How Does Golf Scoring Work?
Golf scoring is based on par, the expected number of strokes to complete each hole. Every hole on a course is assigned a par value (typically 3, 4, or 5). Your score on each hole is described relative to par. The goal is to complete the course in as few strokes as possible.
A standard 18-hole golf course has a total par between 70 and 72. Your total round score is the sum of all 18 holes, and is expressed as over or under par. For example, if the course par is 72 and you score 80, you shot 8 over par (+8).
All Golf Scoring Terms: From Best to Worst
Condor
-4 (4 Under Par)Incredibly rare. A condor means finishing a hole 4 strokes under par. This is almost exclusively a hole-in-one on a par 5. Only a handful have ever been recorded in golf history.
Albatross (Double Eagle)
-3 (3 Under Par)Also called a "double eagle," an albatross is 3 strokes under par on a single hole. For example, a 2 on a par 5. Extremely rare even among professional golfers.
Eagle
-2 (2 Under Par)An eagle means completing a hole in 2 strokes under par. For example, a 3 on a par 5 or a 2 on a par 4. Eagles are exciting moments that can dramatically improve your round.
Birdie
-1 (1 Under Par)A birdie is one stroke under par. For example, a 3 on a par 4 or a 2 on a par 3. The term originated in the early 1900s from American slang where "bird" meant something excellent.
Par
E (Even)Par is the predetermined number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to complete a hole in. Par values are typically 3, 4, or 5 depending on hole length. Making par is considered a good score.
Bogey
+1 (1 Over Par)A bogey is one stroke over par. For recreational golfers, bogey golf (averaging one over par per hole) is a very respectable standard. The term comes from the 1890s Scottish expression.
Double Bogey
+2 (2 Over Par)A double bogey is two strokes over par on a hole. For example, a 6 on a par 4. Common among amateur and beginner golfers, double bogeys are often the result of a penalty or difficult lie.
Triple Bogey
+3 (3 Over Par)A triple bogey is three strokes over par. Typically caused by a combination of mishits, penalties, or trouble shots. Even pros occasionally make triple bogeys on difficult holes.
Other Important Golf Scoring Terms
Hole-in-One (Ace)
Sinking the ball in just one stroke from the tee. Most commonly achieved on par 3 holes. The odds for an amateur are roughly 1 in 12,500.
Under Par / Over Par
Your total score relative to the course par. If the course par is 72 and you shoot 75, you are "3 over par" (+3). If you shoot 70, you are "2 under par" (-2).
Gross Score
Your actual total number of strokes taken during the round, with no handicap adjustment applied.
Net Score
Your gross score minus your course handicap. Used in handicap competitions so golfers of different abilities can compete fairly.
Front Nine / Back Nine
The first 9 holes (holes 1-9) are the "front nine" and the last 9 holes (holes 10-18) are the "back nine." Scores are often tracked separately for each.
Stroke Index (SI)
A ranking of holes 1-18 by difficulty. SI 1 is the hardest hole, SI 18 is the easiest. Used to determine on which holes a player receives handicap strokes.
Golf Score Quick Reference Chart
Here's how scoring terms apply to each par value:
| Term | Par 3 | Par 4 | Par 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albatross (-3) | - | 1 | 2 |
| Eagle (-2) | 1 (Ace!) | 2 | 3 |
| Birdie (-1) | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Par (E) | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Bogey (+1) | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Double Bogey (+2) | 5 | 6 | 7 |
Track Every Birdie, Eagle & Par
Golf Scorecard App automatically counts your birdies, pars, bogeys, and more. See exactly how you performed with detailed statistics after every round.
