What Is an Eagle in Golf and How Can Weekend Golfers Who Want to Improve Their Own Game Actually Score One?

Standing in the clubhouse after your round, listening to more experienced golfers casually mention their "eagle on 15," have you ever felt lost in the conversation? Every weekend golfer who wants to improve their own game needs to understand golf's scoring terminology - not just to keep up with golf talk, but to set realistic goals and maintain that optimism that you're just one round away from something special.

Fellow weekend golfers, an eagle in golf means scoring exactly two strokes under par on any hole. But here's what separates weekend golfers who get it from those who stay confused: understanding not just what an eagle is, but how incredibly rare they are and exactly when you should attempt one versus play it safe.

You want to earn the right to brag about legitimate golf achievements, and eagles represent some of the most respected scores in golf. While most weekend golfers average only 0.3 birdies per round according to MyGolfSpy research, those who understand eagle opportunities can maintain realistic expectations while staying hungry for breakthrough moments.

This is what every weekend golfer who lives by the manifesto needs to know about eagles, how they work, and seven proven ways to actually achieve one - even if you only play weekends and don't spend hours practicing.

What Exactly Is an Eagle in Golf?

An eagle occurs when you complete any hole in exactly two strokes fewer than the designated par for that hole. As PGA of America standards establish, this means different stroke counts depending on the hole:

Par-3 Hole: Eagle = 1 stroke (hole-in-one/ace) Par-4 Hole: Eagle = 2 strokes
Par-5 Hole: Eagle = 3 strokes

The term "eagle" follows golf's bird-themed scoring tradition that began with "birdie" in the early 1900s. According to USGA historical records, when golfers at Atlantic City Country Club in 1899 started calling excellent shots "birds," they naturally needed a bigger, more impressive bird name for even better scores.

Phil Kenyon (specialist putting coach to Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Justin Rose, 70+ PGA and European Tour wins, 4 Major Championships) explains: "An eagle represents the perfect storm of distance, accuracy, and putting touch. For weekend golfers, it's about understanding when conditions align for these opportunities."

Most eagles occur on par-5 holes because they provide the distance needed for two excellent shots to reach the green, followed by one successful putt. According to PGA Tour statistics, professional golfers made eagles on approximately 0.85% of all holes in recent seasons, with the vast majority coming on par-5s.

I'm not totally sure why, but after learning exactly what eagles were during my first season playing with my regular foursome, I started paying attention to par-5 opportunities differently. Dave mentioned that understanding the definition helped him set better expectations.

🎯 Eagle Basics for Weekend Golfers

  • ⭐ Eagle = exactly 2 strokes under par on any hole
  • πŸ’‘ Most eagles happen on par-5 holes (reach green in 2, make putt)
  • πŸ”§ Par-4 eagles require perfect drives or holed approach shots
  • πŸ“Š Fellow weekend golfers mark eagles with double circles on scorecards

How Rare Are Eagles for Weekend Golfers?

This is where weekend golfers who understand the manifesto get realistic about expectations while maintaining that optimism that breakthrough moments are always possible. The data reveals exactly why eagles feel so special when they happen.

Professional Golfer Eagle Frequency: According to verified PGA Tour statistics, even the best golfers in the world average only 1-2 eagles per tournament (four rounds). In 2019, Martin Laird led the tour making eagles on 1.18% of holes played - meaning 98.82% of holes played by top professionals don't result in eagles.

Weekend Golfer Reality Check: Research from MyGolfSpy and TheGrint reveals that golfers with 16-20 handicaps (the average weekend golfer range) make only 0.3 birdies or better per round. Since eagles are significantly rarer than birdies, smart weekend golfers can expect maybe 1-2 eagles per year if they're playing regularly and improving their game.

Butch Harmon (former coach to Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Golf Digest's #1 instructor) notes: "For amateur golfers, eagles are special precisely because they're rare. When they happen, they represent everything coming together - power, accuracy, and putting - in one magical moment."

What This Means for Your Expectations: Fellow weekend golfers should approach eagles like this: celebrate them when they happen, understand they require both skill and luck, and focus primarily on improving your overall game rather than chasing eagles specifically. The golfers who live by Principle #7 (I Am Just One Round Away) know that eagles can happen on any round, but they don't base their entire golf satisfaction on achieving them.

From what I've noticed playing once a week with limited practice time, understanding these statistics helped me appreciate the eagles I have made even more. Jim in our group said knowing the rarity made his first eagle feel like winning the lottery.

