Jackson Reid
Golf scoring is a complex system that takes into account various factors such as the number of strokes, the par score for each hole, and the golfer's skill level. The most common scoring method is stroke play, where golfers count the number of strokes or hits it takes to get the ball in the hole. This is then compared to the par, which is the expected score of an expert golfer for that particular hole. Different holes have different par scores, usually depending on the length of the hole. For example, a score of 4 on a par-5 hole is considered one-under par, also known as a birdie. Golfers also have handicaps, which are relative to the course's difficulty and their skill level. A good understanding of the rules and their impact on scoring is essential for avid golfers. While golf scoring may seem straightforward, it can quickly become intricate when considering penalties, lost balls, and unplayable lies, all of which add strokes to a golfer's score.
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What You'll Learn
'Par' scores and how they work
Par is the predetermined number of strokes that a proficient golfer (scratch or zero handicap) is expected to make to complete a hole, a round (the sum of the pars of the played holes), or a tournament (the sum of the pars of each round). Holes are generally assigned par values between three and five based on the distance from the teeing ground to the putting green, and occasionally other factors such as terrain and obstacles. A typical 18-hole golf course will have a total par of around 72, and a 9-hole par-3 course (where all holes are rated as par 3) will have a total par of 27. Par is primarily determined by the playing length of each hole from the teeing ground to the putting green.
Par-3 holes for men will typically be under 260 yards (240 m) from the tee to the green, while par-4 holes will be 240–490 yards (220–450 m), and par-5 holes will be 450–710 yards (410–650 m). Par-6 holes, which are rarely seen in professional competitions, will be over 670 yards (610 m). For women, par-3 holes will be under 220 yards (200 m), par-4 holes will be 200–420 yards (180–380 m), par-5 holes will be 370–600 yards (340–550 m), and par-6 holes will be over 570 yards (520 m). These boundaries are often extended or shortened for elite or non-elite tournament players, who may encounter par-4 holes of 500 yards (460 m) or more.
Scores are calculated by comparing a golfer's number of strokes to the par score. If a golfer takes more strokes than the par, they are "over par", and if they take fewer strokes, they are "under par". For example, if a course has a par of 72 and a golfer takes 75 strokes to complete it, their score is +3, or "three-over-par". If they take 70 strokes, their score is −2, or "two-under-par". Tournament scores are calculated by totalling scores relative to par in each round, which is typically four rounds in professional tournaments.
There are various terms used to describe a golfer's performance on a hole in relation to the hole's par. A score of one stroke fewer than par (one under par, −1) is known as a "birdie", while one stroke more than par (+1) is known as a "bogey". An “eagle” is a score of two strokes fewer than par, and a “double bogey” is two strokes more than par (+2). A "double eagle", also known as an “albatross”, is a rare score of three strokes fewer than par. A “triple bogey” is three strokes more than par (+3), and so on.
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Scoring formats
Golf scoring can be challenging to understand, but it's important for any golfer looking to improve their game and fully enjoy the sport. There are a variety of scoring formats and rules that govern the game. Here is an overview of some of the most common scoring formats and key concepts in golf scoring:
Stroke Play
Stroke play is the most common scoring format in golf and is used in most professional golf tournaments across the PGA Tour. In stroke play, each golfer counts the number of strokes or shots they take on each hole and logs them on a scorecard. After completing all 18 holes, the golfer adds up their total score. The player with the lowest total score at the end of the round is the winner. Stroke play can be played with or without considering the golfer's handicap. Gross scoring does not involve a handicap and is preferred by more advanced golfers, while net scoring takes the golfer's handicap into account.
Match Play
Match play is a different format where golfers can play head-to-head against each other or as part of a team. In match play, scoring is based on holes won, lost, or halved, rather than the total number of strokes. Each hole is a separate contest, and the winner of a hole is the player who completes it in the fewest strokes. Match play adds a strategic dimension as players focus on winning individual holes rather than solely on their total score for the round.
Par
Par refers to the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete the play of one hole on a golf course. Golf holes of different lengths will have different par values, with longer holes typically having higher par values. A hole score equal to the par of the hole is simply called a "par." A score of one stroke fewer than par is known as a "birdie," while a score of one stroke more than par is called a "bogey." Other terms like "eagle" and "double bogey" describe a golfer's performance relative to the hole's par.
Handicap
Golf utilizes a handicap system to allow players of varying skill levels to compete on an equal footing. A handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer's playing ability, calculated based on recent scores and adjusted for the course difficulty. The handicap dictates the holes on which a golfer can take extra shots, known as "stroke index" or "stroke allowance." These extra shots give golfers a better chance of scoring points.
Penalty Strokes
There are several scenarios in which a golfer may incur penalty strokes, adding to their total score. These include out-of-bounds shots, water hazards, lost balls, and illegal cleaning of the ball. Penalty strokes aim to maintain the integrity of the game and ensure fair competition.
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Penalty strokes
In golf, a penalty or penalty stroke is an additional stroke or strokes added to a player's score for breaking the rules. Here are some scenarios that can lead to penalty strokes:
Losing your ball or hitting it into an unplayable area
If a player's ball is lost or hit into an unplayable area, they must play a new ball or move the current one according to the rules of the situation. This may be from the spot where they hit the ball, a playable point directly in line with the hole and behind its current position, or within two club lengths of where the ball crossed the boundary of the unplayable condition. The penalty stroke is in addition to any swings made at the ball. For example, hitting a ball into a water hazard, dropping a new ball, and then hitting the new ball counts as three strokes, not two. If a player's ball is out of bounds (marked by white stakes) or lost, they must return to the tee, though there is an unofficial rule that allows players to drop the ball in the fairway lateral to where their ball went out of bounds for a two-stroke penalty.
