Have you ever wondered what does par in golf means and why it’s so important on the scorecard? Understanding par in golf isn’t just about knowing a number; it’s also about grasping how holes are scored, where birdies and bogeys fit in, and what it tells you about your performance. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about par, whether you’re a beginner trying to figure out the game or an experienced player trying to improve your strategy. Keep reading to find out what is par in golf, how it works, why it matters, and how to use it to get better at your game.
What Is Par in Golf?
Par in golf is the number of strokes that a skilled (scratch) golfer should need to finish a hole, round (18 holes), or tournament, usually including two putts on each green. Based on distance and difficulties, holes are usually rated as par 3, 4, or 5. A standard 18-hole course has a par of about 72. To acquire the same score on par golf, men often have to hit the ball farther than women (for example, par 4 is about 240 to 490 yards for men and about 200 to 420 yards for women).
How Par is Calculated: The “Two-Putt” Rule
Par in golf constitutes the calculation of strokes to reach the green with the addition of two putts. A 300-yard hole could be a Par 4 (2 shots to the green and 2 putts), while a 500-yard hole could be a Par 5 (3 shots and 2 putts). This system makes sure that a golfer must still make two putts to get par, even if they reach the green in regulation.
In casual, charity, or certain tournament formats of par golf, there is an automatic two-putt rule to speed up play. Players can pick up their ball after missing one putt on the green. This counts as two putts to speed up the game.
The Different Types of Golf Course Par
Every golf course has a mix of par scores for each hole. It serves as a benchmark for scoring, indicating the expected difficulty based on length, terrain, slope rating, course ratings, and obstacles. Holes are generally assigned for par values, par 3, 4, 5, and very rarely 6.
Here is a breakdown of the different types of par in golf:
Par 3
The shortest hole on the course is usually a par 3, but that doesn’t always mean it’s easy. It can be as long as 260 yards for men and 220 yards for women. Most golfers hit an iron off the tee, and the expectation is for the golfer to be on the green in one stroke. A golfer would then have 2 putts to get the ball in the cup for par if they hit the GIR on a par 3. Two putts from there would get you a par in golf. If you miss the green in regulation, you can still save par by chipping close and making the putt. This is called scrambling.
Par 4
A par 4 is one of the longest sets of holes on a golf course. Depending on the tees, the length of the par can vary from 240-490 yards for men and 200-420 yards for women. Most players use a driver off the tee, while some shorter par 4s or tight fairways require a 3-wood or hybrid for accuracy, the driver is the standard club to maximize distance on a par 4.
Usually, players use a shorter club (like a 3-wood or long iron) if they need more accuracy to avoid hazards, not to hit it farther. The second shot to the green is called the approach shot. There isn’t an approach shot on a par 3 since you’re supposed to hit the green in one shot. Regulation on par 4 is reaching the green in 2. Sometimes, a course will have a short par 4 where it’s possible to hit the green in 1 shot. Those types of par 4s are called risk-reward holes.
For instance, you might have to hit your drive over a lake to get on the green in 1. That’s the risk part of the hole. The reward is that you reach the green in one shot, giving you a chance to putt for an Eagle.
Par 5
Par 5, often seen as ‘scoring’ holes, are the longest holes on the standard course and usually take three good shots to get to the GIR. According to the USGA, the golf course lengths are between 450 and 710 yards for men and 370 and 600 yards for women. After a good drive, players often use a long iron or fairway wood to get the ball closer. From about 100 to 130 yards away, the third shot is usually a wedge into the green. If you plan your shots well, par 5s can give you a chance to make a birdie.
Par 6
These holes are not common and are not part of standard professional course setups. The length of Par 6, with men playing over 670 yards and up, and for women playing over 570 yards and up. It is practically a long par 5. They aren’t very common on most courses because they take up more space and time to finish, which can slow the pace of golfers.