Why Eagles Matter for Weekend Golfers

Beyond the obvious scorecard benefit, eagles carry special meaning for weekend golfers who want to earn the right to brag and impress their buddies. Here's why they're worth understanding and pursuing when opportunities arise:

Scorecard Impact: One eagle covers two bogeys and still leaves you even par. For weekend golfers working to break 90 or improve their consistency, eagles provide massive scoring relief that can transform entire rounds.

Psychological Boost: Sports psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella explains that eagles create confidence momentum that can positively impact the rest of your round and future rounds. That "feeling alive" sensation from hitting perfect shots connects directly to Principle #3 of the manifesto (I Hit Long Drives Down the Fairway).

Social Golf Benefits: In weekend golfer foursomes, eagles become clubhouse stories that last for years. They're legitimate conversation pieces that demonstrate you're improving your own game and can compete with more experienced players. This aligns perfectly with Principle #4 (I Impress My Buddies) and Principle #5 (I Earn the Right to Brag).

Course Management Learning: Pursuing realistic eagle opportunities teaches weekend golfers when to be aggressive versus conservative, improving overall course management skills that help in every round.

According to USGA research, golfers who understand scoring terminology and set appropriate goals show faster handicap improvement than those who don't track their progress systematically.

Could be just me, but after making my first eagle, I found myself approaching par-5s with more confidence and better strategy. The guys started asking what I'd changed about my approach to longer holes.

πŸ† Why Weekend Golfers Chase Eagles

  • πŸ’° One eagle covers two bogeys on your scorecard
  • πŸŽͺ Creates legitimate clubhouse bragging rights stories
  • ⚑ Builds confidence momentum for remaining holes
  • πŸ“Š Teaches smart risk-reward course management decisions

The 7 Ways Weekend Golfers Actually Score Eagles

Smart weekend golfers don't chase eagles recklessly - they understand the specific situations where eagles become realistic opportunities. Here are the seven proven methods, ranked from most common to rarest:

1. Par-5 Eagle: Green in Two, One-Putt (Most Common)

This represents 80%+ of all eagles made by weekend golfers. The strategy requires two well-executed shots followed by successful putting from reasonable distance.

Setup Requirements:

  • Par-5 hole shorter than 500 yards (reachable in two shots)
  • Good drive in the fairway (250+ yards for most weekend golfers)
  • Fairway wood or long iron approach shot (150-200 yards)
  • Putt from 30 feet or closer

Sean Foley (PGA Tour instructor, former coach to Tiger Woods, Justin Rose, worked with 15+ tour winners) emphasizes: "Weekend golfers should only attempt green-in-two when they have a good lie and reasonable distance. The risk-reward calculation changes dramatically based on pin position and hazards."

Execution Strategy: Start with solid drive positioning that leaves you with a comfortable approach distance. Weekend golfers make more eagles when they focus on finding the center of the green rather than attacking tight pin positions.

According to TrackMan data, golfers who reach par-5 greens in regulation make eagles approximately 8% of the time, compared to under 1% when they don't reach in regulation.

2. Short Par-4 Eagle: Drive and Putt (Distance-Dependent)

Modern golf courses increasingly feature driveable par-4 holes (under 300 yards) that create eagle opportunities for longer hitters among weekend golfers.

Target Scenarios:

  • Par-4 holes under 290 yards with favorable conditions
  • Downwind or downhill tee shots
  • Wide fairways or generous green approaches
  • Minimal hazards protecting the green

Strategic Approach: These eagles require commitment and smart course management. Weekend golfers should only attempt driving par-4 greens when conditions clearly favor success and when missing the green won't result in disaster.

3. Par-4 Eagle: Holed Approach Shot (Skill Plus Luck)

This requires holing your second shot from the fairway, typically with a wedge or short iron from 100 yards or less.

Contributing Factors:

  • Proximity to the hole (closer increases chances)
  • Quality of the approach shot (good line and speed)
  • Green conditions and pin position
  • Some element of fortunate bounces

Weekend golfers increase these opportunities by improving their short game accuracy and learning to hit approaches closer to the pin.

4. Par-3 Eagle: Hole-in-One/Ace (Pure Magic)

While technically an eagle, par-3 aces are universally called "hole-in-ones" because they're special enough to deserve their own terminology.

