Par is the first number listed on a scorecard, and it serves as the benchmark for all scores in golf. Par 3, par 4, par 5: it indicates how many strokes a good player should take on each hole. Here is the exact definition of par, the approximate lengths of the holes, the par for a course, and the best strategy for playing each type of hole.
What is a par in golf?
Par is the number of strokes a very good player—at scratch level—is expected to take on a hole under normal conditions. This number always includes two putts on the green.
- Par 3: One shot to reach the green, then two putts.
- Par 4: Two shots to reach the green, then two putts.
- Par 5: Three shots to reach the green, then two putts.
Reaching the green two strokes under par is called a “green in regulation.” It’s a statistic that’s closely tracked by both pros and amateurs. The par for each hole is listed on the scorecard and, most often, on the starting sign.
Par 3, par 4, par 5: What are the hole lengths?
The par depends primarily on the length of the hole. The ranges below are approximate: they differ between men’s and women’s tees and overlap from one category to another.
| By | Men (approx.) | Women (approx.) | Shots to the green |
|---|---|---|---|
| Par 3 | Up to 230 m | Up to 200 m | 1 |
| Par 4 | From 230 to 450 m | From 190 to 390 m | 2 |
| Par 5 | Above 430 m | More than 350 m | 3 |
Length isn't everything. The elevation change, the shape of the hole, the obstacles, and the prevailing wind can lead an architect to classify a long hole as a par 4, or a short hole as a par 5. An elbow-shaped hole, the dogleg, is also longer than it appears if you don't cut the corner. There are par-6 holes, but they are very rare.
What is the par for a golf course?
The par for a course is the sum of the pars for its holes. For an 18-hole course, it is usually between 70 and 72.
- Par 72: The most common configurations are 4 by 3, 10 by 4, and 4 by 5.
- Par 70: For example, there are 4 by 3, 12 by 4, and 2 by 5.
- Compact courses: Short courses, or “pitch-and-putt” courses, have a much lower par, consisting mainly of par-3 holes.
Be careful not to confuse the par with the SSS, or course rating. The SSS measures the actual difficulty of the course for a scratch player and is used to calculate the handicap. Two par-72 courses can have very different SSS values.
Birdie, bogey, eagle: golf scoring terms
Each score on a hole has a name, depending on how far it is from par.
| Last Name | Difference from par | Example on a par-4 hole |
|---|---|---|
| Albatross | −3 | Hole 1 |
| Eagle | −2 | Hole 2 |
| Birdie | −1 | Hole 3 |
| By | 0 | Hole 4 |
| Bogey | +1 | Hole 5 |
| Double bogey | +2 | Hole 6 |
A hole played in a single stroke is called a ace, or a hole-in-one. On a par-3 hole, it’s an eagle; on a par-4 hole, it’s an albatross. For a round as a whole, we refer to a score as “under par” (for example, −2) or “over par” (+10).
How do you play a par-3, a par-4, and a par-5?
The par-3: Aim for the center of the green
On a par-3 hole, the tee shot determines almost everything. Choose your club based on the distance to the center of the green, not to the flag, especially if the flag is near a bunker or the edge of the green. Tees are allowed: drive it almost all the way in to get a perfect lie. If you reach the green in two putts, that’s a par.
The par-4: Positioning the drive
On a par-4 hole, the drive is primarily used to set up the second shot. A drive down the middle of the fairway—even if it’s a little short—is better than a long drive into the trees. On a dogleg, choose between cutting the corner and playing it safe, depending on your accuracy. On short par-4s, a wood or hybrid off the tee is often sufficient.
The par-5: Think in terms of three shots
The par-5 is the hole where an amateur can most easily shoot par. Think about it the other way around: what distance do you like to play for your third shot? If you’re comfortable hitting 85 yards with your wedge, play your second shot to leave that distance, rather than forcing a wood to get as close to the green as possible. That’s the logic behind course management in Tiger Woods: Start at the green and work your way back up to the tee.
Your own by
For an amateur, shooting par on a hole isn't always the right goal. Add the strokes you receive based on your handicap: on a hole where you receive a stroke, a bogey is equivalent to your personal par. This way of thinking takes a lot of the pressure off and helps you avoid risky shots.
“Per” in everyday language
The word comes from Latin by, which means “equal.” In English, the expression as a matter of course, a term from golf, means “nothing surprising” or “that’s the norm.” In French, the expression “jouer sous le par” is most commonly used to describe a golfer who posts a score better than the course par.
Video Lessons to Help You Play Each Hole Better
Hitting the flags with iron shots like Scottie SchefflerScottie Scheffler · 7 min
Fairway Finder with the Driver: Min Woo Lee's Three DrivesMin Woo Lee · 6 min
Sergio Garcia's 100-yard wedge shot: 52° or 58°?Sergio Garcia · 14 min
Céline Boutier's Course Management, from the Tee to the GreenCéline Boutier · 22 minTo develop your hole-by-hole game plan, go through all video lessons on course management, or sign up for the free program Drive the Ball Better in 7 Steps.
The paragraph also serves as a reference for Counting Points in Stableford and for calculate your handicap.
Frequently Asked Questions About Par in Golf
What does “faire le par” mean?
It means finishing the hole in exactly the number of strokes expected: 3 strokes on a par-3, 4 on a par-4, and 5 on a par-5.
Why does he count it as two putts?
Because it's generally considered that a good player, once on the green, finishes the hole in two putts. A single putt saves a stroke off par.
What is the most common par for an 18-hole course?
A par-72 course, typically with 4 par-3s, 10 par-4s, and 4 par-5s. Many courses are also par-70 or par-71.
Can the par for the same hole change?
Yes. Some holes are classified differently depending on the tee: a par 5 for women may be a par 4 from the men's tees. The par for each tee is indicated on the scorecard.