Most holes on a golf course are par 4s. Most 18-hole standard courses feature 10 to 12 par-4 holes, with the remainder usually consisting of four par-3s and four par-5s, or sometimes three par-3s and five par-5s, totaling a par of 70, 71, & 72.
Scoring in Relation to Par
Understanding how your scoring terms relate to par is key to tracking performance and making smart decisions on the course.
Under Par
When a golfer finishes a hole in fewer strokes than par, their score is under par.
- Birdie: One stroke under par (-1). For example, 2 strokes on a par-3 hole.
- Eagle: Two strokes under par (-2). For example, 3 strokes on the par-5 hole.
- Albatross/Double Eagle: Three strokes under par (-3). For example, 2 strokes on the par-5 hole.
- Condor: Four strokes under par (-4) or a hole-in-one on par-5.
Over Par
Taking more strokes than the par on the hole means you score over par.
- Bogey: One stroke over par (+1). For example, 4 strokes on the par-3 hole.
- Double Bogey: Two strokes over par (+2). For example, 6 strokes on the par-4 hole.
- Triple Bogey: Three strokes over par (+3). For example, 7 strokes on the par-4 hole.
- Quadruple Bogey: Four strokes over par (+4). For example, 7 strokes on the par-3 hole.
What is “Net Par” and Why It Matters for Beginners?
Net Par (or Net Score) is a scoring format where a player’s handicap strokes off their total gross score to get a final net score, adjusted score relative to par. For example, a beginner with a high handicap index (20) plays a par-72 course and gets a gross score of 95. Their net score is 95–20 = 75, which is 3 over net par.
Why Does It Matter for Beginners?
Using net scoring allows beginners to see that they are capable of playing “under par” or “at par” relative to their current skill level, and it also matters for the beginners as it levels the playing field against better players, allowing players to compete fairly, track improvement, and enjoy the game.
- Fair Competition: The handicap makes it so that beginners can play against more experienced golfers.
- Encouragement and Progress: It gives rewards for getting better. A beginner may not be able to shoot par gross, but getting a low net score feels like winning.
- Focus on Improvement: It gives you a realistic goal (playing to a net par) instead of an impossible one (playing to a scratch gross par).
- Better Experience: The handicap strokes given to a hole help make up for a bad hole (a high gross score), which makes it less frustrating.
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FAQs
Is par always 72?
No, par in golf is not always 72. Most 18-hole regulation courses have a par of 72, with four par-3s, ten par-4s, and four par-5s. However, par can be anywhere from 69 to 73. A lot of championship courses, some of which are used for big tournaments, are set to par 70 or 71.
What does it mean to be under par in golf?
If a golfer is “under par,” it means they finished a hole, a group of holes, or a whole round in fewer strokes than the set par. For a pro golfer, par is the number of strokes they should be able to make. A score under par is usually marked with a minus sign. For example, -1 means a birdie and -2 means an eagle.
What does it mean to be over par in golf?
In golf, “over par” means that a player took more strokes than the set number (par) to finish a hole or round. Since the goal of golf is to have the lowest score possible, being over par is considered a struggle, like a 5 on a par-4 (1-over, or a bogey). A score of 74 on a par-72 course is 2-over par (+2) for 18 holes.
What is a good par score in golf?
A good par score in golf is relative to skill level, but generally, shooting in the 70s to low 80s (roughly 0–10 over par) is considered good for an advanced or low-handicap player on a standard par-72 course. For the average golfer, breaking 90 is considered a good score, while beginners may consider breaking 100 or 110 an accomplishment.
What does it mean to be a “Scratch Golfer”?
A scratch golfer is an amateur with a handicap index of 0.0 or better who can consistently shoot par or lower on any rated golf course. They are among the best 2% of golfers and have elite skills, such as being very consistent, having strong mental strength, and knowing how to manage a course. They usually average 70–74 strokes per round.
What does “Even Par” mean?
Even par, which is often written as “E” or “Even,” means that a player’s score is exactly equal to the standard number of strokes for a hole or an entire 18-hole course.
