What is a Birdie In Golf? A Golf Scoring Term Explained

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Have you ever wondered what the word “birdie” is whenever you hear golfers talk? You don’t have to be a professional golfer to have heard the term before. Just like any sport, there are many terms that refer to situations in a golf game, and a birdie is just one of them. 

In this article, we will explore what the term birdie in golf means, the history of the term, where it came from, and some other interesting facts about it. After reading this article, you will be able to easily explain the meaning of a birdie in golf! 

Here’s what you will learn in this article:

What Is Considered a Birdie in Golf?

In the simplest term, a birdie is a golf score of one stroke less than the par of a golf hole. In other words, the number of strokes is one-under-par. For example, if the par for a hole is the common of 4, called a par 4 hole, and you get the ball in with 3 strokes, then you have scored a birdie! 

You might wonder if every golfer has got a birdie in their life. You’d be surprised to know that many golfers go their whole life without ever scoring a birdie! This is because golfers try to have fun during a round of golf rather than focus on scoring birdies.  

Where Did The Term Birdie Come From in Golf?

There is no single explanation about the origin of the term in golf. But the most common theory originates from the Atlantic City Country Club, New Jersey in 1903. Back then, the term “bird” was slang for describing something good happening in golf. 

In modern days speak it’s equivalent to the word “awesome”. So think of the word meaning that in those days. And ever since then term birdie quickly picked up in golf and spread worldwide as more and more golfers started using it.

How Can I Make A Birdie?

To get a birdie in golf is no easy feat on the golf course. You will need to make sure your putting is precision like, and that you don’t make any mistakes during the tee-off and on the fairway. Your choice of golf clubs will help you with this.

We also recommend that you continue to learn and practice as much as you can, as you will not only get better but you will increase your chances to get a birdie.

Our top tips to make a birdie are:

  • Use your most powerful driver – the key is to get the golf ball as far as possible so you can reach the green is as little swings as possible. 
  • Use a good putter – you’ll want to use a good putter to help you control the golf ball to get the hole in. This is called the birdie putt.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, now you that the golf term birdie means you have scored one less stroke than the par of a golf hole. You also know the different ways you can increase your chances of getting a birdie in a round of golf. 

But the most important thing in golf is not to worry too much about getting a birdie, just play to have fun and improve each game. If you get a birdie, that’s a huge plus, if you don’t, it’s still ok. Remember, there are many other golfers out there who’ve been playing for their entire career, and never had a birdie. 

Go out there and have fun!

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About the Author

Meet Linus, a BSc & MSc Graduate, and passionate casual golfer who takes care of Golfers Approach. He is a digital marketer by trade, turned golfer who started exploring golf and instantly caught the golf bug. Now he wants to share all the knowledge and insights with you to help you better approach golf, to become better.