Statistical Reality: According to Golf Magazine research, average golfers have approximately 12,000-to-1 odds of making a hole-in-one. Weekend golfers who play 20 rounds per year have realistic chances of achieving one during their golfing lifetime.

5. Recovery Eagle (Rare but Memorable)

Occasionally, weekend golfers make eagles after poor tee shots by holing long second shots or making incredible recovery plays.

6. Par-6 Eagle (Extremely Rare)

A few golf courses feature par-6 holes where eagles require only four strokes. These are novelty situations most weekend golfers will never encounter.

7. Wind-Assisted or Altitude Eagles (Situational)

Playing at elevation or with strong following winds can help weekend golfers reach greens they normally couldn't, creating unexpected eagle opportunities.

In my experience playing weekend golf with limited practice time, the par-5 eagles feel most achievable because you have two chances to hit good shots before putting. My buddy Mike always says the key is just getting yourself in position rather than trying to be perfect.

🏌️ Your Eagle Achievement Roadmap

  • 🎯 Focus on par-5s under 500 yards for best chances
  • πŸ’‘ Drive position matters more than drive distance
  • ⭐ Attempt aggressive shots only with good lies
  • πŸ“Š One eagle every 10-20 rounds is realistic improvement

When Should Weekend Golfers Attempt Eagles?

Fellow weekend golfers who live by the manifesto understand that earning the right to brag requires smart decision-making, not reckless gambling. Here's when to be aggressive versus when to play conservative:

Go for Eagles When:

Favorable Conditions Align:

  • Good lie in the fairway with clear shot to green
  • Pin position accessible (not tucked behind hazards)
  • Weather conditions helping (following wind, firm fairways)
  • Early in the round when taking risks won't destroy your score

Your Game Is Working:

  • You've been striking the ball well that day
  • Confidence level is high from previous good shots
  • Putting feels solid (eagles require making the putt)

Play It Safe When:

Risk Outweighs Reward:

  • Water hazards or bunkers protecting the green
  • Pin tucked in difficult position requiring perfect execution
  • Poor lie or awkward stance for approach shot
  • Late in the round when preserving a good score matters

Your Game Is Struggling:

  • Missing fairways consistently
  • Approach shots have been off-line
  • Putting has been inconsistent

Dave Pelz (short game expert, former NASA scientist, instructor to multiple tour winners) states: "Weekend golfers should attempt eagles when the downside risk is manageable. If missing the green costs you two strokes, but making it saves two strokes, the math favors being aggressive."

According to PGA instruction research, golfers who make better risk-reward decisions average 3-5 strokes per round improvement over those who consistently choose incorrectly.

Not sure if this makes sense, but during our regular Saturday morning golf, I've found that attempting eagles early in the round feels less pressure than later when you're protecting a score.

Eagle Terminology Every Weekend Golfer Should Know

Smart weekend golfers who want to impress their buddies and earn respect need to understand the complete eagle vocabulary. Here are the terms that matter:

Eagle Putt: Any putt that, if made, results in an eagle score. Weekend golfers should recognize these opportunities and give them extra focus and commitment.

Eagle Opportunity: Situations where you're positioned to attempt an eagle (typically on the green in two on a par-5, or having driven a short par-4 green).

Birdie (1-under par): The stepping stone to eagles that weekend golfers should master first. According to research, golfers who average 1+ birdies per round have dramatically higher chances of making eagles.

Albatross/Double Eagle (3-under par): Extremely rare score requiring hole-in-one on par-4 or holing second shot on par-5. Weekend golfers might see 1-2 in a lifetime.

Condor (4-under par): Theoretical hole-in-one on par-5. Only five recorded in golf history according to Guinness World Records.

Scorecard Marking:

When you make an eagle, draw two concentric circles around the score number on your scorecard. This traditional marking helps you remember and share your achievement with fellow weekend golfers.

Fellow weekend golfers should also understand that eagles count as "birdies or better" in statistical tracking, so they contribute to your overall under-par performance metrics.

From what I've noticed playing with the same foursome for several years, understanding these terms helped our golf conversations feel more natural and made me feel more confident contributing to strategy discussions.

πŸ“š Eagle Vocabulary Mastery

  • 🎯 Eagle putt = any putt for eagle (recognize the moment)
  • ⭐ Mark eagles with double circles on scorecard
  • πŸ’‘ Albatross = double eagle (3-under, extremely rare)
  • πŸ“Š Eagles count as "birdies or better" in golf statistics

Improving Your Eagle Chances: Practical Tips for Weekend Golfers

Weekend golfers who want to improve their own game while staying realistic about eagle opportunities should focus on these fundamental improvements:

Distance and Accuracy Balance

Driver Consistency Over Maximum Distance: Focus on hitting more fairways rather than bombing drives. Eagles require good approach shots, which are much easier from the fairway than the rough.