Removing loose impediments
If a player removes loose impediments (e.g. stones, leaves, branches) from anywhere on the course other than the putting green, and the ball moves more than a club's length as a result, they incur a one-stroke penalty, and the ball must be returned to its original spot.
Anchoring the club
The United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) introduced a rule in 2016 (revised in 2019) that prohibits anchoring the club, a putting technique where the player stabilizes the putter against their body during the putting stroke. Players who anchor their club during a stroke will incur a two-stroke penalty.
Interfering with a moving ball
Players who deliberately interfere with a moving ball receive a two-stroke penalty. Incidental, unavoidable contact is generally not penalized.
Equipment violations
Players found with equipment violations, such as too many clubs (more than 14) or illegal balls and clubs, will face penalties. Illegal balls include those of improper size or weight, floating balls, balls with irregular dimples, and "novelty" balls such as exploding or disintegrating balls. In this case, the player adds two strokes for every hole on which the ball was used. Illegal clubs include those with a clubhead greater than 460cc, a concave face, shaft length over 48", or grips with bulges or dissymmetry. In match play, one hole is subtracted from the offending player's score, and in stroke play, the player adds two strokes to their score.
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Scoring terms
Golf scoring can be challenging to understand, but it's important to know the basics if you want to improve your game and fully enjoy the sport. Here are the key scoring terms you need to know:
Par
"Par" is a term used to refer to the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete the play of one hole on a golf course. Golf holes of different lengths will require more or fewer strokes, but the par number of a hole always allows for two putts. For example, a 150-yard hole is considered a par-3, meaning an expert golfer is expected to hit the green with their tee shot, take two putts, and require three strokes to finish the hole. The term "par" is fundamental because all other golf scoring terms are defined in relation to it.
Birdie
A birdie is a score of one stroke fewer than par on a hole (one under par, -1). For example, scoring 4 on a par-5 hole would be considered a birdie. The term "birdie" is derived from the idea that a score of one under par is as rare as seeing a small bird.
Eagle
An eagle is a score of two strokes fewer than par on a hole (two under par, -2). This is a less common occurrence than a birdie. An eagle on a par-4 hole would be a hole-in-one, which is a very rare feat.
Bogey
A bogey is a score of one stroke more than par on a hole (one over par, +1). As golf became more standardised in the United States, recreational golfers often found themselves scoring over par, and the term "bogey" became associated with this outcome.
Double Bogey, Triple Bogey, etc.
Scores that are multiple strokes over par are referred to as double bogey (two strokes over par, +2), triple bogey (three strokes over par, +3), and so on. For higher hole scores, it is more common to refer to the number of strokes or strokes relative to par rather than using terms like "quadruple bogey."
Handicap
Golf utilises a handicap system to facilitate 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. The handicap allows players to compete on equal footing, with lower-handicap players expected to have a higher likelihood of scoring closer to par. Handicap strokes are like "extra shots" that give players a better chance of scoring points.
Stroke Play and Match Play
There are two common ways to play golf: Stroke Play and Match Play. Stroke Play is the most common scoring system, used in most professional golf tournaments, where each stroke is counted and totalled up at the end of the round. Match Play, on the other hand, involves scoring based on holes won or lost rather than total strokes. Each hole is a separate contest, adding a strategic dimension as players focus on winning individual holes.
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Handicap systems
Golf scores are based on the concept of 'par', which is the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete the play of one hole on a golf course. The score achieved relative to par is expressed in terms such as 'birdie', 'eagle', 'bogey', etc. For example, a score of one stroke fewer than par is known as a birdie, and a score of one stroke more than par is known as a bogey.
The concept of handicapping in golf dates back to the late 19th century, with the difference between the average of a golfer's best three scores during the year and par becoming the most widely used method in England and Scotland. Over time, various handicap systems were developed, including the USGA Handicap System, EGA Handicap System, CONGU Unified Handicap System, Golf Australia Handicap System, and South African Handicap System. In 2020, a new World Handicap System was introduced to eliminate the problems of converting handicaps between different systems.
The World Handicap System includes the Handicap Index, which is a representation of a golfer's demonstrated ability. It is calculated by averaging the eight best Score Differentials from the player's most recent 20 scores, taking into account course difficulty and playing conditions. This index is then transformed into a Course Handicap, which is tailored to the specific challenges of the course. For competitive scenarios, the handicap is adjusted for equity and becomes a Playing Handicap, crucial for tournament rules and structure.
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Frequently asked questions
A good golf score depends on your personal goals. For instance, for some, breaking 100 is a huge milestone. Generally, the lower the score, the better. A skilled golfer will shoot 8-10 strokes above par on most courses, while an average player will shoot 18-20 strokes above par. A handicap between 0 and 9 is considered good, indicating consistent play and the ability to shoot scores near par.
Par refers to the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete the play of one hole on a golf course. Different holes have different par scores, usually depending on the length of the hole. For example, holes up to 260 yards for men and 220 yards for women are considered a par 3. Holes that are 240 to 490 yards for men or 200 to 420 yards for women are par 4.
There are several terms used to describe a golfer's performance on a hole in relation to the hole's par:
- Birdie: One under par on a hole (e.g. scoring 4 on a par 5)
- Eagle: Two under par on a hole
- Albatross (or Double Eagle): Three under par on a hole
- Bogey: One over par on a hole
- Double Bogey: Two over par on a hole
- Triple Bogey: Three over par on a hole
