What Is Par In Golf? (The Essential Guide For Every Golfer)
What Is Par In Golf: Par is the average number of strokes that an expert golfer should take to complete a hole or a round of golf.
Furthermore, the length and difficulty of the hole or the course determine the number of strokes required to reach par.
A par 3 hole is completed in three strokes, while a par 5 hole requires five strokes.
If a golfer takes fewer strokes than par to complete a hole, they have scored a birdie, and if they take more strokes, they have scored a bogey.

Understanding The Term “Par” In Golf
The term “par” also pertains to a complete round of golf, which typically involves 18 holes. The aggregate number of strokes that an accomplished golfer is assumed to take to conclude a round is referred to as the “par for the course.”
As an illustration, if a course has a par of 72, an expert golfer should be capable of finishing the entire course in 72 strokes or fewer.
Additionally, in golf, we utilize par to calculate a player’s score for a game.
If a golfer completes a hole in fewer strokes than par, they receive a negative score (under par), and if they complete it in more strokes than par, they receive a positive score (over par).
Understanding Par In Golf For 18 And 9 Holes
Finally, the notion of “par” is a fundamental concept in golf that every golfer is familiar with. It plays a vital role in determining the strokes required by a player to conclude a hole or a round.
What Is Par In Golf For 18 Holes?
In golf, a regular round encompasses 18 holes, and the total strokes an accomplished golfer is presumed to take to conclude the entire course is recognized as the “par for the course.” Moreover, the course’s length and difficulty determine the 18-hole par.

Table: Average Par Score For 18-Hole Courses
Type of Course | Par Score |
Par 3 | 54 |
Executive | 63-72 |
Public | 70-72 |
Private | 70-74 |
Championship | 72-76 |
The par score for a course can vary based on the tee box used. Forward tees may have a lower par compared to back tees.
What Is Par In Golf For 9 Holes?
The “par for the nine” refers to the total number of strokes an adept golfer is expected to take to finish a nine-hole course, which can also be considered a round of golf.
The par for nine holes is typically half of the par for 18 holes, but it can vary depending on the course’s length and difficulty.

Table: Average Par Score For Nine-Hole Courses
Type of Course | Par Score |
Par 3 | 27 |
Executive | 30-36 |
Public | 35-36 |
Private | 35-38 |
Championship | 36-40 |
Golf Scoring “Terms” For 9 And 18 Holes
However, the total strokes taken to finish each hole determine golf scoring.
Additionally, the table below illustrates how golf scores are calculated based on the number of strokes taken by a golfer.
Strokes | Name of Score |
1 | Hole-in-One |
2 | Eagle |
3 | Birdie |
4 | Par |
5 | Bogey |
6 | Double Bogey |
7 | Triple Bogey |
More than 7 | Not a Good Day |
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Par determines a player’s score for a round of golf, and if a player finishes a hole in fewer strokes than par, they earn a negative score (under par).
Conversely, if they take more strokes than par to finish it, they receive a positive score (over par).
Determining the strokes a player should require to conclude a hole or a round, “par” is a crucial concept in golf.
Moreover, the par for 18 and 9 holes can differ, depending on the golf course’s difficulty and length.
Additionally, understanding par is critical for any golfer who wants to improve their game and compete at a higher level.
FAQs
“Par” in golf is the estimated number of strokes for skilled golfers to complete a hole or round, determined by evaluating difficulty and length.
In golf, a good par is when a golfer meets the expected number of strokes for a hole. Considering it an achievement, the variation of “it” depends on the course and the player’s level.
In golf, the number of strokes for a hole’s “par” is based on its length and difficulty. It can range from 3 to 5+ strokes. A par-72 course averages 4 strokes per hole.
Finally, golfers typically calculate “Par” based on the length and difficulty of a hole. Course designers or rating authorities determine a hole’s par based on factors like distance, obstacles, and terrain for skilled golfers.
In golf, a par-72 course has 72 expected strokes for 18 holes. Each hole’s average par is 4 strokes, but it can vary.