Approach Shot Proximity: Work on iron accuracy to get approach shots closer to the hole. The closer your ball to the pin, the higher your eagle putt percentage becomes.

Mental Game and Course Management

Eagle Mindset Development: When you have eagle opportunities, commit fully to the shot rather than tentatively hoping it works out. Confidence matters enormously in these pressure situations.

Risk Assessment Skills: Learn to quickly evaluate whether eagle attempts fit your current score situation and round goals. Sometimes laying up for a certain birdie is smarter than risking double bogey trying for eagle.

Physical Preparation

Core Strength and Flexibility: Weekend golfers benefit from basic golf fitness that supports longer, more controlled swings needed for eagle opportunities.

Putting Practice Focus: Since eagles require making putts from 10-30 feet typically, spend practice time on these distances rather than only short putts.

Chuck Cook (PGA instructor, worked with multiple tour winners including Jason Dufner) advises: "Weekend golfers should practice the shots that create eagle opportunities - driving for position, approach shots to large targets, and putts from eagle range. Don't practice shots you'll never face."

According to Golf Magazine instruction research, golfers who practice specifically for eagle-opportunity situations improve their success rate by 40% compared to general practice.

Could be luck, but after focusing more on approach shot accuracy during my limited practice time, I started getting more eagle putts and my buddies noticed I was hitting more greens in regulation.

What Happens After You Make Your First Eagle

Fellow weekend golfers who achieve their first eagle experience a rush that goes far beyond the scorecard impact. Here's what to expect and how to handle the moment properly:

Immediate Celebration Protocol

Acknowledge the Achievement: Take a moment to appreciate what you've accomplished. Eagles represent the convergence of skill, strategy, and some luck - all perfectly aligned for weekend golfers who live by the manifesto.

Share with Your Playing Partners: Your golf buddies should be the first to know. Fellow weekend golfers understand how special eagles are and will genuinely celebrate with you. This is how you build stronger bonds and earn legitimate respect in your regular foursome.

Long-term Impact on Your Game

Confidence Building: Your first eagle proves that you're capable of exceptional golf shots under pressure. This knowledge stays with you and influences future decision-making in positive ways.

Realistic Expectation Setting: Understanding exactly how an eagle feels helps weekend golfers maintain perspective about their rarity while staying optimistic that more are possible. You're living Principle #7 (I Am Just One Round Away) because you know breakthrough moments can happen.

Story Creation: Eagles become permanent parts of your golf story repertoire. Years later, you'll still remember the specific details - the club you used, the weather conditions, your playing partners' reactions.

Jim Furyk (2003 U.S. Open champion, former PGA Tour player) reflects: "My first eagle as an amateur showed me what was possible in golf. It didn't make me expect eagles every round, but it proved that magic moments happen when you put yourself in position."

Weekend golfers should also understand that making your first eagle often leads to making more. According to sports psychology research, golfers who achieve breakthrough performances develop improved confidence that leads to better future performance under pressure.

My guess is that after you make your first eagle, you'll approach similar situations with less tension and more focus. The guys in my group mentioned that I seemed more relaxed going for eagle putts after I'd already made one.

πŸ† Your First Eagle Celebration Guide

  • πŸŽͺ Acknowledge the moment - it's genuinely special
  • ⭐ Share immediately with your golf buddies
  • πŸ’‘ Remember every detail for future storytelling
  • πŸ“Š Use the confidence boost for remaining holes

Common Eagle Mistakes Weekend Golfers Make

Smart weekend golfers learn from others' mistakes rather than making them all personally. Here are the most common eagle-related errors that prevent weekend golfers from achieving their potential:

Strategy Mistakes

Attempting Eagles from Poor Positions: Weekend golfers often try to force eagle opportunities from difficult lies or bad angles. Eagles require good setups - attempting them from recovery positions usually leads to big numbers rather than great scores.

Ignoring Course Conditions: Wind, pin position, and green firmness dramatically affect eagle success rates. Weekend golfers should adjust their eagle attempts based on daily conditions rather than using the same approach every round.

