Double Eagle in Golf Meaning
One of the most desirable achievements in golf is accomplishing a “Double Eagle”. It is a score of three strokes under par on a single hole. In golf, each and every hole has a specific par. “Par” is the number of strokes that a skilled golfer can complete the hole in. For example, if a hole is assigned the par 5. Then all the players will have to complete the hole in five strokes or less. While, when a golfer completes the hole in two strokes less than the par he achieves a double eagle. So, let’s understand the scoring term “double eagle in golf” in detail.
History of Double Eagle Score in Golf
The term “double eagle” had initially adopted by golfers to describe a score of two under par on a single hole. The first recorded use of this term in golf was in 1904 at the Glen View Club in Golf, Illinois.
While having a match some golfers used this term, and a player named Jack Hobens reportedly made a “double eagle” on the 18th hole of a competition. This term later gained wider usage in the 1930s, and it became particularly popular in the US. Since “double eagle” refers to an exceptionally rare achievement, golfers highly admire it.
Scoring a Double Eagle
Here’s how a double eagle can be scored on a par-5 or a par-4 hole.
On a par-5 hole, a double eagle is scored by hitting the ball from the tee to the fairway. Then hitting a second shot that lands on or near the green. And then sinking the ball in the hole with the third shot.
On a par-4 hole, a double eagle is scored by hitting the ball from the tee directly into the hole. Or by hitting a long approach shot that lands on the green and then rolls into the hole.
Double eagles are very rare in golf and are much less common than holes-in-one. The odds of an average golfer scoring a double eagle are estimated to be around 1 in 6 million. Due to their rarity, double eagles are often celebrated with great excitement and fanfare. Some golf courses even offer special prizes or recognition for golfers who score a double eagle on their course.
Synonym of Double Eagle
The term “double eagle” is primarily North American. In other parts of the world, such as Europe, the term “albatross” is to describe the same score. “Double eagle” and “Albatross” are two different terms that describe the same thing. A score of three strokes under par on a single hole.
Frequency of Double Eagle Majors in Golf
The first double eagle in a championship was scored by Gene Sarazen on the 15th hole at Augusta National during the 1935 Masters Tournament. Since then, there have been only a few double eagles in the major championships.
In September 2021, there have been only four double eagles in championship history. In addition to Sarazen’s double eagle in the 1935 Masters, Bruce Devlin made a double eagle on the 17th hole at Royal Birkdale during the 1970 Open Championship. Jeff Maggert made a double eagle on the 13th hole at Augusta National during the 1994 Masters. Also, Louis Oosthuizen made a double eagle on the 2nd hole at Augusta National during the 2012 Masters.
Score those Results in Double Eagle!
Here are a couple of examples for more clarity on how many strokes it takes to make a double eagle:
- Score 1 on a par-4 hole.
- Score 2 on a par-5 hole.
- Score 3 on a par-6 hole.
- It is impossible to make a double eagle on a par-3 hole as 3-under on a par-3 hole is zero.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a double eagle is a rare accomplishment in golf. It is achieved when a golfer completes a hole in just three strokes under par. Which is mostly possible on a par 5 hole. This achievement requires a combination of skill, precision, and a bit of luck. The accomplishment of a double eagle is proof of the golfer’s dedication and hard work. It is a significant feat in the sport of golf.
