What Do Birdie, Bogey, and Eagle Mean in Disc Golf?

A birdie means completing a hole in one throw under par, while a bogey means finishing one throw over par. An eagle takes it a step further—two throws under par. For example, on a par 3 hole, finishing in two throws is a birdie, while four throws result in a bogey.

These terms help you track your performance and progress as a player. In this guide, we break down what each term means and how they’re used in disc golf.

What is par in disc golf?

Par is the foundation of scoring in disc golf. It represents the number of throws an experienced player is expected to need to complete a hole. Par is determined by the length and difficulty of the hole.

Most holes are classified as par 3, par 4, or par 5. Shorter holes are typically par 3, mid-length holes are par 4, and longer, more demanding holes are par 5. In simple terms, par sets the benchmark for how a hole should be played.

What does birdie mean?

A birdie is when you complete a hole in one throw under par. On a par 3, that means finishing in two throws, and on a par 4, in three.

For many players, a birdie is a rewarding milestone and a sign of a well-played hole. In disc golf, it usually requires a solid drive followed by a precise approach or confident putt.

What does bogey mean?

A bogey is the opposite of a birdie—it means finishing a hole one throw over par. On a par 3, that’s four throws, and on a par 4, five throws.

While not the ideal score, a bogey is far from a bad result, especially for newer players. Many consider a round where most holes are played at par or bogey level a solid performance. It simply means you were just one throw away from hitting par.

What are double bogey and triple bogey?

If things don’t go as planned, you might end up with a double bogey (two over par) or triple bogey (three over par). These are common on more challenging holes or when playing in difficult conditions like dense woods or near water hazards.

What does eagle mean?

An eagle is an even better score than a birdie, achieved by completing a hole two throws under par. On a par 4, that means finishing in two throws, and on a par 5, in three.

Eagles are rare for most players. On longer holes, they typically require two strong throws to reach putting distance, followed by a successful putt. On shorter par 4 holes, an eagle can even come from holing out directly from the tee.

What is an albatross?

An albatross, also known as a double eagle, is an extremely rare achievement—three throws under par. This could mean completing a par 5 in two throws or scoring a hole-in-one on a par 4. Most players never experience an albatross in their lifetime.

How do scoring terms help you improve?

Understanding these terms helps you track your progress and set realistic goals. Beginners shouldn’t get discouraged by bogeys—starting with consistent bogey-level play is a great foundation, and improvement toward par comes naturally over time.

Knowing the terminology also makes it easier to connect with other players and follow professional events. These terms form a universal language used across the disc golf world.

Track your scores and level up your game

Now that you understand birdies, bogeys, and eagles, you can start paying closer attention to your performance. Every birdie is a milestone, and every bogey is a chance to learn and improve.

At DiscKing, you’ll find everything you need to develop your game. We offer a wide selection of discs for both beginners and advanced players, along with bags and accessories. Visit our store in Kaarina or order easily from our online store. The right gear helps you turn those birdie chances into reality.