Golf is absolutely addictive – the thrill of the game, the sunshine, getting to spend time in beautiful surroundings. To make the most of it, though, you have to grasp a few essential terms and concepts.
One of the big essentials is demystifying golf scores and to do so, you have to familiarize yourself with terms like par.
So, what is par in golf? Par is the foundation of scoring in a game of golf. It refers to the number of strokes needed to take to complete a hole. Golf courses feature three main types of holes, each one impacting par with a specific value. Here’s everything you need to know about it to improve your game and ensure consistently good scores each time.
What Does Par Mean in Golf? A Beginner’s Guide
Par in golf means the number of strokes needed to complete a hole. The par value depends on the length and the difficulty of the respective hole. A total score is the sum of all par values for each hole and needless to say, it’s a key performance indicator that golfers refer to.
Let’s dive into some more specific information.
The US Golfing Association has determined the par distances and they’re also divided by gender.
For men, the par distances are as follows:
- Par 3: up to 260 yards (240m)
- Par 4: up to 490 yards (450m)
- Par 5: up to 710 yards (650m)
- Par 6: 670 yards and up (610m)
For women, the par distances are as follows:
- Par 3: up to 220 yards (200m)
- Par 4: up to 420 yards (380m)
- Par 5: up to 600 yards (550m)
- Par 6: 570 yards and up (520m)
Essentially, par 3 is for short holes (a skilled player can reach the green with a single stroke), par 4 is for medium-length holes (requiring two strokes to reach the green), and par 5 is for long holes (generally, three strokes needed to reach the green).
In relationship to par, there are a few additional terms that a golfer will need to familiarize themselves with:
- Birdie: achieved whenever a player completes a hole in one in one stroke under par (you will have a birdie secured in the event of scoring three on a par-4 or par 5 holes).
- Eagle: getting two strokes under par for a hole.
- Bogey: this is essentially the opposite of a birdie – a player taking one stroke over par to complete a hole.
Additional reading: To better grasp the concept of birdie, you can check out this detailed guide that sheds more light on What Is a Birdie in Golf? A Beginner’s Guide to Scoring Big on the Course.
Understanding Par Scoring as a Beginner: Breaking Down the Numbers
As a beginner, you’re probably somewhat confused by all this terminology. Now that you have a basic grasp of the principle, let’s talk about what an ideal score is and how it’s calculated.
For a par-4 hole, you’re expected to complete it through four strokes. Accomplishing the goal in two strokes means you’re two under par.
The same principle applies to the entire golf course. If you have a score of 40 par on a nine-hole golf course with a par of 36, you’re four over par. It’s pretty self-explanatory but understanding par does take some time and practice.
As a general rule of thumb, professional golfers aim to score under par. This shows precision and excellent skills, regardless of the course’s complexity.
Needless to say, the handicap system is also in place and it aims to make the game fair for all experience levels. Amateurs and beginners who know their handicap can set better goals and manage expectations in a realistic way, which is conducive of consistent progress.
Additional reading: Learn more about handicaps in Unlocking Your Golf Potential: Understanding Handicaps.
What Is the Best Under Par Score in PGA Professional Golf? A Look at the Pros
The best golf score ever recorded officially during a PGA tournament is 58. This accomplishment has never been repeated. It’s the doing of Jim Furyk and it happened during the final round of the 2016 Travelers Championship.
Furyk’s score was 12-under par – the lowest PGA score for 18 holes.
A score of 59 on an 18-hole golf course has been posted nine times. The first golfer to get that score was Al Geilberg whose accomplishment occurred during the 1977 Memphis Classic.
How to Improve Your Golf Score (and Avoid Frustration!)
You’re a beginner who feels ambitious and motivated to improve your score. We’ve mentioned some things that can be done to make the goal a reality but here’s a detailed breakdown of golf strategies you can employ to get better outcomes (consistently!).
Mastering the Putt: The Key to Lower Scores
Putting is the tap that guides the ball in the desired direction. It has an important relationship with your par score and it’s something you need to master, whether you’re just getting started or you already have some experience.
A good stance and a good grip are fundamentals you have to master before moving on to more advanced techniques. You should also focus on distance control, and build consistency through a solid pre-shot routine.
Additional reading: Looking for ways to improve your putt? Check out these 7 Putting Tips to Improve Your Short Game.
Choosing the Right Golf Club for the Best Score
Body type, gender, and experience level, all have to be taken into account when you’re choosing a golf club.
A forgiving set of golf irons with larger club heads is ideal for amateurs and those who are just getting started.
Intermediate players who already have their swing developed should look for golf clubs that offer better balance and control.
Additional Reading: You might want to read more about Mastering Your Swing: How to Hit Golf Irons Like a Pro.
Several other golf club characteristics you’ll have to pay attention to include the material the club head is made of, shaft flexibility, grip, and swing speed.
The Benefits of Indoor Golf Club Practice
If you’ve been thinking about trying indoor golf, you should definitely become a member of such a club. Ordinary weather conditions can’t be guaranteed during the winter. As a result, you may have to discontinue practicing, which can impact your skills.
Using an indoor golf club to practice lets you experience the following benefits:
- Consistent playing conditions
- The incorporation of advanced golf course simulation technology that results in a realistic experience
- The ability to accomplish year-round technique improvement
- Fully controlled settings that give you a chance to focus on your skills
Remember to practice consistently and don’t be discouraged if you don’t get immediate results. Getting the basics takes some time. Once you get there, you can move on to more advanced approaches that will help you consistently score under par in the future.
The Stacker: Your Secret Weapon for a Lower Golf Score
Having access to reliable equipment is a final secret we’d like to share with you. Relying on pure luck doesn’t cut it when your intentions are serious. Luckily, options like The Stacker are readily available.
The Stacker is a golf pyramid tray system designed to streamline your practice session. You will enjoy consistency with each shot. The Stacker is perfect for driving range sessions, short game drills, and mastering the putt.
Regular, structured practice is essential and access to reliable tools makes it easier to schedule such sessions as frequently and consistently as you need to have them. Give it a try!
