by In golf, “par” is the predetermined number of strokes that a skilled golfer should require to complete a hole, or the sum of the par numbers for all the holes on a course. The term is derived from the Spanish word for ‘equal’ or ‘level’.
The average golfer will take more shots than this, so a score of “par” or better is considered to be good. A score of “under par” is particularly impressive, and usually indicates a very good round.
How is par determined?
The number of strokes needed for each hole on a course can vary greatly, depending on the length of the hole and the difficulty of the terrain. For example, a short hole with a straight path to the hole, known as a “birdieable” hole, may only require two shots for a skilled golfer. Conversely, a long hole with many obstacles might require five strokes or more.
The total number of strokes required to complete all 18 holes on a course is called the “par” for the entire course. The par for a course can range from 70 to 72, or even higher for particularly difficult courses.
What is a good score relative to par?
A score of “par” or better is considered to be good, and a score of “under par” is particularly impressive.
The average golfer will take more shots than the par for a hole, so a score of “par” or better is considered to be good. A score of “under par” is particularly impressive, and usually indicates a very good round.
What is the stroke index?
The stroke index is a number assigned to each hole on a golf course which reflects its difficulty. The stroke index is used to calculate a golfer’s “net” score, which takes into account the number of strokes they took on each hole relative to the stroke index.
For example, if a golfer shoots a 76 on a course with a stroke index of 72, their net score would be four strokes under par.
What is the difference between the par for a course and the stroke index?
The par for a course is the total number of strokes required to complete all 18 holes on a course, while the stroke index is a number assigned to each hole which reflects its difficulty. The stroke index is used to calculate a golfer’s “net” score, which takes into account the number of strokes they took on each hole relative to the stroke index.
For example, if a golfer shoots a 76 on a course with a stroke index of 72, their net score would be four strokes under par.
What is the best way to keep track of my score relative to par?
The most common method is to simply subtract your total number of strokes from the par for the course. For example, if you shoot a 70 on a par 72 course, you would be two strokes under par.
Another popular method is known as the “stroke index,” which assigns a specific number to each hole on the course based on its difficulty. The stroke index is then used to calculate your “net” score, which takes into account the number of strokes you took on each hole relative to the stroke index.
For example, if you shoot a 76 on a course with a stroke index of 72, your net score would be four strokes under par.
No matter which method you use, keeping track of your score relative to par is a good way to gauge your progress and performance out on the golf course.
What are some common terms used to describe scores relative to par?
“Par” is the most common term used to describe a score equal to the number of strokes needed to complete a hole or the total number of strokes needed to complete a course.
“Birdie” describes a score one stroke under par, while “eagle” describes a score two strokes under par. “Bogey” describes a score one stroke over par, while “double bogey” or “triple bogey” describe scores two or three strokes over par, respectively.
Scoring “par” or better is considered good, while a score of “under par” is particularly impressive. The stroke index is a number assigned to each hole which reflects its difficulty and is used to calculate a golfer’s “net” score.
Keep track of your score relative to par by subtracting your total number of strokes from the par for the course, or by using the stroke index to calculate your net score. Scoring “birdie” or better is considered good, while a “bogey” or worse is not ideal.