Mental Mistakes

Putting Too Much Pressure on Eagle Putts: When weekend golfers reach eagle putting positions, they sometimes overthink the situation and lose their natural putting stroke. Remember: it's still just a putt, regardless of the potential score.

Chasing Eagles When Behind: Weekend golfers who fall behind their playing partners sometimes make poor decisions trying to manufacture eagles quickly. This rarely works and often leads to bigger problems.

Technical Mistakes

Poor Club Selection for Approach Shots: Weekend golfers often underclub when going for eagle approaches, leading to shots that come up short in hazards or rough areas. Take enough club to comfortably reach your target.

Rushing the Process: Eagle opportunities create excitement that can lead to faster swings and shortened routines. Maintain your normal tempo and pre-shot routine regardless of the scoring opportunity.

Todd Anderson (PGA instructor, worked with Jason Day, Lydia Ko, Dustin Johnson) notes: "Weekend golfers hurt their eagle chances most by changing their approach when opportunities arise. Stick to your normal process and let the score take care of itself."

According to Golf Digest instruction research, golfers who maintain consistent routines during eagle opportunities convert them 25% more often than those who alter their approach.

What seems to work for me during our regular weekend rounds is treating eagle putts exactly like any other putt - same routine, same focus, same commitment level. Steve noticed that I putt better when I'm not thinking about the score.

Expectation Management Mistakes

Expecting Eagles Too Frequently: New golfers sometimes assume eagles should happen regularly after making their first one. Understanding the true rarity helps maintain realistic expectations while preserving the magic when they do occur.

Defining Golf Success Only by Eagles: Weekend golfers should celebrate eagles when they happen, but base their golf satisfaction on overall improvement and enjoyment rather than eagle frequency alone.

Equipment Considerations for Eagle Opportunities

Fellow weekend golfers don't need expensive equipment to make eagles, but understanding how your gear affects eagle chances helps optimize your opportunities:

Driver Considerations

Distance vs. Accuracy Balance: Modern drivers help weekend golfers achieve the distance needed for eagle opportunities, but accuracy matters more than maximum distance. Focus on drivers that provide consistent fairway hits rather than occasional bombs.

Loft and Launch Characteristics: Weekend golfers typically benefit from higher-lofted drivers (10.5-12 degrees) that provide optimal launch angles for their swing speeds. Better ball flight leads to more fairways, which leads to more eagle opportunities.

Approach Shot Clubs

Fairway Woods and Hybrids: These clubs help weekend golfers reach par-5 greens in two strokes more consistently than long irons. The forgiveness and launch characteristics suit weekend golfer swing patterns better.

Iron Selection and Fitting: Properly fitted irons help weekend golfers hit approach shots closer to the hole, increasing eagle putt percentages significantly.

Putting Equipment

Putter Selection for Eagle Distances: Since eagles typically require putts from 10-30 feet, weekend golfers benefit from putters that provide good distance control and alignment help at these ranges.

Weekend golfers should remember that equipment helps, but eagles primarily result from good decision-making, solid execution, and some favorable bounces. Don't expect new equipment to dramatically increase eagle frequency without corresponding skill improvement.

Between work and family commitments, I've found that having reliable equipment makes the limited time I have to play more enjoyable and gives me confidence when eagle opportunities arise.

Eagle Statistics That Every Weekend Golfer Should Know

Understanding eagle data helps weekend golfers set realistic expectations while maintaining optimism about breakthrough possibilities:

Professional vs. Amateur Eagle Rates

PGA Tour Professionals:

  • Average 1-2 eagles per 72-hole tournament
  • Make eagles on approximately 0.85% of holes played
  • Convert eagle putts approximately 8-12% of the time

Weekend Golfer Reality:

  • Average 1-2 eagles per year with regular play
  • Make eagles on approximately 0.1-0.3% of holes played
  • Success depends heavily on course selection and conditions

Eagle Distribution by Hole Type

According to comprehensive PGA Tour statistics:

  • Par-5 Eagles: 85% of all eagles made
  • Par-4 Eagles: 14% of all eagles made
  • Par-3 Eagles (Aces): 1% of all eagles made

Weekend golfers should focus eagle expectations primarily on par-5 opportunities while appreciating the special nature of par-4 eagles and hole-in-ones.

