Explaining Par in the Game of Golf

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Quick Answer

• Par is the target score for a hole, based on how many strokes a scratch golfer should take.
• It’s a mix of strokes to get to the green and two putts.
• Knowing par is key to understanding your score and how good you’re playing.

Who This is For

• Anyone new to golf who wants to get the basics down.
• Folks who play casually but want to know what they’re really shooting for.

What to Check First

• Grab a scorecard. You’ll see the ‘Par’ listed for each hole.
• Notice how the par changes. It’s not the same for every hole.
• Understand that par includes getting on the green and sinking two putts. That’s the standard assumption.
• Check the hole’s yardage. Longer holes usually mean higher par.

Understanding Golf Par: The Basics

Let’s break down what a golf par really means. It’s pretty simple once you get it. Think of it as the benchmark for how well you should play a hole. A skilled golfer, a “scratch” golfer, is expected to finish each hole in a specific number of strokes. This number is the par for that hole.

Most golf courses have a mix of Par 3, Par 4, and Par 5 holes. Par 3s are shorter, usually expecting you to hit the green with your tee shot and then make two putts. Par 4s are longer, needing maybe two or three shots to reach the green, plus those two putts. Par 5s are the longest, giving you more room for error or longer shots, still aiming for the green and two putts.

The official definition of par is based on the length of the hole. The USGA (United States Golf Association) and R&A (The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews) have guidelines. For example, a Par 3 is typically between 100 and 250 yards for men. A Par 4 is usually between 251 and 470 yards. And a Par 5 can range from 471 yards all the way up to 690 yards or more. These are just guidelines, and course designers have some leeway. It’s not just about distance, either; the terrain and hazards play a role in determining the expected number of strokes.

Step-by-Step Plan for Understanding Golf Par

1. Action: Look at a golf scorecard.

What to look for: The ‘Par’ column next to each hole number. You’ll see a number like 3, 4, or 5.
Mistake to avoid: Assuming every hole has the same par. They don’t, and that’s the whole point. It would be a boring game if they did.

2. Action: Note the yardage for a few holes.

What to look for: How the hole’s length relates to its par. Shorter holes are usually Par 3s, longer ones are Par 5s. You can usually find yardage marked on the scorecard or on the tee box.
Mistake to avoid: Ignoring the yardage. It’s the main reason a hole gets its par. Don’t guess; check the numbers.

3. Action: Visualize playing a hole.

What to look for: The expected strokes to get to the green, then add two putts. For a Par 4, maybe one shot to get close, a second shot to reach the green, and then two putts. That’s four strokes.
Mistake to avoid: Forgetting the two-putt rule. Par isn’t just about reaching the green; it includes finishing the hole. This is the standard assumption for skilled players.

4. Action: Compare your score to par after a round.

What to look for: If you shot an ‘even par’, you met the target. Over par means you took more strokes, under par means you were faster. For example, if par is 72 and you shot 75, you’re 3 over par. If you shot 70, you’re 2 under par.
Mistake to avoid: Getting discouraged if you’re over par. Everyone starts somewhere. Just use it to learn and see where you can improve.

What is a Golf Par? A Deeper Dive

So, we’ve covered the basics. Par is your target score for a hole. It’s set by the course designers based on the hole’s length and difficulty. The magic number for a skilled golfer is usually around two putts on the green, plus the strokes it takes to get there. It’s the standard against which all other scores are measured.

• Par 3: Typically the shortest holes on the course. You’re usually expected to hit the green with your tee shot and then make two putts. The challenge here is accuracy and getting the ball close enough for a makeable putt. I remember a Par 3 once that was only 120 yards, but the green was tiny and sloped like a ski hill. Made for some interesting scores!
• Par 4: These are the workhorses of most golf courses. Mid-length holes where you might need a good drive and an accurate approach shot to reach the green, followed by two putts. The strategy here involves deciding whether to play it safe or go for the green in two, depending on your drive.
• Par 5: The longest holes. These often require a strong drive, a solid second shot to position yourself for the green, and then an approach shot to get on the putting surface, plus two putts. These are often where golfers can really score well, or make big mistakes. Some players can even reach these greens in two shots, which is a huge advantage.

Common Mistakes When Learning Golf Par

• Mistake: Confusing par with the hole number.

Why it matters: This leads to totally wrong scoring and misunderstanding the challenge of each hole. You might think hole number 5 is always a Par 5, but it could easily be a Par 4.
Fix: Always check the ‘Par’ column on the scorecard. It’s clearly marked, usually right next to the yardage.

• Mistake: Assuming par is always 4 strokes per hole.

Why it matters: You’ll miss the variety. Golf courses have Par 3s, 4s, and 5s for a reason, and each presents a different challenge. Thinking everything is a Par 4 is like saying all trees are oak trees – it’s just not accurate.
Fix: Recognize that par varies based on hole length and design. Pay attention to the scorecard.

• Mistake: Forgetting the standard 2-putt assumption.

Why it matters: You’ll miscalculate your expected score on the green and how you’re actually playing. If you’re consistently taking 3 or 4 putts on Par 4 greens, you’re likely shooting over par even if your approach shots are good.
Fix: Remember par includes reaching the green and taking two putts to finish. This is the standard assumption for skilled players.

• Mistake: Thinking par is the score you must shoot.

Why it matters: It’s a target, not a mandate. Golf is about playing your best, not just hitting par. Getting too fixated on par can add unnecessary pressure.
Fix: Focus on playing each shot well and making good decisions. Par is a reference point, not a strict rule for your score. Enjoy the game.

• Mistake: Not understanding how scores relate to par.

Why it matters: You won’t know if you’re having a good day or a bad one relative to the course. Terms like birdie, bogey, and eagle won’t make sense.
Fix: Learn the basic terms: Birdie (one under par), Par (even par), Bogey (one over par), Double Bogey (two over par), Eagle (two under par).

FAQ

• What is the standard par for a golf course?

Most 18-hole golf courses have a total par between 70 and 72. This is usually a mix of Par 3s, 4s, and 5s. For example, a common layout might be four Par 3s, ten Par 4s, and four Par 5s, totaling 72.

• How is par determined for a specific hole?

It’s based on the hole’s length (yardage) and the expected number of strokes a skilled golfer needs to reach the green and sink two putts. Longer holes require more strokes to get there, thus a higher par.

• What does it mean to score a birdie?

A birdie means you shot one stroke under par on a hole. So, if par is 4, a birdie is a 3. It’s a great score and something to aim for!

• What about an eagle or a bogey?

An eagle is two strokes under par (e.g., a 2 on a Par 4, or a 3 on a Par 5). A bogey is one stroke over par (e.g., a 5 on a Par 4). Everyone makes bogeys; it’s part of the game.

• Does par change based on the tee box?

Yes. Different tee boxes (like men’s, women’s, or senior tees) have different yardages, which can sometimes affect the par for a specific hole. Always check the scorecard for the tees you’re playing from, as the yardage and par might differ from what you’re used to.

• Is par the same as the hole number?

Absolutely not. The hole number just indicates the sequence of holes on the course (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.). Par is the expected score for that hole, determined by its length and difficulty. They are two completely separate pieces of information.

• Can a hole be a Par 6?

While extremely rare, some exceptionally long holes on championship courses might be designated as Par 6, typically over 690 yards for men. However, Par 3, 4, and 5 are the standard designations you’ll encounter on 99% of golf courses.