One of the most desirable achievements in golf is scoring Eagle. Scoring an eagle in golf means that you have counted among professional golfers. Because eagles are rare and difficult to achieve and require a combination of skill and precision. Even professional players struggle to achieve them often or even some players never achieved an eagle in their entire career. So, it is natural to celebrate the achievement of the Eagle with excitement and passion. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, the eagle is a milestone of the golf game that symbolizes your hard work and mastery of the game and boosts your confidence to the peak.
Eagle means a score of two strokes under par in a hole. This means that a golfer must complete the hole in two shots less than the expected number of shots. For example, if you are playing on a par-5 hole and you have completed the hole in 3 strokes then you have achieved an eagle. Here Par means the no of strokes expected for a player to complete a hole. Par is decided by a player’s ability and distance to the hole.
To achieve an eagle is challenging but you can easily achieve it by working on your ball striking and course management skills. So, in this article, we will talk about the eagle in golf and how to achieve one.
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What are Eagle in Golf and its history?
As we have discussed above an eagle is a score of two strokes under par for a given hole. on a par-4 hole, it is achieved in two strokes, and on a par-5 hole, it is achieved in three strokes. Mostly eagles are scored on par 5 holes compared to par 4 or par 3 holes. Scoring an eagle on shorter holes is more difficult because we need to complete the hole in just one or two strokes. In the early days Eagles were rare as courses were longer and more difficult to play than they are today. However, as golf courses became more manageable, eagles became more common.
In the modern era of golf, eagles are still considered a significant achievement and are highly coveted by golfers of all levels. They are often celebrated with excitement and enthusiasm on the course and can significantly impact a player’s score and overall performance.
The origin of the term golf is not clear but it is believed that this term was first used in the early 20th century in the United States. Before the term Eagle Double Birdie was used to describe two strokes under par. The term was first officially used in 1904 when Jack White achieved the feat on the 9th hole at Prestwick Golf Club in Scotland. Since then, Eagle has captured the imagination of golfers around the world and remains a symbol of excellence and mastery of the game.
How Rare is an Eagle?
Achieving an eagle is quite a rare feat even for professional players as PGA Tour Statistics show that only two eagles were recorded in 2022. The likelihood of achieving an eagle varies depending on the skill level of the golfer and the length and difficulty of the course.
According to an estimation on average, every golfer makes an eagle per 100 rounds. This means that the average player makes an eagle once in two years. However, remember this is just an estimation and does not represent the actual frequency of making an eagle. Because making an eagle varies greatly depending on various factors such as golf course difficulty, weather conditions, and the golfer’s skill level. Eagles are more common on par-5 holes, as these holes are longer and provide more opportunities for golfers to make a long putt or a chip shot to achieve an eagle. On par-4 holes, eagles are much rarer, and they usually require exceptional ball striking and accuracy from the tee and on the approach shot.
Here is a list of the top 5 players of the PGA tour who made the most Eagles
| No. | Name of Player | No. of Eagles |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hayden Buckley | 13 |
| 2 | Taylor Montgomery | 13 |
| 3 | Wyndham Clark | 12 |
| 4 | Jon Rahm | 11 |
| 5 | Tom Hoge | 10 |
Tips and Tricks for Achieving an Eagle
Scoring an eagle in golf requires a combination of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. That’s why it is a difficult and rear feat. But here are a few strategies that I have used in achieving an Eagle and you can also use them to increase your chances of achieving an eagle.
Improve your Long Shot:
The most important shot in achieving an eagle is your first shot from the tee. Try to hit an aggressive tee shot that puts you in a good position to reach the green in fewer strokes. Try to use a safer club like wood or hybrid instead of a driver. Because using a driver may result in a chip shot which reduces your chances of achieving an eagle.
Improve your short game:
Once you’re in a good position to reach the green, accuracy becomes critical. In order to hit the ball close to the hole your approach must be precise. Because this will set up a short putt for the eagle. You need to adjust your club selection or aim for a particular spot on the green to avoid hazards or tough pin positions.
Solid putting skills:
I believe that putting is a game within a game. This means that even if you can hit long shots with a driver or your short game skills are impressive. You cannot hit a perfect eagle if your putting game is weak. It’s important to have a good grip and a good feel for the speed and slope of the green in order to make a perfect putt for an eagle.
Take advantage of par-5s:
Par-5 holes offer the best opportunity for achieving an eagle, as the previous data shows that most eagles are hit on par-5 holes. Because they are usually longer and provide more room for error. When you are on a par-5 hole focus on hitting accurate and aggressive tee shots, and then plan your approach shots carefully to set up a good eagle opportunity.
Mental preparation:
Finally, a positive attitude and confidence are necessary to achieve an eagle. Try to Stay focused and positive throughout your round, and visualize yourself hitting great shots and sinking putts. This can help you stay relaxed and confident when the pressure is on, and increase your chances of achieving an eagle.
Some notable eagles
Tiger Woods’ chip-in at the 2005 Masters:
I remember the thrill and excitement that I have when the famous golfer Tiger Woods chipped in for an eagle on the 16th hole in the final round of the 2005 tournament. It is one of the most iconic moments in Masters tournament history. this shot helped the Tiger to his fourth green jacket.
Phil Mickelson’s 18th hole eagle at the 2004 Masters:
In another memorable Masters moment, Phil Mickelson made a clutch 18-foot eagle putt on the 18th hole to win his first major championship. He made an exciting shot on the last hole to win the tournament, after being behind by two shots earlier in the round.
Albatross at the 2012 Masters:
Louis Oosthuizen made a rare albatross (double eagle) on the par-5 2nd hole at Augusta National during the final round of the 2012 Masters. His 4-iron approach shot from 253 yards found the bottom of the cup, making it just the fourth albatross in Masters history.
Arnold Palmer’s 17th hole eagle at the 1960 U.S. Open:
In one of the most dramatic finishes in U.S. Open history, Arnold Palmer eagled the 17th hole during the final round to come from behind and win his second major championship. The shot was made even more impressive by the fact that he had to hit his approach shot over a large oak tree and onto the green.
Sergio Garcia’s 15th hole eagle at the 2017 Masters:
In a memorable moment during the final round of the 2017 Masters, Sergio Garcia holed out for an eagle on the par-5 15th hole. The shot helped him take the lead and ultimately win his first major championship in a playoff.
Final Thoughts
It is a dream of every player to score an eagle and it is a thrilling moment for every golfer. With the right approach to the course and a positive mindset, even you can score one. To sum up, getting an eagle in golf is a remarkable feat, and achieving one shows a player’s exceptional skills and hard work. At the same time, it reflects the beauty and difficulty of the game. So, if you want to score an eagle try to work on the five tips that we have discussed above.