In golf, par is the predetermined number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to take to complete a hole or an entire course.
It serves as the standard or benchmark for scoring, helping players measure performance on each hole and across the round.
Ever watched a golf tournament or played a round and heard someone say, “That hole is a par 4,” and wondered what that really means? You’re not alone. Par is one of the most important and most misunderstood terms in golf. Whether you’re a beginner trying to understand the scorecard or a casual fan watching the pros on TV, knowing what par means in golf instantly makes the game clearer and more enjoyable.
This in-depth guide breaks it all down in plain, friendly language no golf snobbery, no confusing jargon. Let’s tee off. ⛳
What Is Par in Golf?
At its core, par is a scoring baseline.
- Each hole on a golf course has a par value
- The entire course also has a total par
- Players compare their actual strokes to par to see how well they played
Example:
If a hole is a par 4:
- 4 strokes = par (you met the standard)
- 3 strokes = 1 under par (great!)
- 5 strokes = 1 over par (still respectable)
Think of par as the “expected score” for a well-played hole.
Why Par Matters in Golf
Par isn’t just a number—it’s the backbone of golf scoring.
Par helps players:
- Measure performance objectively
- Compare scores fairly across different courses
- Track improvement over time
- Understand difficulty levels of holes and courses
For fans, par makes tournaments easier to follow. When commentators say a golfer is “five under par,” you instantly know they’re playing exceptionally well.
The Origin of the Term “Par” in Golf
The word par didn’t originally come from golf.
Historical Background
- The term par comes from stock exchange language in the 19th century
- It meant a standard or face value of a stock
- Golf adopted the term in the late 1800s to describe a standard score
By the early 1900s, par became the official scoring benchmark used worldwide.
How Par Is Determined for a Golf Hole
Par is based on:
- Hole length
- Terrain and obstacles
- Expected number of shots to reach the green
- Two putts on the green (generally assumed)
Standard Par Breakdown
| Hole Length (Men) | Typical Par |
|---|---|
| Up to 250 yards | Par 3 |
| 251–450 yards | Par 4 |
| 451–600 yards | Par 5 |
| 600+ yards | Par 6 (rare) |
Women’s and junior tees use adjusted distances, but the par logic remains the same.
Types of Par in Golf
Par 3 Holes
- Short holes
- Usually reachable in one shot
- Emphasis on accuracy
Par 4 Holes
- Most common
- Two shots to reach the green
- Balance of distance and strategy
Par 5 Holes
- Longer holes
- Three shots to reach the green
- Opportunities for aggressive play
Par 6 Holes
- Extremely rare
- Found on a few specialty courses
What Is Course Par?
Course par is the total of all hole pars added together.
Common Course Pars
- 18-hole course: Par 72
- Shorter courses: Par 70 or Par 71
- Championship layouts can vary slightly
Example:
- Front 9: Par 36
- Back 9: Par 36
Total: Par 72
How Golf Scores Compare to Par
This is where golf gets fun—and competitive.
Common Golf Scoring Terms
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Par | Matches expected strokes |
| Birdie | 1 stroke under par |
| Eagle | 2 strokes under par |
| Albatross | 3 under par (very rare) |
| Bogey | 1 stroke over par |
| Double Bogey | 2 over par |
Example in Context
- “I made a birdie on the par 4!” 😀
- “That bunker cost me a double bogey.” 😬
Real-World Usage of “Par” in Golf Conversations
Friendly Tone
- “I played that hole at par—felt solid!”
- “Breaking par today would be amazing.”
Neutral / Informational
- “The course plays to a par of 71.”
- “This hole is a long par 3.”
Slightly Frustrated or Dismissive
- “I should have made par there.”
- “Missing par from that distance hurts.”
Tone depends entirely on context, but the meaning of par stays consistent.
Example Table
| Hole Number | Yardage | Par | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hole 1 | 410 yards | Par 4 | Straight fairway, guarded green |
| Hole 3 | 175 yards | Par 3 | Water hazard left |
| Hole 7 | 520 yards | Par 5 | Reachable in two for long hitters |
| Hole 18 | 430 yards | Par 4 | Challenging finishing hole |
Par vs. Other Golf Terms
Par vs. Bogey
- Par = expected score
- Bogey = one over par
- Many recreational golfers aim for bogey as a realistic goal
Par vs. Handicap
- Par is fixed
- Handicap adjusts scoring based on player skill
Par vs. Course Rating
- Par is a simple standard
- Course rating measures difficulty more precisely
Alternate Meanings of “Par”
Outside of golf, par can mean:
- Average or standard level (“That performance was par for the course”)
- Financial face value (stocks, bonds)
- Expected condition (“Health is back to par”)
But in golf, par always refers to expected strokes.
Professional and Polite Alternatives
If you’re using par metaphorically and want alternatives:
- Standard
- Benchmark
- Expected level
- Average
- Baseline
Example:
- “The results met expectations” instead of “The results were par.”
How Beginners Should Think About Par
If you’re new to golf, here’s a stress-free mindset:
- Par is a reference point, not a judgment
- You don’t need to “beat par” to enjoy the game
- Focus on consistency and improvement
Many amateurs celebrate bogeys—and that’s perfectly fine.
Why Par Is Important in Professional Golf
In tournaments:
- Leaderboards are shown relative to par
- “-10” means ten strokes under par
- “+3” means three strokes over par
Par makes it possible to compare players across different rounds and conditions.
FAQs
1. What does par mean in golf scoring?
Par is the expected number of strokes a skilled golfer should take to complete a hole or course.
2. Is par the same for everyone?
Yes, par stays the same, but difficulty varies by tee and skill level.
3. What is a good par for an 18-hole course?
Most standard courses are par 72.
4. Can a hole be par 2?
Extremely rare, but possible on very short or novelty courses.
5. Why is par important in golf tournaments?
It allows players and fans to compare scores easily.
6. Is shooting par considered good?
Absolutely—especially for amateurs.
7. How is par decided for a hole?
Based on length, layout, and expected strokes to reach the green plus two putts.
8. What does “under par” mean?
It means completing a hole or round in fewer strokes than par.
Conclusion
Understanding what par means in golf gives you instant clarity about how the game is played, scored, and enjoyed. Par is simply the expected number of strokes a skilled golfer should take to complete a hole or an entire course, and it acts as the universal benchmark for performance. Whether you’re making par, shooting under it, or going a few strokes over, par helps you measure progress without pressure.
For beginners, par provides structure and realistic goals. For experienced players, it’s a way to track consistency and strategy. And for fans, it makes watching golf far more engaging by turning numbers on a scoreboard into a meaningful story.
Megan Lewis is a passionate and experienced content writer specializing in creating engaging and well-researched content. She excels at producing clear, informative, and reader-focused content that not only ranks well on search engines but also delivers real value to audiences.
