Scoring and handicapping

Par

Main article: Par (score)

A hole is classified by its par; the number of strokes a skilled golfer should require to complete play of the hole.^[6] For example, a skilled golfer expects to reach the green on a par-four hole in two strokes (This would be considered a Green in Regulation or GIR): one from the tee (the "drive") and another, second, stroke to the green (the "approach"); and then roll the ball into the hole in two putts for par. A golf hole is either a par-three, -four or -five, rarely -six, very rarely -seven.^[15]

The key factor for classifying the par of a hole is the distance from the tee to the green. A typical par-three hole is less than 250 yards (225 meters) in length, with a par-four hole ranging between 251 and 475 yards (225–434 meters), and a par-five hole being longer than 475 yards (435 meters). Although uncommon par-six and even par-seven holes do exist, and can stretch well over 650 yards. The gradient of the course (uphill or downhill) can also affect the par rating. If the tee-to-green distance on a hole is predominantly downhill, it will play shorter than its physical length and may be given a lower par rating and the opposite is true for uphill holes. Par ratings are also affected by factors such as the placement of hazards or the shape of the green which can sometimes affect the play of a hole such that it requires an extra stroke to avoid playing into hazards.^[16]

Eighteen hole courses may have four par-three, ten par-four, and four par-five holes, though other combinations exist and are not less worthy than courses of par 72. Many major championships are contested on courses playing to a par of 70, 71, or 72. In some countries, courses are classified, in addition to the course's par, with a course classification describing the play difficulty of a course and may be used to calculate a golfer's playing handicap for that given course (cf. golf handicap).^[17]

[edit] Scoring

In every form of play, the goal is to play as few strokes per round as possible. A "hole in one" (or an "ace") occurs when a golfer sinks his ball into the cup with his first stroke (a drive from the tee). Common scores for a hole have also have specific terms.^[6]

Numeric Term
Specific term
Definition

−4
Condor
four strokes under par

−3
Albatross
three strokes under par

−2
Eagle
two strokes under par

−1
Birdie
one stroke under par

0
Par
equal to par

+1
Bogey
one stroke over par

+2
Double Bogey
two strokes over par

+3
Triple Bogey
three strokes over par

+4
Quadruple Bogey
four strokes over par