TL;DR – Par in One Line
Par in golf is the number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to take on a hole or course, including two putts.
Key Takeaways
- Par is the expected number of strokes for a skilled golfer, including two putts.
- Most holes are par 3, par 4, or par 5, based on length and difficulty.
- Par helps set expectations, track performance, and compare scores.
- It’s not an average score – most amateurs shoot over par.
- To play near par, focus on smart strategy, short game, and putting.
- Use drills like Par 18 and 3-6-9 Putting to build consistency.
What Is Par in Golf?
In golf, par is the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to take to complete a hole or an entire course. It includes one stroke for the tee shot, fairway shots, and two putts on the green.
Each hole is labeled by its par – usually par 3, par 4, or par 5 – based on its length and difficulty. A golfer who finishes a hole in the exact number of strokes as its par is said to have “made par.”
Par is also used to measure performance:
- Under par (e.g., birdie, eagle) means better than expected.
- Over par (e.g., bogey) means more strokes than expected.
Courses typically total to par 70–72 over 18 holes.
Why Par Matters
Par is important in golf because it sets expectations, measures performance, enables comparisons, guides course design, and structures competition.
- Sets expectations – Par gives players a target number of strokes per hole or round.
- Measures performance – Scores like birdie (1 under par) or bogey (1 over par) are based on par.
- Enables comparisons – Par allows golfers of all skill levels to compare scores fairly, regardless of course layout.
- Guides course design – Architects use par to balance challenge and playability across 18 holes.
- Structures competition – Tournaments use scores relative to par (e.g., -5) to rank players clearly.
In short, par provides the foundation for scoring, strategy, and fairness in golf.
How to Understand Par Correctly
To understand par in golf, think of it as the ideal number of strokes a skilled golfer should take to complete a hole or course. It’s based on the hole’s length, terrain, and an allowance for two putts once on the green.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Par 3 – Short holes, typically one tee shot and two putts.
- Par 4 – Medium length, usually one drive, one approach, and two putts.
- Par 5 – Longer holes needing three strokes to reach the green, plus two putts.
Par serves as a reference point, helping golfers gauge their performance and understand terms like birdie (1 under par) or bogey (1 over par). Knowing par helps players manage expectations, choose clubs wisely, and track progress throughout a round.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Understanding Par
Many golfers misinterpret par by treating it as an average, ignoring hole length, assuming all courses have the same par, confusing it with personal goals, or overlooking the role of putting.
Thinking par equals average
Par is not the average score most golfers get, it’s what a skilled or professional golfer is expected to shoot. Most amateurs will often score over par, and that’s completely normal.
Ignoring hole length and design
Par isn’t just based on how far the hole is. Course designers also factor in things like hills, hazards, and doglegs (curved fairways). A shorter hole with tricky obstacles could still be a par 4.
Assuming all courses have the same par
Not every 18-hole course is a par 72. Some courses are par 70 or 71, depending on their layout. So don’t be surprised if the total par changes from course to course.
Confusing par with personal goals
For beginners, trying to make par on every hole can be frustrating. It’s better to use par as a guideline and aim to improve your own score over time instead of matching the par right away.
Overlooking putting
Par always includes two putts once you’re on the green. If you assume you should make every putt in one shot, you may misjudge your strategy. Smart players plan to two-putt and avoid risky plays.
Pro Tips & Drills to Master Par Play
Want to get better at scoring around par? Here are some simple but effective tips and drills:
Pro Tips
To improve your ability to play around par, focus on playing for bogey, knowing your distances, using smart course management, prioritizing your short game, and thinking two putts, not one.
Play for bogey, score par
Especially for beginners, aiming for a bogey on tougher holes often results in fewer mistakes – and surprise pars.
Know your distances
Track how far you hit each club. This helps you choose the right club and avoid overshooting or coming up short.
Use course management
Play to your strengths. If you can’t reach the green in two on a par 4, lay up safely and give yourself an easy chip-and-putt.
Practice your short game more than your driver
Putts and chips make up the majority of strokes in a round. A solid short game turns bogeys into pars – and pars into birdies.
Think two putts, not one
Play smart on the green. Lag putting (getting close to the hole on long putts) reduces 3-putts and keeps you near par.
Drills to Build Consistency
To sharpen your par game, try the Par 18 Drill, 3-6-9 Putting Drill, Fairway Finder Drill, Tee Shot Routine Practice, and the Bogey Save Challenge.
Par 18 Drill
Drop a ball at 9 different spots around a practice green. Try to get up and down (chip + one putt) from each. Par is 18 – track your score and repeat.
3-6-9 Putting Drill
Place balls at 3, 6, and 9 feet. Make three putts from each distance in a row. Great for building confidence and simulating pressure.
Fairway Finder Drill
Pick a narrow target on the driving range. Focus on accuracy over power – this simulates hitting fairways, which makes scoring par easier.
Tee Shot Routine Practice
On the range, go through your full pre-shot routine before every tee shot. Building consistency here leads to better starts on every hole.
Bogey Save Challenge
In casual rounds, start some holes with a penalty (e.g., drop ball in rough). Practice playing smart to still make bogey or save par.
FAQs About Par
What does “par” mean in golf?
Par is the number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to take to complete a hole or a full round, including two putts on the green.
What are typical par values for holes?
Most holes are par 3, par 4, or par 5 – based on distance and difficulty. Par 6 holes are rare.
Is par the same on every course?
No. While many 18-hole courses total par 72, some may be par 70 or 71 depending on design.
Is scoring par good for beginners?
Yes, but not expected. Beginners should view par as a long-term goal and focus on improving gradually.
What does it mean to be “under par”?
Being under par means you completed a hole or round in fewer strokes than the expected par – this is a strong performance.
How is par determined for each hole?
Course designers use total distance, elevation, hazards, and layout to set a fair par for each hole.
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