Does one better in golf (7) - Crossword Clue
Answer: BIRDIES
Understanding the Crossword Connection
- This clue cleverly uses wordplay with "does one better" - a common phrase meaning to outperform or exceed expectations.
- In golf's scoring system, where lower numbers indicate better performance, a birdie literally does "one better" than par, making it the perfect answer for this seven-letter puzzle.
What Are Birdies in Golf?
- A birdie occurs when a golfer completes a hole in one stroke less than par. For example, if you finish a par-4 hole in 3 strokes, you've scored a birdie.
- This achievement demonstrates superior performance and skill on that particular hole, making it a celebrated accomplishment for golfers of all levels.
- The term "birdie" originated in 1899 at the Atlantic City Country Club when a golfer's shot landed close to the pin after hitting a bird in flight.
- His partner exclaimed it was a "bird of a shot," and the term stuck in golfing vocabulary ever since.
Tips for Solving Golf-Related Crossword Clues
- Look for scoring terminology - Golf crosswords frequently feature terms like eagle, bogey, ace, and par alongside birdie
- Count the letters carefully - BIRDIES has 7 letters, while BIRDIE has 6; the plural form often appears in crosswords
- Consider the number references - Clues mentioning "one better," "two under," or "three over" typically refer to golf scoring
- Watch for British terminology - UK crosswords might use terms like "links" or "bunker" more frequently
- Remember famous tournaments - Masters, Open, and PGA are common short answers in golf-themed puzzles
Does one better in golf (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q:Why is it called a birdie and not just "one under par"?
The colorful nickname "birdie" makes golf more engaging and memorable. It's part of golf's unique avian-themed scoring system that includes eagles and albatrosses for even better scores.
Q:How rare is scoring a birdie?
For recreational golfers, birdies occur approximately once every 18-36 holes. Professional golfers average 3-4 birdies per round, demonstrating the significant skill gap between amateur and professional play.
Q:What's better than a birdie in golf?
An eagle (two under par) and the extremely rare albatross or double eagle (three under par) are better scores. An ace or hole-in-one is also superior, achieving the hole in one stroke.
Q:Does BIRDIES appear in other crossword contexts?
Yes, BIRDIES can occasionally refer to small birds in general or badminton shuttlecocks in British crosswords, though the golf meaning dominates crossword usage.
Q:What are related golf terms that appear in crosswords?
Common alternatives include EAGLES (6 letters), BOGEYS (6 letters), ACES (4 letters), and PARS (4 letters) - all fundamental to golf scoring vocabulary.
