How to Score a Birdie

A birdie is the term for scoring one under par on a hole in a game of golf. Each hole on a golf course will have a par, which is the score that is expected of the average professional player. This will be between three and five. A golfer who scores two under par (takes three shots to complete a par 5 or so on) would be deemed to have scored an eagle. A golfer who takes four shots to complete that hole would record a birdie, and someone neededing five shots would get a par. Six shots on that hole would be a bogey, seven a double bogey and so on.

Things You'll Need

  • Gold clubs
  • Golf ball
  • Access to a golf course
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Instructions

  1. Scoring a Birdie

    • 1

      Golf pars are worked out based on an average professional being able to hit a golf ball 200 yards in each shot, and taking two puts to complete the hole. A 500-yard hole would be deemed a par 5 as it is expected the golfer would take three shots to reach the green and two to putt the ball in the hole.

    • 2

      The easiest, and most common way to score a birdie, is to reach the green in the number of shots expected, and then only take one putt, either because you reached the green and the ball landed very close to the hole, or because you managed to putt the ball straight in from further out.

      There are certain holes on every golf course that golfers will deem to give a good opportunity of scoring a birdie, or even an eagle, and professional players will do their homework on the course before playing.

    • 3

      Checking a course guide online, or speaking to the gold professional at the course will give you a good idea of which holes are the opportunity ones, in which holes are less likely to offer you the chance of a birdie.

    • 4

      Par 3s can be good holes on which to score a birdie, as an accurate tee shot can get the ball near the hole, and the golfer can then putt the ball straight into the hole with their second shot.

    • 5

      To mark the birdie on your scorecard you simply have to write the number of shots in the relevant column for your scores for the round. So if you take three shots to complete a par 4, simply write a 3 in the gap next to your name.