What Is Three Under Par Called In Golf

← Golf Gameplay & Rules | Golf Scoring and Handicaps

BLOCKQUOTE_0

Quick Answer

• Three under par on a single golf hole is called an albatross.
• It’s also sometimes referred to as a “double eagle,” though “albatross” is the more formal term.
• Achieving an albatross is incredibly rare, usually involving a score of 2 on a par 5 or a hole-in-one on a par 4.

Who This Is For

• Golfers who want to impress their buddies with their knowledge of the game’s finer points.
• Anyone new to golf who’s trying to decode the commentary during tournaments.

What to Check First For 3 Under Par

• Understand “Par”: This is the standard score expected for a hole. Most holes are par 3, 4, or 5. You gotta know this baseline.
• Know the Scorecard: Familiarize yourself with the common terms: birdie (1 under par) and eagle (2 under par). These are stepping stones to understanding the albatross.
• Identify the Hole’s Par: The par rating of the hole is crucial. An albatross is far more likely on a par 5 than any other hole. I always eye up the par 5s first.
• Grip on Scoring: Make sure you can accurately count your strokes and calculate your score relative to par. No winging it here.

Step-by-Step Plan: Achieving What Is 3 Under Par Called

• Action: Understand the hole’s par.
• What to look for: The designated number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to take on that hole. This is printed right on the scorecard.
• Mistake to avoid: Confusing the hole’s par with your total score for the entire round. They’re different beasts, and mixing them up is a rookie move.
• Action: Score a birdie (1 under par).
• What to look for: Completing the hole in one stroke less than its par. For example, a score of 3 on a par 4. This is a good shot, but we’re aiming higher.
• Mistake to avoid: Miscounting your strokes. Every bump, every roll, every penalty stroke counts. I’ve seen guys miss birdies by one stroke due to sloppy counting.
• Action: Score an eagle (2 under par).
• What to look for: Completing the hole in two strokes less than its par. On a par 5, this means sinking your ball in 3 strokes. This is where things get exciting.
• Mistake to avoid: Incorrectly calculating the difference from par. Don’t just assume you’re two under. Do the math: Par – Your Score = Strokes Under Par.
• Action: Achieve an albatross (3 under par).
• What to look for: Completing the hole in three strokes less than its par. This usually means a score of 2 on a par 5, or the ultra-rare hole-in-one on a par 4. This is the holy grail for a single hole.
• Mistake to avoid: Thinking you’ve achieved it without confirming the score. This is so rare, you’ll want to be absolutely certain. Double-check with your playing partners and the scorecard.

Understanding Golf Scoring: What Is 3 Under Par Called?

In the grand scheme of golf, scoring is all about how many strokes it takes you to get the ball in the hole compared to the “par” for that hole. Par is the benchmark, the expected score. Most golf courses are designed with a mix of par 3s, par 4s, and par 5s. When you play a hole in fewer strokes than par, you’re doing great.

• Birdie: This is when you finish a hole in one stroke under par. So, a 3 on a par 4, or a 4 on a par 5. It’s a solid score and happens fairly often for decent players.
• Eagle: This is a more impressive feat, where you finish a hole in two strokes under par. Think of a 2 on a par 4, or a 3 on a par 5. Eagles are less common than birdies, but they’re definitely achievable. I snagged an eagle on a par 5 last season, still feels good.
• Albatross: Now we’re talking about something truly special. An albatross is when you finish a hole in three strokes under par. This is where the term “what is 3 under par called” comes into play. It’s a score of 2 on a par 5, or, in the absolute rarest of circumstances, a hole-in-one on a par 4.

The Rarity and Strategy of the Albatross

The albatross is one of the most celebrated scores in golf because of its extreme difficulty. On a par 5, you’re essentially holing out in just two shots. This usually involves a powerful drive followed by an incredibly accurate long approach shot that finds the bottom of the cup. It requires a perfect storm of skill, luck, and course conditions.

On a par 4, an albatross means a hole-in-one. While aces are rare enough, achieving one on a par 4 is almost unheard of. These holes are typically much longer, requiring drives of 300-400 yards or more. The odds of hitting one of those directly into the hole are astronomically low.

Because of this rarity, many golfers go their entire playing careers without ever witnessing or achieving an albatross. It’s the kind of story you tell for years to come.

Common Mistakes When Discussing Golf Scores

• Mistake: Confusing an eagle with three under par.
• Why it matters: This is the most fundamental error when discussing scores. An eagle is two under par, not three. Getting this wrong immediately signals a lack of golf knowledge.
• Fix: Commit to memory: Eagle = 2 under, Albatross = 3 under. It’s a simple distinction that makes a big difference.
• Mistake: Not knowing the term “albatross.”
• Why it matters: While “double eagle” is understood, “albatross” is the official and more respected term for three under par. Using the correct terminology shows you’re serious about the game.
• Fix: Make a point to use “albatross” when referring to three under par. It’s a key piece of golf vocabulary.
• Mistake: Miscalculating strokes on a hole.
• Why it matters: This is the root of many scoring errors. If you miscount your strokes, you can’t accurately determine if you’ve made a birdie, eagle, or the elusive albatross. You might think you’ve achieved greatness when you’ve only made par.
• Fix: Be meticulous. Count every single stroke, including any penalty strokes incurred. If you’re playing with others, confirm the count before marking your scorecard. I usually keep a mental tally and then tap my putter on the ground for each stroke.
• Mistake: Assuming an albatross is possible on any hole.
• Why it matters: An albatross is an extremely rare event that is practically impossible on a par 3. It requires significantly more strokes to be taken off par than a par 3 allows.
• Fix: Understand the typical par values of holes. Focus your “albatross dreams” on par 5s, and maybe, just maybe, a very, very long par 4.
• Mistake: Forgetting about penalty strokes.
• Why it matters: Taking a penalty stroke (like hitting out of bounds or into a water hazard) adds to your score and can easily turn a potential eagle or albatross into a much less impressive score.
• Fix: Be aware of the rules of golf and any penalties you might incur. If you hit a ball out of bounds, you know that shot isn’t contributing to your albatross quest.

FAQ

• What is the general term for scoring under par?

The general term is simply “under par.” However, golf has specific names for different degrees of scoring under par, such as birdie, eagle, and albatross, which are more descriptive and commonly used.

• How many strokes under par is a birdie?

A birdie is one stroke under par for a given hole. For instance, scoring a 3 on a par 4 is a birdie.

• How many strokes under par is an eagle?

An eagle is two strokes under par for a given hole. This means scoring a 3 on a par 5, or a 2 on a par 4.

• What is the name for four strokes under par?

Four strokes 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, which is astronomically unlikely.

• Can you score 3 under par on any hole?

While technically you could score three under par on any hole if the rules were bent or the hole was designed unusually, in standard play, it’s virtually impossible on a par 3. It’s most feasible on a par 5 (requiring a score of 2) and extremely rare on a par 4 (requiring a hole-in-one).

• Is an albatross the same as a double eagle?

Yes, an albatross is commonly referred to as a double eagle. Both terms describe a score of three strokes under par on a single hole. “Albatross” is the official term used in golf, while “double eagle” is more colloquial.

• What’s the best way to practice for an albatross?

The best way to practice for such a rare feat is to consistently play well. Focus on improving your driving distance and accuracy, and honing your long iron and wood play. Playing longer courses with more par 5s will also give you more opportunities to attempt those crucial second shots. Ultimately, it’s about playing your best golf and letting the rare moments happen.