What Is Par in Golf? The Foundation of Golf Scoring

Par Definition: The Expected Score for Expert Play

Par is the predetermined number of strokes that an expert golfer is expected to need to complete a hole or a round. It serves as the universal benchmark against which all golf scores are measured. When a golfer "makes par," they have completed the hole in exactly the expected number of strokes. Par accounts for both the tee-to-green shots and two putts on the green.

For example, on a par 4 hole, the expectation is that a skilled golfer will reach the green in 2 strokes (a drive and an approach shot) and then take 2 putts to hole the ball, totaling 4 strokes. This "regulation" formula applies across all par values: the par number always assumes the player will reach the green in par minus two shots, then take exactly two putts.

The word "par" comes from the Latin word meaning "equal" and was first applied to golf in the late 1800s. Before par was standardized, golfers used the "bogey" system as their benchmark. The transition to par as the standard began in the United States in the early 1900s, and by the mid-20th century, par was universally adopted worldwide.

How Is Par Determined for Each Hole?

Par is primarily determined by the length of the hole, measured from the tee to the center of the green. Golf's governing bodies (the USGA and R&A) provide guidelines for assigning par values based on yardage. Other factors such as elevation changes, doglegs, and hazards can also influence the par assignment.

Note that there is overlap in the yardage ranges. A 470-yard hole could be a long par 4 or a short par 5, depending on terrain, elevation, and the course designer's intent. Uphill holes may receive a higher par for the same distance, while downhill holes may have a lower par. Course rating committees ultimately make the final decision.

Par 3, Par 4, and Par 5 Holes Explained

What Is Course Par?

Course par is the total of all individual hole pars added together. For a standard 18-hole course, this is typically 70, 71, or 72. The most common course par is 72, which usually consists of four par 3s, ten par 4s, and four par 5s (4×3 + 10×4 + 4×5 = 72).

However, course par is not universal. Some courses are par 70 (with extra par 3s replacing par 5s or par 4s), while others can be par 73 or even higher. The Old Course at St Andrews, for example, has a par of 72, but many historic links courses have unusual par distributions. Executive courses and par-3 courses have much lower total pars.

When you hear a golfer say they "shot 72 on a par-72 course," it means they played to exactly the expected standard, or "even par." Professional tournament winners typically finish between 10 and 20 under par for a four-round (72-hole) event, which works out to roughly 3-5 strokes under par per round.

Understanding "Under Par" and "Over Par"

Golf scores are expressed relative to par using plus and minus notation. This system provides an instant snapshot of how a golfer is performing:

What Does the Average Golfer Shoot Relative to Par?

According to the USGA and various golf industry studies, the average 18-hole score for male amateur golfers is approximately 96, which is 24 over par on a par-72 course. For female amateur golfers, the average is around 108. These numbers include golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to near-scratch players.

The average male handicap index in the United States is approximately 14, which corresponds to shooting in the mid-to-high 80s on a typical par-72 course. Only about 5% of golfers regularly break par, and fewer than 1% maintain a scratch handicap (0 or better). If you regularly shoot in the 80s, you are well above the average golfer.

These statistics should be encouraging, not discouraging. Shooting even par is not the standard most golfers should measure themselves against. Setting goals relative to your own personal par, such as breaking 100, then 90, then 80, provides a more realistic and motivating framework for improvement.

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