Harper Lin
Golf scoring is a little complex, with different scoring systems and formats. The most common way to play golf is the stroke play method, where each golfer counts the number of strokes or hits it takes to get the ball in the hole. This is then added up to get a total score for the round, with the lowest score being the best. Par is a standard number of strokes for a hole, with the number usually being between 3 and 5, occasionally 6. A birdie is a hole completed in one stroke less than par, while a bogey is a hole completed in one stroke over par. While the lowest total number of strokes is the goal, points are also used to measure performance, with positive points awarded for scores above par and negative points for scores below par. The Stableford scoring system is a points-based system that is friendlier for club golfers, where points are awarded based on the number of strokes on each hole.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scoring System | Strokeplay, Stableford, Matchplay |
| Scoring Metric | Strokes, Points |
| Par | Target score for a hole, set as the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to take to complete the hole |
| Birdie | One stroke under par |
| Eagle | Two strokes under par |
| Albatross | Three strokes under par |
| Bogey | One stroke over par |
| Double Bogey | Two strokes over par |
| Triple Bogey | Three strokes over par |
| Handicap | Scoring potential, representing a slightly lower number than the average score per round |
| Hole Index | Ranking of holes by difficulty, from 1 (hardest) to 18 (easiest) |
| Scorecard | Records the number of strokes taken per hole, and points scored |
| Winner | Player with the lowest score wins |
| Winning Score | Depends on the course, but for an 18-hole course, a score of around 70 is expected for a pro |
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What You'll Learn
'Par' is the target score for a hole
Par is the target score for a hole. It is the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to take to complete the hole. Scoring below par is considered excellent, while above-par scores may indicate room for improvement. Par is typically between 3 and 5 strokes per hole, occasionally 6, and rarely 7. Par 3 is the shortest hole, requiring one shot to hit the green and two putts to complete. Par 4 holes are typically between 240 and 490 yards, and par 5 holes are between 450 and 710 yards. Par 6 holes are over 670 yards, and for men, they start at 691 yards, while for women, they are 576+ yards.
The term 'par' is thought to have originated from the stock exchange, where it described the expected value of stocks. The term was first used in golf before the Open Championship at Prestwick in 1870. Par sets the baseline for each hole's difficulty and is a standard number of strokes for a hole. Each hole gets a different par number, which is like a difficulty level. A "Par 5" hole means that a golfer is expected to get the ball in the hole in 5 strokes. The fewer strokes taken, the better.
Scores on each hole are reported relative to par. A hole score equal to the par of the hole is simply called a par. A score of one stroke more than par is known as a bogey, and a score of one stroke fewer than par is known as a birdie. An eagle is a score of two strokes fewer than par, and a double eagle or albatross is three strokes fewer than par. A hole-in-one or an ace occurs when a golfer completes a hole in just one stroke.
In the Stableford scoring system, a points system is used based on the number of strokes on each hole. If a golfer takes more strokes than par, they get positive points, and if they take fewer strokes, they get negative points. The player with the highest points score wins.
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'Birdie' is 1 under par
Golf scores are measured in strokes, with "par" being the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete the play of a hole. Par always includes two putts for each hole. The par value of an entire course is the total par value for all 18 holes, typically in the low to mid-70s.
A "birdie" is a golf term that means a score of one stroke under par. The term "birdie" comes from early 20th-century American slang, where the word "bird" meant anything excellent. The Country Club in Atlantic City is credited with coining the term "birdie". In 1898 or 1899, A. B. Smith and his companions were playing the par-four second hole at Atlantic City when Smith's second shot landed within inches of the hole. Smith remarked that it was "a bird of a shot" and that he should get double the money if he won with one under par.
Birdies are considered excellent scores, showcasing a golfer's skill and precision. They are more challenging to achieve than pars, especially for average golfers. For example, in 2019, the PGA Tour average for birdies per round was just 3.68. Justin Thomas led the field, averaging 4.58 birdies per round.
In the Stableford scoring system, golfers record their scores based on points rather than strokes. This system is more forgiving than traditional stroke play, as a golfer who takes more strokes on a hole will simply earn fewer points, rather than recording all of their strokes.
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'Eagle' is 2 under par
Golf scoring is based on the concept of 'par'. Each hole on a golf course has a 'par' rating, which is the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to take to complete the hole. Par is usually between 3 and 5, occasionally 6. The par value of an entire course is the total par value for all 18 holes, typically in the low to mid-70s.
