Golf Scores: What Is Six Under Par Called?

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Quick Answer

• Six under par on a single hole is called an albatross or a double eagle.
• This is an incredibly rare and impressive score in golf.
• It requires hitting the ball into the hole in a very specific number of strokes on a longer par hole.

Who This Is For

• Golfers who want to nail down the lingo and understand the game’s scoring nuances.
• Anyone watching the pros, or playing themselves, and wondering what the heck a “double eagle” actually means.

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What Is Six Under Par Called: A Deeper Look

Alright, let’s break down this rare bird of a score. Six under par on one hole isn’t something you see every day, not by a long shot. It’s not just about a good swing; it’s about the right hole and a whole lot of luck, or maybe some divine intervention. Most courses don’t even have holes long enough to make this score possible.

• Verify the par of the hole. This is your absolute first step. You’re looking at a par 7 or, in extremely rare cases, a par 8 hole for this to even be in the realm of possibility. Think about it: most courses cap out at par 5s.
• Confirm the number of strokes taken. You gotta know exactly how many times you swung the club and how many penalties you racked up. Precision is key here.
• A score of 6 under par is only possible on a par 7 or par 8 hole. This means you’d need to get the ball into the cup in just 1 stroke on a par 7 (a hole-in-one, folks!) or 2 strokes on a par 8. That’s like hitting the lottery on the golf course. I remember once, on a crazy long par 5, I thought I was cooking with gas for an eagle, but turns out I was just playing a regular old par 4. Learned my lesson that day.

The Rare Feat of Six Under Par

Pulling off a score of six under par is the stuff of legend. It’s so uncommon that many seasoned pros never witness it, let alone achieve it themselves. For this to happen, you need a specific, almost perfect storm of conditions.

First, you need to be playing a hole that is designated as a par 7 or, even more rarely, a par 8. These holes are exceptionally long and designed for the game’s most skilled players to take multiple shots. A standard par 4 is typically 350-450 yards, and a par 5 is usually 450-600 yards. Par 7s and 8s stretch well beyond that, often exceeding 700 yards, making them challenging even for the longest hitters.

Then, you have to achieve an incredibly low score relative to that par. On a par 7, you’d need to make a hole-in-one. Yes, you read that right – sinking your tee shot on a hole that long. On a par 8, you’d need to finish the hole in just two strokes. This usually means hitting your drive a massive distance and then sinking your second shot from hundreds of yards out. It’s a combination of raw power, pinpoint accuracy, and a healthy dose of good fortune.

Step-by-Step Plan: Achieving Six Under Par

So, how do you pull off this golfing unicorn? It’s a long shot, a really long shot, but here’s the rundown on what it takes.

1. Understand hole par.

• Action: Identify the par of the hole you’re playing before you even tee off.
• What to look for: The designated par for the hole clearly marked on the scorecard, the tee box marker, or the course guide. This is non-negotiable.
• Mistake: Assuming the par of the hole based on its length alone. Pars are set by the course designers and can sometimes be surprising. Always double-check.

2. Accurate stroke count.

• Action: Keep a precise, meticulous count of every single stroke taken throughout the hole.
• What to look for: The total number of times the ball was struck, and critically, any penalty strokes incurred (e.g., out of bounds, lost ball, water hazard).
• Mistake: Forgetting to count penalty strokes. These add up fast and can completely invalidate an otherwise amazing score. I once saw a guy forget a penalty stroke after his ball went into the creek, and he thought he shot a legit eagle. Nope.

3. Hole-in-one on a par 7.

• Action: If you find yourself on the rare par 7, you need to achieve the ultimate feat: a hole-in-one.
• What to look for: The ball goes directly from your tee shot into the cup on your very first stroke. This requires a drive of epic proportions and incredible luck.
• Mistake: Miscounting the stroke if it took multiple attempts to get it close to the hole, or if you somehow shanked it and had to re-tee. A hole-in-one is one stroke.

