What is an Eagle in Golf? An eagle is a golf term used to describe a score that is two strokes below par on a single hole. It’s a rare achievement that is celebrated by golfers at all levels of the game. In this article, we’ll explore what an eagle is, how it’s achieved, and some notable eagle moments in golf history.
What is an Eagle in Golf?
An eagle is a score of two strokes below par on a single hole. For example, if a hole is a par-4, an eagle would be achieved by completing the hole in just two strokes. Similarly, if a hole is a par-5, an eagle would be achieved by completing the hole in just three strokes. Eagles are rare, but they can happen on any hole, at any time, by any golfer.
How is an Eagle Achieved?
An eagle can be achieved in a number of ways. For example, a golfer might drive the ball close to the green on a par-4, and then sink a long putt for a score of two. Or, on a par-5, a golfer might hit a long drive, followed by a precise approach shot that leaves them with a short putt for a score of three. Whatever the method, an eagle requires both skill and a bit of luck.
Notable Eagle Moments in Golf History
There have been many notable eagle moments in golf history. Here are just a few:
- In the 2019 Masters Tournament, Tiger Woods hit an eagle on the 15th hole during the final round. The eagle helped propel him to victory, marking his fifth win at the prestigious tournament.
- In the 1986 Masters Tournament, Jack Nicklaus hit an eagle on the 15th hole during the final round. The eagle helped him secure a come-from-behind victory, making him the oldest player to win the Masters at the age of 46.
- In the 1992 U.S. Open, Tom Kite hit an eagle on the final hole to secure a one-stroke victory over Jeff Sluman. The eagle was one of only four scored on the final hole in the history of the U.S. Open.
- In the 2004 PGA Championship, Vijay Singh hit an eagle on the final hole of the tournament to secure a three-stroke victory over Justin Leonard and Chris DiMarco. The eagle was the icing on the cake for Singh, who had dominated the tournament from start to finish.
Conclusion – What is an Eagle in Golf?
An eagle is a rare and celebrated achievement in golf. It requires skill, precision, and a bit of luck to complete a hole in two strokes below par. From Tiger Woods to Jack Nicklaus, many of golf’s greatest players have achieved this feat, cementing their place in golf history.
