Golf is a popular sport. Many people play golf for fun. But golf has many rules and terms. One important term is “par”. Do you know what par means in golf? This article will explain it.
Understanding Par in Golf
In golf, each hole has a par. Par is the number of strokes a golfer should take to complete the hole. Strokes are the number of times you hit the ball. So, if a hole is a par 3, you should try to get the ball in the hole in three strokes.
Par for Different Holes
Not all golf holes are the same. Some are short, and some are long. Because of this, each hole has a different par. Here is a simple table:
Hole Type | Par |
---|---|
Short Hole | Par 3 |
Medium Hole | Par 4 |
Long Hole | Par 5 |
So, a short hole is usually a par 3. A medium hole is a par 4. And a long hole is a par 5. These are general rules. Some courses might have different pars for their holes.
How is Par Determined?
Par is not a random number. Golf course designers decide the par. They consider many factors. Here are some:
- Distance from the tee to the hole
- Difficulty of the course
- Elevation changes
- Obstacles like water or sand
These factors make the game fair and fun for everyone.

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Par on a Golf Course
A golf course has 18 holes. The total par for the course is the sum of the pars for all 18 holes. For example, if a course has ten par 4 holes, four par 3 holes, and four par 5 holes, the total par is:
10 x 4 + 4 x 3 + 4 x 5 = 40 + 12 + 20 = 72
So, the total par for this course is 72. This means a good golfer should finish the course in 72 strokes.
Scores Related to Par
Now, let’s talk about scores related to par. Here are some common terms:
- Birdie: One stroke under par
- Eagle: Two strokes under par
- Bogey: One stroke over par
- Double Bogey: Two strokes over par
If you score a birdie on a par 4 hole, you complete the hole in three strokes. If you score a bogey, you complete it in five strokes.
Why is Par Important?
Par is very important in golf. It helps golfers set goals. It also helps compare scores. If you finish a hole in par, you did well. If you finish under par, you did very well. If you finish over par, you can improve next time.

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Tips to Play at Par
Here are some tips to help you play at par:
- Practice your swing
- Choose the right club
- Focus on your target
- Stay calm and patient
- Learn from your mistakes
Practice is key. The more you practice, the better you get.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Par Mean In Golf?
Par is the number of strokes a skilled golfer should take to complete a hole.
What Is A Birdie In Golf?
A birdie is scoring one stroke under par on a hole. It’s a good score.
What Does Bogey Mean In Golf?
A bogey means scoring one stroke over par on a hole. It’s not ideal.
What Is An Eagle In Golf?
An eagle is scoring two strokes under par on a hole. It’s excellent.
Conclusion
Par is a simple but important concept in golf. It helps set goals and measure success. Understanding par can make the game more enjoyable. So, next time you play golf, think about par. Try to play each hole at par or better. Have fun and enjoy the game!
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