What Is A Turkey Score In Golf? The Complete Explanation
A turkey in golf is the impressive achievement of scoring three consecutive birdies during a single round. Just like bowling has its "turkey" for three strikes in a row, golf adopted this term to celebrate a remarkable streak of scoring success.
To score a turkey, a golfer must make a birdie (one stroke under par) on three holes in succession. For example, if I birdie holes 4, 5, and 6, I've achieved a turkey. This feat requires consistent skill and precision, making it a noteworthy accomplishment for any golfer.
The origin of the term "turkey" in golf comes from the historical practice of giving away turkeys as prizes in bowling tournaments. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, bowling alleys would award actual turkeys to players who scored three consecutive strikes. This tradition eventually influenced golf terminology, though golfers don't typically receive actual turkeys for their achievement.
While less common than terms like "birdie" or "eagle," a turkey remains one of golf's more colorful scoring terms. It's worth noting that scoring three consecutive birdies is quite challenging, even for professional golfers. At the amateur level, achieving a turkey is considered a significant milestone.
Here's what you need to score a turkey: - Three birdies in a row - Must be on consecutive holes - Can occur at any point during the round - Must be achieved in the same round
Understanding golf's scoring terminology helps players communicate their achievements effectively and adds to the overall enjoyment of the game. While a turkey might be elusive for many golfers, it represents one of many scoring goals that make the sport both challenging and rewarding.
Remember, while scoring a turkey is impressive, it's less common than other golf achievements, which is why you might not hear the term as frequently as other golf scoring phrases. However, when achieved, it's certainly something worth celebrating on the course.