Birdieing is a term used in golf when a player completes a hole in one stroke fewer than the par score. It is pronounced as /bɜːrdiɪŋ/. The word "birdie" is derived from the American slang "bird" meaning "excellent", and was first used in 1899 at the Atlantic City Country Club. The suffix "-ing" is added to make it a present participle verb form. The spelling of this word follows the English language convention of using "ie" instead of "ei" after a consonant sound.
Birdieing is a term commonly used in the sport of golf, and it refers to achieving a score of one stroke under par on a specific hole. The word originates from the idea that scoring a birdie is an accomplishment somewhat comparable to the flitting, agile, and quick movements of a bird.
In golf, each hole has a predetermined par, which represents the number of strokes an experienced golfer is expected to require to complete the hole. For instance, if a hole is designated as par four, completing it in only three strokes is considered a birdie. The scorecard will reflect this accomplishment by recording a score of "-1" for that particular hole.
Birdieing a hole in golf demands considerable skill, precision, and strategic decision-making. A golfer has to execute a well-planned sequence of shots that allow them to avoid obstacles, navigate the course, and ideally sink the ball in fewer strokes than the par.
Notably, birdies are frequently sought after by professional golfers and amateurs alike, as they contribute to an overall lower score and can significantly affect one's chances of winning a tournament or earning a better rank. As such, birdieing a hole is regarded as a notable achievement and often met with excitement and satisfaction from the golfer.
The word "birdieing" is derived from the term "birdie", which is a golfing term used to describe a score of one stroke under par on a hole. The term "birdie" is said to have originated in the early 20th century, possibly around the 1890s. The exact etymology of "birdie" is uncertain, but there are a few theories.
One theory suggests that "birdie" was derived from the word "bird", referencing the bird-like sound the ball makes when it hits the cup. Another theory suggests that "birdie" was a variation of "bird's egg", a term used in 19th-century slang to describe anything excellent or very good. The term "birdie" may have been adopted in golf to describe a good score.