Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
An eagle is a score of two strokes under par on a hole. For example, 3 on a par-5 is an eagle; the term describes the hole score relative to par, not the number of strokes needed on every hole.
How it matters in match play
An eagle is not a separate match-play result or a guaranteed hole win. In gross match play, an eagle normally beats a higher score on that hole, but the opponent could also make an eagle, or handicap strokes could make the lower net score different. The match result still records the hole as won, lost or tied under Rule 3.2a(1).
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Eagle |
| Category | scoring |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf 2023, Rule 3.2a(1) |
| Related concepts | Birdie, Albatross, Par, Hole Score, Score Relative to Par |
Worked example
In an illustrative gross match-play hole, Alex makes 3 on a par-5, so Alex has an eagle; Ben makes 5, so Alex wins that hole and moves one hole up.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf 2023, Rule 3.2a(1)
Sources: www.usga.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
Is an eagle always two under par?
Yes. An eagle means a hole score two strokes below that hole's par, such as 2 on a par-4 or 3 on a par-5.
Does an eagle automatically win a match-play hole?
No. Match play compares the players' gross or net scores for the hole. An eagle usually wins against a higher score, but an opponent can also make an eagle and handicap strokes can affect the net result.
Is an eagle the same as an albatross?
No. An eagle is two under par. An albatross, also called a double eagle in some usage, is three under par.
Can an eagle be made on a par-3?
Yes, but it would require holing out in one stroke on a par-3, which is also a hole-in-one. The score is an eagle because it is two under par.
Does the Rules of Golf define the word eagle?
The Rules of Golf set out how scores and match-play holes are determined, but eagle is ordinary scoring terminology rather than a separate playing format or match-play procedure.
Can an eagle be a net score?
Eagle normally describes a gross score two under par. In a handicap competition, the net result is calculated separately after applicable handicap strokes, so do not assume a net eagle from the gross label alone.