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In golf, what is a birdie?

Answer
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Answer: A score of one stroke under par on a hole.


Explanation:

A birdie is one of golf's most exciting achievements for players of all skill levels. When you score a birdie, it means you've completed a hole using one fewer stroke than the designated par for that hole. This represents excellent play and is something every golfer strives to achieve during their rounds.


To understand birdies better, you need to know about par scores. Par represents the standard number of strokes that a skilled golfer should need to complete a hole. Most golf courses have holes with par values of 3, 4, or 5 strokes. So if you're playing a par-4 hole and manage to sink your ball in just 3 strokes, congratulations – you've just scored a birdie!


The term "birdie" has an interesting origin story. It dates back to the early 1900s in American golf culture, where "bird" was slang for something excellent or outstanding. When a golfer made an exceptional shot that resulted in one under par, fellow players would say it was a "bird of a shot," which eventually shortened to simply "birdie."


Here are some examples of how birdies work on different holes:


• On a par-3 hole: Score of 2 strokes = birdie • On a par-4 hole: Score of 3 strokes = birdie • On a par-5 hole: Score of 4 strokes = birdie


Achieving a birdie requires a combination of good strategy, accurate shots, and sometimes a bit of luck. Professional golfers typically score multiple birdies per round, while recreational players might celebrate each birdie as a special accomplishment. The feeling of watching your ball drop into the hole for a birdie is one of golf's greatest pleasures, making all those practice hours worthwhile.