How it works
Two over par is commonly called a double bogey. Three under is an albatross or double eagle, while a hole-in-one describes finishing a hole with a single stroke regardless of par.
What people often miss
These terms describe performance on one hole. A player’s round score totals strokes across all holes and is often shown relative to the course’s total par.
Why this question comes up
Broadcast scoreboards rely heavily on relative-to-par language.
Key points
- A birdie is one stroke under par on a hole, an eagle is two under, and a bogey is one over. Par is the benchmark score assigned to the hole.
- Two over par is commonly called a double bogey. Three under is an albatross or double eagle, while a hole-in-one describes finishing a hole with a single stroke regardless of par.
- These terms describe performance on one hole. A player’s round score totals strokes across all holes and is often shown relative to the course’s total par.
Bottom line
A birdie is one stroke under par on a hole, an eagle is two under, and a bogey is one over. Par is the benchmark score assigned to the hole.
Source and verification
This Answer was checked against USGA Rules of Golf. Follow the source for the full official explanation and any later updates.