What Is a Birdie in Golf? Uncovering the Incredible History and Odds of One Under (Plus, 11 Best Tips for Making Birdies)

In simplistic terms, golf is a game that requires a player to get the ball into the hole in as few strokes as possible. One of the best scores a golfer can make is a birdie, but what is a birdie in golf, and why is it so important? 

In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of a birdie in golf, its history, and memorable birdies from some of the game’s greatest players. I will also share some of my best tips and techniques for getting not just one but multiple birdies throughout a round and a golf career and explain why making birdies should be a goal for golfers of all skill levels.

What Is a Birdie in Golf?

A birdie is a golfing term that describes a score made on an individual golf hole that is one stroke under par. Par is the standard number of strokes a golfer must make to complete a hole or course. For example, a golfer who takes three strokes to complete a par 4 has made a birdie or scored one under par on that hole.

Birdies are not only exciting because they are below par but also because they are challenging to achieve. They require skill, precision, and a bit of luck for most recreational golfers. However, for an expert golfer, better known as a professional golfer, shooting under par and making birdies on any given hole is just part of the game.

Bonus: Although golfers of any skill level can make a birdie, a scratch golfer, or a professional who plays the game for a living regularly make birdies because they understand the importance of consistency while striving to improve their game.

Why Is It Called a Birdie in Golf?

The term birdie was introduced to the game in 1899 in the United States. According to “Fifty Years of American Golf,” by H.B. Martin, during a match at the Atlantic City CC., a golfer hit their approach shot within inches of the hole and used 19th-century American slang to describe the shot, stating, “That was a bird of a shot…” In other words, “bird” represents a good shot.

Regardless of its origin, the word “birdie” quickly caught on and became one of the most important golf terms. It was so popular that other bird-related terms were invented, such as an “albatross,” more popularly known as a double eagle, which means a score of three strokes under par on a single hole.

Other golfing terms include par, bogey, double bogey, double eagle, “ace” or hole in one, and the dreaded triple bogey. What is a triple bogey in golf? A triple bogey is a score of three over par on a single golf hole. Although it’s safe to assume all golfers have had a triple bogey at least once (likely many times), writing one down on a scorecard is never easy.

What Is an Eagle in Golf?

The term “eagle” was introduced into the game soon after “birdie;” both became staples of the game and are the official terms to describe a score of one and two under par on a single hole. An eagle in golf is the rarer feat of the two scores.

Tips for Making a Birdie

Birdies are exciting to watch and can be an excellent goal for golfers of all skill levels. Setting a goal to make a certain number of birdies in a round or tournament can help golfers stay focused, motivated, and engaged. Moreover, making a birdie can give golfers a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

For beginners, making a birdie may seem like a distant dream. However, anyone can make a birdie with dedication, practice, and proper guidance. Here are some tips that can help beginners, as well as golfers of all skill levels, make more birdies:

Master the Basics: It is essential to have a solid foundation in the basics of golf. Focus on developing a consistent swing, improving accuracy, mastering your short game, and working on the five fundamentals of golf.

Know the Course: Understanding the course’s layout and features can help you plan your shots better. Knowing the distances to hazards, the shape of the greens, and the location of the pin can help you make informed decisions and play smart.

Practice Putting: Making a birdie usually involves making a putt. Therefore, it is essential to practice your putting regularly. Focus on developing your technique, accuracy, distance control, and speed.

The Correct Tee Box: Playing from the correct tees can significantly impact your score. Beginners and senior golfers should play from the forward tees, which have shorter distances to the green, and will give them a better chance of hitting the green in regulation and making a birdie.

Stay Positive: It’s crucial to maintain a positive attitude while playing golf. A positive mindset can help you stay focused, motivated, and confident. Celebrate every small accomplishment and keep striving towards your goals.

Course Management

To make a birdie, golfers need good ball-striking ability, excellent putting skills, and a bit of luck. It’s not always easy to give yourself the opportunity for a birdie putt; however, regardless of a player’s abilities, if their course management is poor, they will struggle to improve, make birdies, and shoot a good score.

Here are some of the key components of great course management:

Club Selection: Use the right club for a shot, depending on the distance and the lie.

Stay Present: Focus on the shot at hand; if you hit a bad shot, work on moving on and refocus your attention on the present moment.

Read the Greens: Pay attention to the slope and break of the green to make more putts. However, keep in mind reading the green is as much an art form as it is scientific, and it can take years of dedication and learning to get it right.

Play Smart: Take calculated risks to get closer to the hole and set up a birdie putt. However, knowing when to “go for it” or when to back off and play conservatively is vital for consistency.

Shot Selection: Choose the correct shot for any given situation. For instance, if you are chipping and have a lot of flat green to work with, don’t play a flop shot or a high spinner; get the ball on the green and rolling as soon as possible for more consistent results.

Have a Game Plan: Creating a game plan before playing a round on the course is essential to shooting consistent scores and playing your best golf. 

Famous Birdies in Golf

Over the years, many famous birdies have been made in golf, becoming an essential part of the game’s legend and lore. Tiger Woods made one of the most famous birdies in golf history during the 2005 Masters. On the 16th hole, Woods hit a chip shot that seemed to defy gravity as it hung on the edge of the hole before finally dropping in. The crowd erupted in cheers. Soon after, Tiger celebrated his victory and a fourth green jacket.

Phil Mickelson made another famous birdie during the 2010 Masters. On the 13th hole, Mickelson hit a miraculous shot from behind a tree that landed on the green and rolled to within a few feet of the hole. The crowd roared as Mickelson went on to win his third green jacket.