Jackson Reid
Golf scoring can be a little complex, especially for beginners, due to the various scoring formats and unique terminology used. The most common scoring format is stroke play, where players count the total number of strokes taken to complete each hole and the entire round. Each hole is assigned a par score, representing the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need. Par typically ranges from 3 to 5, with the total par for 18 holes usually being around 72 strokes for a standard course. Golfers aim for the lowest score, and terms like birdie and eagle represent scores under par, while bogey and double bogey refer to scores over par. To ensure fair competition, golf also utilizes a handicap system, which represents a golfer's playing ability and can be adjusted based on course difficulty.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scoring format | Stroke play, match play |
| Scoring calculation | Total number of strokes taken per hole and the entire round |
| Par | Number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete a hole |
| Par range | 3–6 strokes |
| Scoring terms | "Birdie" (one stroke under par), "Eagle" (two strokes under par), "Bogey" (one stroke over par), "Double Bogey" (two strokes over par) |
| Handicap | A numerical measure of a golfer's ability, calculated based on recent scores and adjusted for course difficulty |
| Scorecard | Lists each hole, its par value, and the golfer's score per hole |
| Scoring penalties | Out of Bounds (two-stroke penalty), Penalty Areas (one-stroke penalty) |
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What You'll Learn
'Par' scores and how they work
Par scores are central to golf scoring. Each hole on a golf course is assigned a "par" score, representing the number of strokes a proficient golfer is expected to make to complete the hole. Par scores typically range from 3 (par-3) to 5 (par-5), and occasionally 4 (par-4) and 6 (par-6) for women. The total par for a standard 18-hole golf course is usually around 72 strokes, with each hole having a par value between 3 and 5. Par-3s are the shortest holes, typically under 220 yards (200 m) for women and less than 250 yards for men, and a skilled golfer is expected to reach the green in one stroke and use two putts to complete the hole. Par-4s are medium-length holes, ranging from 200-420 yards (180-380 m) for women and 250-470 yards for men, and golfers are expected to reach the green in two strokes and use two putts to finish the hole. Par-5s are the longest holes, often exceeding 370-600 yards (340-550 m) for women and 470 yards for men, and players are expected to reach the green in three strokes and use two putts to complete the hole.
Par-6 holes are rarely seen in professional competitions, as they are typically rated as par-5. Some golf courses feature par-7 holes, but these are not recognised by the United States Golf Association (USGA). The USGA defines par as the "score that an expert player would be expected to make". Par is primarily determined by the playing length of each hole from the teeing ground to the putting green, and occasionally by other factors such as terrain and obstacles.
Golfers' scores are based on their performance relative to the hole's par. If a golfer finishes a hole in fewer strokes than the par, their score is "under par". Conversely, if they take more strokes than the par, their score is "over par". Achieving a score of one stroke under par on a hole is called a "birdie", while two strokes under par is an "eagle". A score of three strokes under par on a hole is called an "albatross" or a "double eagle", and is extremely rare. A hole-in-one on a par-5 is called a "condor", and has only been recorded a few times. On the other hand, a score of one stroke over par is a "bogey", two strokes over par is a "double bogey", three strokes over par is a "triple bogey", and so on. These terms add a layer of excitement and tradition to the scoring process, motivating players to strive for lower scores.
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'Birdie', 'eagle' and other golf jargon
Golf, unlike many other sports, has a unique and eccentric scoring system. The words for scores in golf are derived from the chirping language of birds. Here are some of the key terms:
Par
"Par" is the number of strokes that an expert or "scratch golfer" is expected to need to complete a hole. Par always includes two putts for each hole. On a par-4 hole, for example, a scratch golfer is supposed to reach the green in two strokes, and then complete the hole with two putts. Par can vary by hole and course, typically ranging from 3 (par-3) to 5 (par-5), with the total par for 18 holes usually being around 72 strokes for a standard course.
Birdie
A "birdie" refers to a score of one under par on a hole. The term comes from early 20th-century American slang, where "bird" meant anything excellent. So, if you finished a par-4 hole in just three swings, you've made a birdie!
Eagle
An "eagle" is when a golfer scores two fewer strokes than par on an individual golf hole. For example, 3 strokes on a par-5 hole. Eagles are most commonly achieved by reaching a par-5 green in 2 strokes and then completing the hole with one putt. The term "eagle" is a continuation of the bird theme, with the eagle being the national symbol of the USA.
Albatross or Double Eagle
An "Albatross" or "Double Eagle" is a very rare score, referring to when a golfer scores three fewer strokes than par on an individual golf hole. For example, 2 strokes on a par-5 hole. The term albatross is of British origin and is considered more correct than the American "double eagle".
Condor
A "Condor" is an extremely rare score, achieved when a golfer scores four strokes less than par on an individual golf hole. A hole in one on a par-5 is a condor. Only four condors have been recorded in PGA history.
Bogey
A "bogey" is the opposite of a birdie, indicating a score of one-over-par on a hole. Bogeys tend to occur when golf balls land in bunkers, the rough, or out-of-bounds. Courses often implement long par-4s, doglegs, and well-protected greens to increase the chances of bogeys.
Double Bogey
A "double bogey" refers to a score of two strokes over par on a hole.
Triple Bogey
A score of three strokes over par on a hole is known as a "triple bogey".
Ace
Scoring a hole in one is also called an "ace". For many players, this would be a once-in-a-lifetime achievement, most likely to occur on a par 3.