The score for each hole is expressed relative to par. If a player takes more strokes than the par rating, they get positive points, and if they take fewer strokes, they get negative points. The player with the lowest points at the end wins.
An 'eagle' is a score of two strokes under par. Eagles are most commonly achieved by reaching a par-5 green in two strokes and then completing the hole with one putt. An eagle is considered an excellent score, showcasing skill and precision.
In addition to eagles, there are several other terms used to describe scores relative to par. A ''birdie' is one stroke under par, while a 'bogey' is one stroke over par. A ''double bogey' is two strokes over par, and a ''triple bogey' is three strokes over par. This pattern continues for scores even further over par.
A score of three strokes under par is known as an 'albatross' or 'double eagle', and a score of four strokes under par is called a 'condor'. These scores are extremely rare.
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'Bogey' is 1 over par
Golf scoring can be a little confusing, especially when it comes to terms like "par", "birdie", and "bogey". In golf, "par" is the predetermined number of strokes that a proficient golfer is expected to take to complete a hole. Par is primarily determined by the playing length of each hole from the teeing ground to the putting green. Holes are generally assigned par values between 3 and 5, and occasionally 6, based on the distance from the tee to the hole. Par is, therefore, a measure of the difficulty of the hole.
A "birdie" is a golfing term for scoring one stroke less than par on a hole. This is considered a great achievement and is a moment of triumph for golfers. An "eagle" is even better, with a score of two strokes under par. These sub-par scores showcase skill and precision.
Now, a "bogey" is the opposite of a birdie. It is a term used to describe a score of one stroke over par. So, if a hole has a par of 4, a bogey would be scored after 5 strokes. A double bogey is two strokes over par, and a triple bogey is three strokes over par. While not ideal, these scores are part of the learning process and can motivate golfers to improve their game.
It's worth noting that golf scores can be expressed in relation to par. So, instead of saying you scored 5 strokes on a hole, you could say you scored one over par, or a bogey. This way of expressing scores takes into account the difficulty of the hole and provides a standardised way to compare scores across different holes and courses.
Additionally, there are different scoring formats in golf, such as stroke play and Stableford. In stroke play, you simply count the number of strokes taken on each hole and aim for the lowest total score. In Stableford, a points system is used, where the number of strokes on each hole determines the number of points awarded. This system can be more forgiving for beginners, as a bad hole won't affect your overall score as much.
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'Stroke play' is the most common scoring format
Golf scoring is based on the number of strokes taken, with the lowest score being the best. A "par" is the target score for a hole, indicating the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to take to complete the hole. Scoring below par is considered excellent, while above-par scores may indicate room for improvement. A "birdie" is a hole completed in one stroke less than par, and an "eagle" is two strokes under par. On the other hand, a "bogey" is a hole completed in one stroke over par.
While there are different scoring formats in golf, stroke play is the most common. In stroke play, players record the number of strokes taken at each hole and total them up at the end of a given round or rounds. This scoring format is also known as medal play. The player with the lowest total number of strokes is the winner. Stroke play is used in the vast majority of professional golf tournaments and amateur events.
There are several reasons why stroke play is the dominant scoring format in competitive golf. Firstly, it allows for larger field sizes. In stroke play, each player competes independently, and their performance is compared to the entire field. This is in contrast to match play, where players eventually have to compete head-to-head in a bracket format, limiting the number of participants.
Another advantage of stroke play is that it provides greater rewards for exceptionally good holes or rounds. Every stroke subtracted from par is accounted for on the scorecard, and a player cannot afford any letdowns if they want the best score. In match play, an amazing hole or round means less if your opponent matches your performance.
Additionally, stroke play offers a more easily understandable scoring system for fans following golf tournaments. Watching players compete against the course provides a built-in benchmark that everyone recognizes. In contrast, keeping track of individual match results in a bracket format can be more complex for spectators.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, golf scores are measured in points. The player with the highest points wins.
Calculate your points by counting the number of strokes taken to get the ball in the hole. This is your score for that hole.
A stroke is the number of times you hit the ball.
Par is the target score for a hole. It is the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to take to complete the hole.
A birdie is when you complete a hole in one stroke less than par.
