Understanding Par
Par is the number of strokes an accomplished golfer is expected to need to complete a hole, including two putts. Most holes are par 3, 4, or 5, based primarily on the hole's length.
Par represents a standard, not a target reserved for pro players. It is the expected score for a hole assuming two putts once the ball reaches the green. Par also includes the number of additional shots a skilled player would need to get there. A par-3 hole is short enough to reach the green in one shot. A par-4 usually needs two shots to reach the green. A par-5 usually needs three. The total par for a full 18-hole course is usually 70 to 72, made up of a mix of par 3s, 4s, and 5s.
Par is set primarily by hole length, with some adjustment for difficulty (elevation change, hazards, green complexity). It is fixed for each hole and each course rather than changing based on who is playing. This is what makes it a useful universal reference. A par-4 is a par-4 whether a beginner or a tour pro is playing it. Their actual scores on that hole will still differ enormously.
Understanding par is the foundation every other scoring term builds on. Birdie, bogey, and the various "breaking X" milestones are all defined relative to par. They are not defined relative to some fixed number independent of the specific hole or course being played.
Example
A 380-yard hole is set as a par 4. A strong player might reach the green in two shots and then two-putt for the "par" score of 4.
Why it matters
Every other scoring concept in golf — birdie, bogey, handicap — is defined relative to par. Understanding it is the entry point to making sense of a scorecard at all.
Frequently asked questions
Is par the same on every golf course?
No — total course par (usually 70 to 72) and individual hole pars are set based on each specific course's hole lengths and design. As a result, they vary somewhat from course to course.
Does "even par" mean I played perfectly?
It means you matched the expected standard score for the round. This for most amateur golfers — even skilled ones — is an excellent result, not a baseline expectation.
Related terms
- Bogey Golf"Bogey golf" describes shooting roughly one over par on every hole, around 90 for an 18-hole, par-72 course. It is a common and respectable benchmark for a solidly developing recreational golfer.
- Birdie and Eagle ExplainedA birdie is one stroke under par on a hole, and an eagle is two strokes under par. Both are celebrated results that most golfers, even good ones, make only sometimes.
- What Is a Good Score for BeginnersFor most new golfers, shooting 100–120 on a full 18-hole course is normal and respectable. Breaking 100 usually takes months to a couple of years of regular play.
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