What Does One Over Par Mean in Golf?

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Quick Answer

• One over par means you took one more stroke than the expected score for a hole or the entire course.
• On a par-4 hole, one over par is a score of 5.
• This score is commonly called a bogey.

Who This Is For

• New golfers trying to get a handle on the scoring lingo.
• Anyone watching a tournament and wanting to know what the commentators are talking about.
• Casual players looking to sharpen their understanding of golf scores.

Understanding One Over Par in Golf: A Quick Check

• Know the Hole’s Par: What’s the target score for this specific hole? Most courses have par-3s, par-4s, and par-5s. Gotta know the target to know if you hit it.
• Count Every Single Stroke: Seriously, every swing that moves the ball counts. Don’t forget those sneaky putts. I once lost track of my putts on the 18th and nearly cried.
• Compare Strokes to Par: Did you beat par, hit it, or fall short? Your score relative to par is key.

Step-by-Step Plan to Grasp One Over Par

1. Identify the Par for a Hole: This is the benchmark, the number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to take. Mistake: Assuming all holes are the same par. They’re not, and that’s the beauty of the game.

2. Count Every Stroke Taken: This includes practice swings taken right before you hit the ball, and yes, every single putt. Mistake: Forgetting to count those short putts on the green – they add up fast. I’ve seen good players drop shots because they weren’t counting putts.

3. Add Up Your Total Strokes for the Hole: This is your raw score for that hole. Mistake: Simple math errors when totaling your strokes. Always double-check. My brain sometimes checks out after a long walk.

4. Compare Your Total to the Hole’s Par: If your total is one more than the par number, congratulations, you’ve shot one over par. Mistake: Getting confused if you’re over or under par. It’s easy to mix up when you’re focused on your swing.

5. Recognize the Terminology: One over par is a bogey. Two over is a double bogey. Three over is a triple bogey. Mistake: Not knowing the common terms for scores relative to par. It’s like speaking a different language on the course.

6. Record Your Score: Keep track of your strokes for each hole on your scorecard. Mistake: Relying solely on memory. You’ll thank yourself later, especially after a few beers.

What One Over Par Means on the Course

So, you’ve finished a hole, and you’re wondering where you stand. The simplest way to figure it out is to know the par for that hole. Par is basically the expected number of strokes a pro golfer would take to get the ball in the cup. It’s usually set based on the length of the hole and how many shots it’s estimated to take to reach the green and then putt out.

For example, a par-3 hole is expected to take three strokes. A par-4 is four strokes, and a par-5 is five strokes. It’s not a hard-and-fast rule for every single golfer, but it’s the standard we measure against. When you hear “one over par,” it means you took one more stroke than that designated number.

Let’s break it down:

• On a Par-3 Hole: If par is 3, and you take 4 strokes, you are one over par. That’s a bogey.
• On a Par-4 Hole: If par is 4, and you take 5 strokes, you are one over par. Also a bogey.
• On a Par-5 Hole: If par is 5, and you take 6 strokes, you are one over par. Yep, still a bogey.

See the pattern? It’s always one more than the par number. It’s a fundamental concept, but crucial for understanding your game and what’s happening on the PGA Tour. Don’t sweat it too much if you’re just starting. We’ve all been there, staring at the scorecard like it’s ancient hieroglyphics.

Common Mistakes When Scoring

• Miscounting Strokes — Why it matters: This is the big one. An incorrect count leads to an inaccurate score, making your performance look better or worse than it actually was. It messes with your handicap and your bragging rights. — Fix: Keep a running tally as you go, or ask your playing partners to confirm your count before you move to the next tee. A quick mental check or jotting it down on a yardage book can save you.
• Confusing “Over Par” with “Under Par” — Why it matters: This completely flips the meaning of your score. “Over” means you took more strokes than par, while “under” means you took fewer. Getting this wrong is a classic beginner blunder. — Fix: Remember “over” means higher, “under” means lower than par. Think of it like climbing a ladder: over par is going up a rung, under par is going down.
• Not Knowing the Par of Each Hole — Why it matters: You can’t figure out if you’re over or under par if you don’t know what par is for that specific hole. It’s like trying to hit a target without knowing where the bullseye is. — Fix: Grab the scorecard before you tee off or check the course guide posted on the tee box. Most courses have them readily available.
• Forgetting Penalty Strokes — Why it matters: Penalty strokes are just as much a part of your score as any other stroke. Whether it’s an out-of-bounds shot, a lost ball, or a water hazard, those penalties add up and need to be counted. — Fix: Be aware of the rules and always add any applicable penalty strokes to your hole total. If you hit it in the woods, don’t pretend that ball magically reappeared on the fairway.
• Not Counting Practice Swings Before the Ball is Moved — Why it matters: While a practice swing not intended to hit the ball doesn’t count, a swing that is taken with the intention of striking the ball, even if you miss or pull back, can count as a stroke. This is a tricky rule, but crucial for accuracy. — Fix: Be mindful of your pre-shot routine. If you take a swing with the intent to hit the ball, and it moves, it counts. This is rare, but it happens.
• Inaccurate Totaling of Strokes — Why it matters: Even if you count each stroke perfectly, simple addition errors can mess up your final score for the hole. This is more common than you think, especially when you’re tired or distracted. — Fix: Double-check your addition. It takes two seconds and can save you from reporting a bogus score. A quick tap of your putter on the scorecard can help you count if needed.

FAQ

• What is the definition of par in golf?

Par is the predetermined number of strokes a skilled golfer should take to complete a hole or an entire golf course. It’s the standard benchmark against which all other scores are measured.

• How many strokes does it take to score one over par on a par-5 hole?

On a par-5 hole, one over par would be a score of 6 strokes (5 + 1 = 6).

• Is one over par a good score?

For a beginner, one over par is a solid score and something to be proud of. For an experienced golfer or a professional, it’s often considered a missed opportunity on a hole that could have been played to par or better, but it’s still a respectable score, especially on a challenging hole.

• What’s the term for two over par?

Two over par is called a double bogey.

• Does the count include penalty strokes?

Yes, absolutely. Any penalty strokes you incur according to the Rules of Golf are added to your total stroke count for the hole. They are part of your score.

• What is an eagle in golf?

An eagle is a score of two strokes under par on a single hole. For example, scoring a 3 on a par-5 or a 2 on a par-4. That’s a great shot!

• What is a birdie in golf?

A birdie is a score of one stroke under par on a single hole. So, scoring a 2 on a par-3, a 3 on a par-4, or a 4 on a par-5. That’s always a good day on the course.