What is Par in golf?

The term 'Par' represents the standard score that an experienced golfer (a so-called scratch golfer with handicap 0) is expected to need to complete a hole. The R&A and the USGA apply a simple formula: the number of strokes needed to reach the green, plus two putts to roll the ball into the hole.

In practice, this means:

• Par 3: The green is reached in one stroke and two putts are needed.
• Par 4: The green is reached in two strokes and two putts are needed.
• Par 5: The green is reached in three strokes and two putts are needed.

The Par of a hole is therefore not just a target score, but also a direct indication of the length and the expected strategy of the hole.

How is Par determined?

The primary factor for setting the Par is the distance from the tee to the centre of the green. While national federations such as the NGF have some flexibility, general guidelines apply to the length (measured in metres):

Beyond distance, course architects and the NGF also consider the difficulty of the terrain when setting the Par. A 400-metre hole that runs steeply uphill, or where you have to play into a strong sea breeze, may be classified as a Par 5 rather than a hole of equal length that runs downhill.

The Stroke Index: relative difficulty

On every scorecard, next to the Par, you will see a column called the 'Stroke Index' (SI), numbered from 1 to 18. This number indicates the relative difficulty of the hole compared to the other holes on the course.

• Stroke Index 1: The statistically hardest hole on the course (where a golfer needs the most extra strokes).
• Stroke Index 18: The statistically easiest hole on the course.

This system is essential for calculating the handicap. If you have a handicap of 18, you receive one extra stroke on every hole on top of the Par. On a Par 4 with SI 1, your personal Par is therefore effectively a 5. This ensures that golfers of different levels can compete fairly against each other.

The logic behind the terminology

Around Par, a unique vocabulary has emerged to describe the performance relative to that standard score. Most of these terms originate from bird names, which in the early 20th century symbolised something that 'flies' or is 'great':

• Birdie: 1 stroke under Par.
• Eagle: 2 strokes under Par.
• Albatross: 3 strokes under Par.
• Bogey: 1 stroke over Par.

Conclusion

The scorecard is more than a sum of strokes; it is the blueprint of the golf course. The Par tells you what the architect had in mind and the Stroke Index tells you where the biggest challenges lie. For a beginner, the most important lesson is that Par is the score for the expert. By including your own handicap and determining your 'personal Par', you learn to play the course strategically without taking unnecessary risks.