4. Score a 2 on a par 8.

• Action: If you’re playing on an even rarer par 8, your target is to sink your second shot.
• What to look for: Your ball is in the cup after exactly two strokes. This means a long, powerful drive followed by a precise second shot that finds the bottom of the cup.
• Mistake: Thinking a 3 is good enough. For six under par on a par 8, you need a 2. A 3 would be five under, which is still amazing, but not the score we’re talking about here.

Common Mistakes When Discussing Golf Scores

• Misidentifying hole par — Why it matters: Incorrectly assuming the par of a hole will lead to a miscalculation of your score relative to par. You might think you’ve achieved a legendary score when, in reality, you’ve scored much lower than you thought. — Fix: Always confirm the hole’s par on the scorecard or course map before you tee off. Don’t guess.
• Inaccurate stroke count — Why it matters: An incorrect count invalidates the score and your understanding of your performance. Golf is all about counting strokes; it’s the most fundamental aspect of the game. — Fix: Meticulously track every single stroke, including any penalty strokes incurred. Use a golf app, a clicker, or just a good old-fashioned mental count, but be diligent.
• Confusing albatross with eagle — Why it matters: An eagle is 3 under par (typically on a par 5), while an albatross is 3 under par on a par 5, or 4 under on a par 6. Six under par is a much rarer achievement and requires a par 7 or 8, meaning you need a hole-in-one on a par 7 or a 2 on a par 8. — Fix: Understand that an eagle is a great score, but an albatross is significantly rarer, and six under par is astronomically more difficult and rare.
• Not knowing it’s possible or what it’s called — Why it matters: You might achieve this incredible feat and not even realize the rarity and significance of your score. You could be celebrating a “double eagle” without even knowing it! — Fix: Educate yourself on golf terminology and the specific conditions required for extraordinary scores like six under par. Knowing the lingo enhances the appreciation of the game.
• Focusing only on distance for extreme scores — Why it matters: While distance is crucial for reaching par 7s and 8s in fewer strokes, accuracy is paramount. A long, wayward drive can lead to penalties or difficult recovery shots, negating the advantage of length. — Fix: Balance raw power with precision. A shorter, accurate drive that sets up an easier second shot is often better than a monster drive that lands you in trouble.

FAQ

• What is a score of 3 under par called?

A score of 3 under par on a single hole is called an eagle. This is a fantastic score, commonly achieved by sinking a tee shot on a par 4 or taking two shots on a par 5.

• What is a score of 4 under par called?

A score of 4 under par on a single hole is called a condor. This is even rarer than an albatross and typically requires a hole-in-one on a par 5, or a 2 on a par 6. It’s an almost mythical achievement in golf.

• What is a score of 5 under par called?

There isn’t a specific common name for a score of 5 under par. It would simply be referred to as “five under par.” While incredibly rare, it doesn’t have the distinct terminology of an eagle, albatross, or condor.

• How rare is an albatross (which is 3 under par on a par 5 or 4 under on a par 6)?

Extremely rare. Many professional golfers go their entire careers without making one. It’s estimated to be about as rare as a hole-in-one, maybe even rarer depending on the hole. Getting six under par is exponentially rarer.

• Can you get six under par on a par 5?

No. To get six under par, you need to be on a par 7 or par 8 hole. Six under means scoring a 1 on a par 7 (a hole-in-one) or a 2 on a par 8. On a par 5, the best you can do is a 2, which is called an albatross (3 under par).

• What’s the difference between an albatross and a double eagle?

There’s no difference! “Albatross” and “double eagle” are two different names for the same score: 3 under par on a single hole. So, a 2 on a par 5 is both an albatross and a double eagle. Six under par is a whole other level of awesome.

• Is it possible to get a score better than six under par?

Yes, theoretically. The only score better would be seven under par, which would require a hole-in-one on a par 8. This is so astronomically unlikely that it’s rarely even discussed. The condor (4 under par) is the next highest officially recognized rare score below six under.