What Score Is Par in Golf? Explained

By Emma Wilson · May 18, 2030

In golf, par is the standard number of strokes that a skilled golfer is expected to take to complete a hole or a round. For an 18-hole course, typical par values are 70, 71, or 72, with most professional and regulation courses set at par-72. Each individual hole is assigned a par value of 3, 4, or 5 based on its length and difficulty.

Understanding Par in Golf

Par serves as a benchmark for measuring a player's performance on each hole and over an entire round. A score of "even par" means the golfer took exactly the expected number of strokes. Scoring under par (e.g., birdie, eagle) indicates strong play, while scores over par (bogey, double bogey) suggest room for improvement.

How Is Par Determined?

Course designers and governing bodies assign par based on the distance and complexity of each hole:

Par-3 holes: Typically under 250 yards for men (shorter for women), reachable in one shot by professionals.
Par-4 holes: Range from 250 to 475 yards, expected to take two shots to reach the green.
Par-5 holes: Longer than 475 yards, usually requiring three shots to reach the green for elite players.

Standard Par Breakdown on an 18-Hole Course

Most regulation courses follow a balanced distribution of par values. The total par is the sum of all individual hole pars.

Hole Type	Typical Number of Holes	Par Contribution
Par-3	4	12
Par-4	10	40
Par-5	4	20
Total	18	72

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that a standard par-72 course typically consists of four par-3s, ten par-4s, and four par-5s. This configuration balances challenge and playability across skill levels. While variations exist, especially in executive or championship layouts, the par-72 structure remains the most common in professional and amateur competition.

Scoring Relative to Par

Golfers track their performance relative to par using specific terminology:

Birdie: One stroke under par on a hole.
Eagle: Two strokes under par.
Albatross: Three under par (rare).
Bogey: One over par.
Double Bogey: Two over par.

Over 18 holes, a score of 72 on a par-72 course is considered even par. Top professionals often average between -10 to -15 under par over four rounds in tournaments.

Factors That Influence Course Par

While distance is the primary factor, other elements affect how par is assigned:

Obstacles: Water hazards, bunkers, and rough can increase effective difficulty.
Elevation changes: Uphill holes may be rated higher par despite shorter yardage.
Green complexity: Undulating greens may influence stroke expectation.
Weather conditions: Persistent wind or rain can make holes play longer.

The USGA and The R&A provide standardized guidelines for course rating and par assignment to ensure consistency worldwide.

Common Questions About Par in Golf

What does par mean in golf?

Par is the predetermined number of strokes that a skilled golfer should require to complete a hole or a full round. It acts as a baseline for scoring and performance evaluation.

What is a good par for an 18-hole golf course?

A standard and well-balanced 18-hole course typically has a par of 72. Courses with par 70 or 71 are also common, especially if they have fewer par-5 holes or tighter spacing.

Can a golf course have a par of 73 or higher?

Yes, though rare. Some championship or unconventional courses may be rated at par-73 if they include extra long holes or additional par-5s. However, most official courses adhere to par-70 to par-72 standards.

How is par different from bogey?

Par is the expected number of strokes for a skilled player, while bogey means one stroke over par on a given hole. For example, scoring 5 on a par-4 hole results in a bogey.

Do all golf courses have the same par?

No. While many regulation courses are par-72, pars vary based on design, size, and intended difficulty. Executive courses may be par-60 to par-68, while some resort or links courses range from par-68 to par-73.