Golf term
Birdie
A birdie is a score of one under par on a hole — for example, completing a par-4 in three strokes.
Birdies are the benchmark of strong amateur play and a near-constant presence in professional rounds. As a counting stat, birdies per round gives a rough sense of offensive performance, but the number correlates almost perfectly with approach proximity — which strokes gained approach already measures with more precision. Two birdies made from inside five feet after short irons are worth the same on the scorecard as two birdies made from 25 feet after difficult approaches, but they tell very different stories about ball-striking quality.
In strokes gained terms, a birdie scored from an easy position contributes less to a positive strokes gained reading than a birdie scored after a demanding approach. The framework correctly rewards the harder achievement. Track your strokes gained approach to understand the quality behind your birdies, not just their number.
Related terms & guides
Glossary
Bogey
A bogey is a score of one over par on a hole — for example, completing a par-4 in five strokes.
Glossary
Par
Par is the predetermined number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete a hole or an entire round, accounting for two putts on each green.
Glossary
Scoring Average
Scoring average is the mean number of strokes a golfer takes per round, calculated across a defined set of rounds.
Glossary
Greens in Regulation (GIR)
A green in regulation is reached when your ball is on the putting surface with at least two putts remaining for par — i.e. in one shot on a par 3, two on a par 4, or three on a par 5.
Guide
Strokes Gained Explained: The Complete Guide