In baseball, hitting for the cycle is the accomplishment of one batter hitting a single, a double, a triple, and a home run in the same game. Collecting the hits in that order is known as a “natural cycle”. With the MLB playoffs underway, I started to wonder if there was a ‘Cycle’ in golf. I have decided there is and believe I have coined a new term that all golfers should adopt and use willingly!
I have describe the ‘cycle’ in golf as an eagle, birdie, par and bogey all in the same round. I used these scores as my benchmark, but players of a higher or lower handicap can adjust their ‘cycle’ to match their abilities. It should, however, be a challenge and something difficult to attain. In my case, I might shoot three or four eagles a year if I am lucky; in 2021, I had none! Therefore, my description of a cycle is perfect to match my game.
Why create a new golf term you may ask, well, why not. It is time to create something new where beginner (and experienced) golfers can use it challenge their game and brag about at the 19th hole. It is more of a conversation term than anything else. The reason I know this is because I asked this question recently and this how some readers answered:
It seems that half the players have a something to talk about after a round or two. But nothing beat Padraig’s response:
Padraig and I have chatted for a few years and when he told me about his score, I obviously had to share it with you the readers. Right now I bet you are thinking about sharing his adventure in the future. I know I will be because it is it is a great golf story. Unlike fishing, I doubt we will add a seven or eight to the list. 😉 ; That is up to Padraig.
I am keeping my ‘cycle’ in place for next season. When I hit for my ‘cycle’, I will be sure to let you know. If you do hit for your ‘cycle’ let us all know.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
I can’t think of a single round where I’ve scored an eagle that I didn’t “complete” the cycle. And with three rounds that include hole in ones, I’ve likely done the 1 2 3 4 5 6 thing too. And might have added a 7 to the mix. lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kevin,
I do not shoot that many eagles, so I am likely shoot the cycle when I do. It is a just fun conversation.
Cheers Jim
LikeLike
Jim, my friends and I have been using the term hitting for the cycle for many years. It is strictly for fun and happens several times a year. The cycle is having a triple, double, bogey, par and birdie in the same round. We have even had a second cycle in the round on a few occasions. We have also added another term super cycle which is the regular cycle plus either a quadruple bogey or an eagle.
I achieved a super cycle this year at Lakeview Golf Course about a month ago playing with my hickory clubs. Four of us Hickory Ambassadors (you met George, Rick, and Allan at Osprey Links in August) were there helping Lakeview celebrate their 125th anniversary. We had a display of hickory clubs for a couple hours and then played the course in our plus fours. There was a lot of interest from other groups on the course and they were surprised at how playable the old clubs are.
The front nine was pretty ordinary with one double and several pars and bogeys. The back nine was another matter. I birdied the tenth hole and completed the cycle on twelve with a triple bogey. I am usually not this erratic and we had a good laugh at my expense. Two holes later I holed out from one hundred yards for an eagle to complete the super cycle.
The cycle in golf is more fun than anything else. Just another good way to have a good laugh.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lorne,
You are the first person I know who used this term. And now I have a ‘super cycle’ to add to the mix. Thanks for sharing!
Cheers Jim
LikeLike