From Hole-in-One Until Triple Bogey Explained in Golf

 When I first started learning golf, one of the things that confused me the most was the scoring system. People around me kept saying words like "birdie," "bogey," and "par"—and I honestly had no idea what they meant. It sounded like a whole new language

After spending more time on the course (and missing more shots than I’d like to admit 😅), I finally started to understand what each of these golf terms actually means. So, if you’re also new to golf like me, here’s a simple explanation of what “hole-in-one” to “triple bogey” means—and how each score reflects your performance in a round.

 What Is “Par” in Golf?

Before talking about other scores, let’s start with par—the base of golf scoring.

Every hole on a golf course has a par value—usually 3, 4, or 5.
That number represents the expected number of strokes (hits) an average golfer should take to get the ball from the tee into the hole.

• For example:

  • A par 3 hole means you should finish in 3 strokes or shots

  • A par 4 means 4 strokes.

  • A par 5 means 5 strokes.

If you finish the hole exactly in that number, you’ve made par—which is basically a perfect, standard result!

Hole-in-One (Ace)

This is the dream shot of every golfer—and the rarest one too!

A hole-in-one (also called an ace) happens when the ball goes directly from the tee into the hole in a single shot. Most hole-in-ones happen on par 3 holes, since they’re shorter. Even as a beginner, I can say this is the most exciting thing to witness—it’s pure luck, skill, and timing all at once!

Birdie

A birdie means you complete the hole one stroke under par.

• Example: On a par 4 hole, finishing in 3 strokes = a birdie.
  It’s a sign of great skill and accuracy. Every golfer loves saying, “I made a birdie!”—it feels like a small personal victory.

Eagle

An eagle is even better — it means two strokes under par.

• Example: On a par 5 hole, finishing in 3 strokes = an eagle.
  It’s quite rare and usually happens with a long drive and a great approach shot. If you ever score an eagle, you’re definitely doing something right!

Albatross (Double Eagle)

Now this one is super rare. An albatross (or double eagle) means three strokes under par.

• Example: On a par 5 hole, if you manage to finish in just 2 shots—that’s an albatross!
  It’s one of the hardest achievements in golf, and even professional players might only experience it once in their lifetime.

Bogey

A bogey means one stroke over par.

• Example: On a par 4 hole, finishing in 5 strokes = bogey.
  It’s not a bad score—especially for beginners like me. It just means you were slightly off but still close to par.

Double Bogey

A double bogey means two strokes over par.

• Example: On a par 3 hole, if you take 5 shots to finish, that’s a double bogey.
  It’s pretty common when you’re learning, especially if you miss a putt or hit into a bunker (which happens to me more than I’d like!).

Triple Bogey (and Beyond)

A triple bogey means three strokes over par—and yes, it can happen when things just don’t go your way.

• Example: On a par 4 hole, finishing in 7 strokes = triple bogey.
  Sometimes, you might even hear players say “quad bogey” or “snowman” (for an 8 on a hole). It’s all part of the game—the key is to laugh it off and keep improving.

My Thoughts as a Beginner

Learning these golf terms helped me understand that golf isn’t just about hitting the ball—it’s about strategy, patience, and consistency. Even if I make a bogey or worse, I try to focus on what went wrong and how I can adjust next time. Every hole is a new chance to learn and improve. So whether it’s a hole-in-one or a triple bogey, every shot tells a story—and that’s what makes golf such a challenging and rewarding game.