Handicap-Based Eagle Expectations

Research indicates eagle frequency correlates strongly with handicap level:

  • 0-5 Handicap: 3-5 eagles per year
  • 6-15 Handicap: 1-3 eagles per year
  • 16-25 Handicap: 0-2 eagles per year
  • 26+ Handicap: Less than 1 eagle per year

These numbers assume regular play (20+ rounds annually) and don't account for course difficulty variations.

Fellow weekend golfers should use this data to maintain realistic expectations while understanding that improvement in overall game directly correlates with increased eagle opportunities.

My experience playing with different handicap levels has shown me that lower handicap players don't necessarily attempt more eagles - they just execute better when opportunities arise.

πŸ“Š Eagle Reality Check for Weekend Golfers

  • 🎯 Expect 1-2 eagles per year with regular improvement
  • ⭐ 85% of eagles happen on par-5 holes
  • πŸ’‘ Lower handicaps increase eagle frequency naturally
  • πŸ“Š Even tour pros go eagle-less in most rounds

Key Takeaways: Living the Weekend Golfer Manifesto Through Eagle Understanding

Master these fundamentals to gain the confidence every weekend golfer craves while maintaining realistic expectations about golf's most exciting scoring opportunities. You're living Principle #2 (I Improve My Own Game) by understanding eagle terminology and opportunities, while Principle #7 (I Am Just One Round Away) reminds you that breakthrough moments can happen on any round.

Essential Eagle Knowledge:

  • Eagles mean exactly 2-under par and require both skill and favorable conditions
  • Focus on par-5 opportunities under 500 yards for your best chances
  • Attempt eagles only when risk-reward favors aggression over safety
  • Expect 1-2 eagles per year with regular play and continuous improvement

Smart Weekend Golfer Strategy:

  • Drive for position rather than maximum distance on eagle holes
  • Commit fully to eagle attempts when conditions align favorably
  • Celebrate eagles as special achievements without expecting them frequently
  • Use eagle understanding to earn respect and contribute confidently to golf conversations

Fellow weekend golfers who master this knowledge position themselves to finally impress their buddies through legitimate golf understanding while maintaining that optimistic hope that something special could happen on any round. You're not just learning about eagles - you're joining the community of weekend golfers who truly understand the game and can contribute meaningfully to any golf conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eagles in Golf

What is an eagle in golf?

An eagle in golf is a score of exactly two strokes under par on any hole. This means scoring 1 on a par-3 (hole-in-one), 2 on a par-4, or 3 on a par-5. Eagles represent one of golf's most exciting scoring achievements for weekend golfers.

How rare are eagles for average golfers?

According to MyGolfSpy research, weekend golfers with 16-20 handicaps average only 0.3 birdies or better per round, making eagles extremely rare - perhaps 1-2 per year with regular play. Even PGA Tour professionals average only 1-2 eagles per tournament.

What's the difference between an eagle and a birdie?

A birdie is one stroke under par, while an eagle is two strokes under par. Both are excellent scores, but eagles are significantly rarer and more celebrated among weekend golfers. Eagles require either exceptional shots or favorable luck.

On which holes are eagles most common?

According to PGA Tour statistics, approximately 85% of all eagles occur on par-5 holes, where golfers can reach the green in two strokes and make the putt. Par-4 eagles are much rarer, typically requiring hole-in-one drives or holed approach shots.

Should weekend golfers attempt eagles or play safe?

Weekend golfers should attempt eagles when conditions favor success: good lie, clear shot to green, manageable risk if they miss. Play conservatively when hazards protect the green or when preserving a good score matters more than taking risks.

How do you mark an eagle on a golf scorecard?

Mark eagles by drawing two concentric circles around the score number on your scorecard. This traditional marking helps distinguish eagles from other scores and makes them easy to identify when reviewing your round.

What's better than an eagle in golf?

An albatross (also called double eagle) is better than an eagle, requiring three strokes under par. Beyond that are the theoretical condor (four under) and others, but these are extremely rare even for professional golfers.

Continue Your Weekend Golfer Journey

Ready to take your manifesto living to the next level? These proven methods help fellow weekend golfers who are serious about earning the right to brag:

Master Golf Fundamentals: Learn the swing basics that create consistent ball-striking for eagle opportunities.

Improve Your Scoring: Break 90 consistently before focusing heavily on eagle attempts.

Develop Course Strategy: Smart course management helps you recognize when to be aggressive versus conservative.

Build Your Short Game: Putting improvement is essential since eagles require making the final putt.

Understand Golf Equipment: Proper equipment selection supports the distance and accuracy needed for eagle attempts.