shot on a par 5 from hundreds of yards away.

• Can you get four under par on a par 3?

No, it’s impossible to score four under par on a par 3 hole. The lowest possible score on a par 3 is a 1 (a hole-in-one), which is two strokes under par. The terms for scores significantly under par, like eagle and albatross, are associated with par 4s and par 5s.

• What if I score a hole-in-one on a par 4?

A hole-in-one on a par 4 is an exceptional feat! Since the par for the hole is 4 and you took only 1 stroke, you are three strokes under par (4 – 1 = 3). This score is officially known as an albatross or a double eagle. It’s an incredibly rare and celebrated achievement.

• What is a “condor” in golf?

A condor is an even rarer score than an albatross. It is a score of four strokes under par on a single hole. This is only possible on a par 5 hole by making a hole-in-one. This has happened only a handful of times in recorded golf history, making it the ultimate rarity in scoring.

• How does a handicap affect my score?

A handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer’s potential ability, designed to allow players of different skill levels to compete against each other on a relatively equal basis. When playing with a handicap, you subtract a certain number of strokes (based on your handicap index and the course’s slope rating) from your gross score on specific holes to arrive at your net score. This net score is what is typically used for handicapping purposes and in net competitions.