Golf Scoring: What Is Five Under Par Called?
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Quick Answer
- There’s no official term for “five under par” on a single golf hole because it’s mathematically impossible with standard par ratings (par-3, par-4, par-5).
- The ultimate single-hole achievement is three under par, which is called an albatross or a double eagle.
- You earn an albatross by scoring a 2 on a par-5 or a hole-in-one (a 1) on a par-4.
Who This Is For
- Beginner golfers trying to wrap their heads around all the golf lingo.
- Casual players who want to know the names for those legendary shots.
What to Check First
- The Par of the Hole: Know if you’re playing a par-3, par-4, or par-5. This is rule number one.
- Your Actual Score: Double-check your stroke count for that hole. No bragging rights if the scorecard doesn’t match.
- Basic Scoring Terms: Make sure you’ve got birdie (one under), eagle (two under), and albatross (three under) locked in.
Understanding Golf Scoring Achievements: The Albatross
Step-by-Step Plan for Understanding Golf Scoring Achievements
1. Action: Learn what “par” means.
What to look for: Par is the expected number of strokes a top golfer should take to finish a hole. It’s the standard.
Mistake to avoid: Thinking par is your score. It’s the benchmark, not what you actually shot.
2. Action: Grasp scores relative to par.
What to look for: Scores below par are good. A birdie is one stroke under par. An eagle is two strokes under par.
Mistake to avoid: Mixing up birdie and eagle. Eagle is a bigger deal, meaning you’re further under par.
3. Action: Identify the pinnacle of single-hole scoring.
What to look for: A score of three strokes under par on a single hole. This is the stuff of legends.
Mistake to avoid: Thinking this happens often. It’s rarer than a bald eagle on a golf course.
4. Action: Name the score of three under par.
What to look for: The terms “albatross” or “double eagle.” They mean the same thing.
Mistake to avoid: Calling it something else. Stick to the recognized lingo; it sounds cooler anyway.
5. Action: Know how to achieve an albatross.
What to look for: A score of 2 on a par-5 hole, or a hole-in-one (a score of 1) on a par-4 hole.
Mistake to avoid: Trying to get an albatross on a par-3. It’s just not possible with the stroke limits.
6. Action: Understand why “five under par” isn’t a standard term for a single hole.
What to look for: The maximum strokes under par on any single hole is three. This comes from scoring a 2 on a par-5.
Mistake to avoid: Confusing single-hole scores with your overall score for the round. You can definitely be five under for 18 holes, but not one hole.
What Is Five Under Par Called? Decoding the Terminology
Common Mistakes in Golf Scoring Terminology
- Mistake: Confusing “eagle” with “albatross.”
Why it matters: An eagle is two under par, while an albatross is three under par. They’re both great, but an albatross is in a different league.
Fix: Remember an albatross is the rarer, more impressive score. It’s the ultimate bird.
- Mistake: Miscalculating strokes under par.
Why it matters: You might be celebrating a score you didn’t actually earn, which can lead to some awkward moments.
Fix: Always subtract your actual score from the hole’s par. For example, if par is 5 and you shoot a 2, that’s 3 under par (an eagle). Keep that math sharp.
- Mistake: Applying scoring terms to the wrong par holes.
Why it matters: Thinking an albatross can happen on any hole is a common misconception.
Fix: An albatross is typically a 2 on a par-5 or a 1 on a par-4. The hole setup is crucial.
- Mistake: Believing “five under par” is a standard single-hole score.
Why it matters: It creates confusion because it’s not mathematically possible on a single hole in standard golf.
Fix: Focus on understanding the terms for three under par (albatross/double eagle) as the absolute best you can do on one hole.
FAQ
- What is the term for scoring three under par on a hole?
It’s called an albatross or a double eagle. Both terms are correct.
- Is an albatross the same as a double eagle?
Yes, they are interchangeable terms for the same incredible score: three under par on a single hole.
- What score is needed for an albatross on a par-5?
You need to shoot a 2 on a par-5 hole. That’s a rare sight!
- Can you get an albatross on a par-4?
Absolutely. If you make a hole-in-one (a score of 1) on a par-4, that’s an albatross. Talk about a good day.
- What is the term for scoring two under par on a hole?
That’s called an eagle. Still a fantastic score.
- What is the term for scoring one under par on a hole?
That’s a birdie. A solid score for most golfers.
- Is it possible to score five under par on a single golf hole?
No, with standard par ratings (par-3, par-4, par-5), the maximum you can be under par on a single hole is three strokes, which is an albatross. You might be five under for your entire round, though!
Michael Reeves is a PGA Professional with over 20 years of experience in competitive golf and instruction. A former Division I collegiate player at the University of Texas, he competed on the mini-tours before transitioning to full-time coaching and golf journalism. He has been a certified PGA teaching professional since 2005 and has worked with players at every level, from absolute beginners to collegiate champions.
His writing has appeared in Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and The Left Rough. At GolfHubz, Michael leads the editorial team, overseeing fact-checking and ensuring every answer meets the same standard he demands on the lesson tee: clear, evidence-based, and immediately useful.
When he’s not writing or teaching, Michael plays to a +1.4 handicap at his home club in Austin, Texas. He has attended over 40 major championships as a journalist and fan, and has played more than 200 courses across 15 countries.
You can reach Michael at [email protected] or follow his occasional swing analysis posts on the site.