Why are under par scores named after birds?

Answer 1

According to the USGA museum:

In American slang of the 19th Century, the term "bird" was applied to anything particularly great. "Bird" was the "cool" of the 1800s in the U.S.

So on the golf course, a great shot - one that led to an under-par score - came to be known as a "bird," which was then transformed into "birdie." The term birdie was in worldwide use by the 1910s, and it's believed it debuted in the U.S. in 1899.

An "eagle" simply followed "birdie," being added to the lexicon in keeping with the avian image of birdie. And "albatross" later came along for the same reason.

Answer 2

According to the USGA museum:

In American slang of the 19th Century, the term "bird" was applied to anything particularly great. "Bird" was the "cool" of the 1800s in the U.S.

So on the golf course, a great shot - one that led to an under-par score - came to be known as a "bird," which was then transformed into "birdie." The term birdie was in worldwide use by the 1910s, and it's believed it debuted in the U.S. in 1899.

An "eagle" simply followed "birdie," being added to the lexicon in keeping with the avian image of birdie. And "albatross" later came along for the same reason.

They go by how rare it is to make that score and how rare it is to see that bird in real life.

Answer 3

everyone has there own little story about how they're all birds but the question is not true...there is something called an albatross, which is a score of 2 on a par 5...also you cant forget about a hole in one..both of those are under par and dont have to do with birds....to be honest with you i dont know why a few are named after birds...but saying all of them are isnt very accurate

Answer 4

(I submitted the following and it was chosen as a Best Answer some months ago. I hope it helps you as well! -Daren)

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Which came first, the birdie or the eagle? The birdie, and the eagle followed and continued the feathered theme.

In American slang of the 19th Century, the term "bird" was applied to anything particularly great. "Bird" was the "cool" of the 1800s in the U.S.

So on the golf course, a great shot - one that led to an under-par score - came to be known as a "bird," which was then transformed into "birdie." The term birdie was in worldwide use by the 1910s, and it's believed it debuted in the U.S. in 1899.

An "eagle" simply followed "birdie," being added to the lexicon in keeping with the avian image of birdie. And "albatross" later came along for the same reason.

Source: USGA Museum

Answer 5

This questions was already asked and answered a week or so ago. It has to do with how rare the species are as compared to the feat accomplished.

Answer 6

the person that invented them was so great at 'birdies' he always hit the birds on his long shots!!!!!????

Answer 7

It meant great or something good