59% OFF
Birdie Definition in Golf
It happens when you finish a hole one stroke under par or complete a par-four hole in three shots. The United States Golf Association (USGA) sets the standard for par which is determined by the length and difficulty of each hole. Par-3 is a shorter hole that usually requires just one well-placed shot to land on the green, followed by two putts. Par-4 is a mid-length hole where golfers typically aim to reach the green in two strokes and then finish with two putts. Par-5 is a longer hole that often allows players the opportunity to reach the green in three strokes finishing with a two-putt.
Beginners see scoring one under par as a big deal, while pro golfers need these shots to win tournaments. These shots help them cut their total score and get ahead of other players. In stroke-play tournaments, where the goal is to have the lowest score, each one helps reduce the overall score. Consistently hitting those marks, as it’s the best way to stand out.
The Origin of the Term
This term in golf has its roots in 1899 at the Atlantic City Country Club, New Jersey. According to the United States Golf Association (USGA), golfer Ab Smith and his buddies used "bird" as slang for something great or top-notch. Smith made an amazing shot during a game that put him one under par. He yelled out, "That's a bird of a shot!" This moment gave birth to the word "birdie" which soon became a key part of golf scoring language.
What is a Net Birdie in Golf?
A net birdie occurs when a golfer finishes one stroke under par after adjusting for handicap. While all golfers dream of hitting birdies like the pros do, most players won’t reach that often, which is why handicaps help level the field. This is why golfers have handicaps to help players score closer to par (and compete against others with different skill levels). An 18 handicap means you subtract one stroke from the score on each hole. So when an 18 handicapper finishes a par 4 in four strokes, they've scored par for the hole. But once they factor in their handicap, they take off one stroke and finish with a net 3 or a net birdie.
Types of Birdies
All scores under par are counted the same, though the context can vary:
Big Birds: Special names are given for multiple birdies in a round. Two on the same hole is a “fur birdie” and three in a row is a “turkey”. Birdies on every hole of a 9-hole stretch is a “rare bird.”
Birdie For Average Golfers: They mean a lot more to average golfers than to pros. Making the first of the day feels big for casual players.
Birdie On the PGA Tour: These are more common on the PGA Tour. The best players make about 4-5 birdies a round. But the competition is so tough that these are just par for the course and don’t really move the ranking.
Also Check: How To Play Golf — Guide For Kids and Beginners
How To Score A Birdie?
There are many ways to score one under par. The key is reaching the green in regulation and finishing with a solid putt. Getting to the green in regulation means having a chance to putt for a birdie (like when the second shot on a par-4 hole lands on the green). On a par-3 hole, the first shot lands on the green and you sink the putt to score a 2! On a par-4 hole, smack a drive into the fairway, land the second shot on the green, and sink the putt for a 3. Then on a par-5 hole, the drive and second shot stay in play, the third shot lands on the green, and the putt completes the birdie for a score of 4.
In some cases, players might miss green in regulation, but recovery through a chip-in from a bunker or sand trap still converts the chance into a birdie. On longer holes like par-5, a pro golfer could reach a par-5 hole in 2 shots and just need a 2-putt to score it.
While it might seem like scoring under par on a hole is easy but the truth can be a bit different. PGA tour stats show that even top professionals get about five such scores per round on average. A golfer’s abilities will decide how many scoring chances he'll get during a round of golf. So, be proud of yourself and celebrate the achievement after scoring a birdie.
Tips to Score a Birdie
Expert players tend to score lower on more holes than the average golfer, but there are a few tips to improve your chances.
1. Master Short Game
Precision in putting matters a lot. Try out different putting methods and get to know the greens. Also, get better at chipping to land close to the hole on approach shots.
2. Improve Long Game
A powerful or on-target drive can cut down the distance to the hole leaving a chance for a scoring opportunity. Spending time with irons also helps players make precise approach shots which play a big part in creating birdie chances.
3. Give Your Birdie Putts A Chance To Find The Hole
One of the most overused golf jokes is “95% of putts that are shot don’t go in.” To state the obvious, 100% of the putts that don’t reach the hole don’t go in. People often joke that 95% of putts that are shot don't go in but 100% of putts that don't reach the hole can't go in. Try to hit all roll your chances just past the hole. It might go in, but if not, that would be an easy par putt.
4. Keep Tee Shots In Play
The tee shot won't guarantee scoring success on par-4 and par-5 holes but it can ruin chances. It can’t be scored if the golf ball ends up deep in the woods, in any hazard, or out of bounds. Try to keep tee shots on the fairway. This gives a good shot at reaching the green in the right number of strokes.
5. Course Management
Look at each hole carefully and then plan shots. Playing it safe sometimes beats taking risks. Get to know the course layout, pars, and hazards.
6. Practice
The main point is to practice! New research shows that even scratch golfers average around 2.4 per round, while mid-handicap players only manage one every few games.. If you look at the data for the typical handicap golfer in the UK (which sits around 16-20), the number of birdies per round falls to a mere 0.3. This means the average player will score a birdie once every 3-4 rounds! So, the secret of scoring more birdies lies in ongoing practice and efforts to enhance skills on the course.
Get to Know: Match Play Rules and Winning Tactics for Golf
Summary
If the players were to define birdie in golf, it means they scored one shot in a better position than the par for that given hole. Golfers display control and mastery of their shots. The golf game will improve if you know a birdie's value, whether you are new to or experienced with its knowledge in golf terms and trying to increase its count. For pros, it’s routine but rewarding. For beginners, it's a true achievement.
Players need good skills at driving, iron shots, chipping, and putting if they want to score more birdies. Skills in course management and a mental focus are also compulsory. Though birdies can be difficult, the best feeling from scoring is worthwhile.