Birdie

For example, a three on a par-four hole is a birdie, as is a four on a par-five. The name describes the score relative to the hole’s par.¹²

The language began as a compliment. In nineteenth-century American slang, calling something a bird meant that it was excellent. The USGA connects that expression with the Atlantic City story of a fine shot followed by a score under par.¹²

The accounts disagree: the older USGA FAQ gives 1899; the club gives December 1903. They should remain separately attributed.¹²

The hole number also varies. Atlantic City Country Club identifies its 12th hole; the USGA’s 2026 retelling identifies the 2nd and mentions a plaque dated 1903. These differences leave the exact occasion uncertain.¹³

The bird names continue down the scoring scale: an eagle is two strokes under par, while an albatross, also called a double eagle, is three under.³