Handicap
Golf utilizes a handicap system to ensure fair competition among players of varying skill levels. A handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer's playing ability, calculated based on recent scores and adjusted according to the difficulty of the course being played. Lower-handicap players are expected to have a higher likelihood of scoring closer to par.
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Handicap systems and how they're calculated
Golf scoring is based on the total number of strokes taken to complete each hole and the entire round. Each hole is assigned a ""par" score, representing the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need. Par for each hole typically ranges from 3 to 5, with the total par for 18 holes usually being around 72 strokes.
To enable fair competition among players of varying skill levels, golf employs a handicap system. A handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer's playing ability, calculated based on recent scores and adjusted for course difficulty. The lower the handicap, the better the golfer is expected to perform relative to par.
Handicap systems allow players to compete on a level playing field. For example, if Player A has an average score of 80 and Player B has an average score of 95, Player A would ''give' Player B a calculated number of strokes to equalize their chances of winning. This is known as the Handicap Index, which provides a universal measure of playing ability under the World Handicap System.
The calculation of a Handicap Index can be intricate, but it essentially involves averaging the best scores from a player's recent rounds. According to the United States Golf Association (USGA), the calculation considers the eight best scores out of the player's last twenty rounds. Each of these scores is adjusted by subtracting the course rating, and these differentials are then averaged to determine the Handicap Index. This index is dynamic and constantly updated as new scores are posted.
Additionally, handicap adjustments may be triggered by exceptional scores. For instance, if a player submits a score that is 7.0 strokes or more better than their current Handicap Index, adjustments may be applied. Similarly, if the average of the eight best scores out of twenty is 3.0 or more strokes above the player's previous Low Handicap Index, the system may make adjustments.
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Scorecards and how to use them
Scorecards are an essential tool for golfers to track their scores and vital information about the course. They are especially useful for competitive play, allowing golfers to keep a record of their scores and verify their performance.
Scorecards list each hole on the course, along with its assigned par value and the golfer's score for each hole. The "hole" column lists the course holes in order from 1 to 18, with the first hole typically being a par 4, meaning golfers should get the ball in the hole in four strokes. The tee box colours indicate the distance from the tee to the hole, with red tees being the shortest and closest to the fairway, and green tees used by junior golfers or beginners.
Scorecards also include a handicap section, which ranks the holes from hardest (1) to easiest (18). The handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer's ability, allowing players of varying skill levels to compete on an equal footing. The handicap section can help golfers choose the right tees to match their skill level and determine where they give or receive strokes.
When filling out a scorecard, golfers should mark their scores for each hole, keeping track of their total strokes. Some golfers also use scorecards to record additional information, such as the clubs used, fairways hit, and the number of putts.
In competitive play, it is important to accurately mark a playing partner's score on their scorecard. This serves as a witness to their round, and any discrepancies can lead to disqualification.
Golf scoring apps have also emerged as an alternative to traditional scorecards, offering features such as GPS mapping, score tracking, stat analysis, and social sharing capabilities.
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Different scoring formats
Golf has a plethora of scoring formats, each bringing its own rules, excitement, and challenges to the game. Here are some of the most popular scoring formats:
Stroke Play
Stroke play, also known as medal play, is the most common scoring format in golf. In this format, each player counts the total number of strokes taken to complete each hole and the entire round. Each hole on a golf course is assigned a "par" score, representing the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete the hole. Par can vary by hole and course, typically ranging from 3 (par-3) to 5 (par-5). The goal is to complete the course with the fewest strokes, and the player with the lowest score wins. Stroke play can be played by individuals or teams. In team play, the team's score on each hole is that of the lowest-scoring team member.
Match Play
Match play is another popular scoring format in golf. Unlike stroke play, match play focuses on holes won or lost rather than total strokes. Each hole is a separate contest, and the winner of a hole is the player who completes it in the fewest strokes. In team match play, also known as "Better Ball," each member plays their own ball throughout the game, and the lowest score from each team member becomes the team's score for that hole. At the end of the round, the player or team with the most holes won is the winner. Match play adds a strategic dimension as players strategize to win individual holes rather than focusing solely on their total score.
Stableford
The Stableford format is a variation of stroke play that uses a points-based system instead of counting total strokes. Players accumulate points based on their performance relative to a fixed score, typically par. The scoring system encourages aggressive play, rewarding players who score under par more than penalizing those who score over par. The player or team with the highest score wins. The Stableford format can be played by individuals or teams.
Scramble
The Scramble format is usually played by teams of four but can also be adapted for groups of two or three. In this format, each team member tees off on every hole. After the initial tee shots, the team chooses the best shot, and each team member plays their next shot from that spot. This process is repeated for the remaining shots on the hole, including putting. The team with the lowest overall score after all the holes wins.
These are just a few examples of the many scoring formats available in golf. Each format offers a unique twist on the traditional game, providing golfers with endless possibilities for how they play and keeping the sport engaging and exciting.
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Frequently asked questions
A golf score is the total number of strokes it takes to get the ball in the hole for each hole. The lower the score, the better.
Par is the target score for a hole. Each hole is assigned a "par" score, representing the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete the hole. Par is typically between 3 and 5, with the total par for 18 holes usually being around 72 strokes for a standard course.
These are nicknames that signal how many strokes it took at a specific hole relative to how many it should take, meaning relative to its par number. A birdie is one under par, an eagle is two under par, a bogey is one over par, and a double bogey is two over par.
