Golf can seem like a complex sport, especially when it comes to scoring. Here’s a simplified guide to the key golf scoring terms you’ll encounter on the course or when watching a tournament.
- Stroke
A “stroke” is any forward swing of the club with the intent to hit the golf ball. Even if you miss, it counts as a stroke. A stroke can be synonymous to a shot, putt or whiffs. - Par
“Par” is the number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to need to finish a hole. Every hole has a designated par, usually between 3 and 5. A par-4 hole, for example, suggests that a good player should complete the hole in 4 strokes.
USGA Distance Guidelines for Par:- Par-3: Up to 250 yards (men), up to 210 yards (women)
- Par-4: 251-470 yards (men), 211-400 yards (women)
- Par-5: 471-690 yards (men), 401-575 yards (women)
- Birdie
A “Birdie” is when you score one stroke less than the hole’s par. For instance, if you finish a par-3 hole in 2 strokes, that’s a birdie. - Eagle
An “Eagle” is two strokes under par. If you complete a par-5 hole in 3 strokes, you’ve scored an eagle. This is better than a birdie. - Albatross (Double Eagle)
This rare achievement happens when a golfer finishes a hole three strokes under par, like hitting the ball into the cup in just two strokes on a par-5. - Condor
A “Condor” is even more exceptional—four strokes under par. Achieving a hole-in-one on a par-5 would be a condor, but only a handful have ever been recorded. - Hole-in-One (Ace)
A “Hole-in-One” or “Ace” is when a golfer sinks the ball in a single shot. This is usually done on a par-3 hole and is a highlight for any golfer’s career. - Bogey
A “Bogey” is when you score one stroke over par. This means the strokes are higher than the actual par number.
While professional golfers aim to avoid them, many beginners are happy with a bogey. - Double Bogey, Triple Bogey, and Quadruple Bogey
- Double Bogey: Two strokes over par
- Triple Bogey: Three strokes over par
- Quadruple Bogey: Four strokes over par
These are less ideal scores, but they’re common for new golfers.
Understanding Scores Relative to Par
- Under Par: When your score is lower than the par for the holes you’ve played (e.g., finishing a par-5 hole in 4 strokes is 1 under par, or -1).
- Over Par: When your score is higher than par (e.g., completing a par-3 hole in 4 strokes is 1 over par, or +1).
- Even: When your score matches the par.
Overall Conclusion
Knowing these basic terms will help you understand golf’s scoring system. Whether you’re playing or watching, terms like birdie, bogey, and par are key to following the action. These will help you follow golf related conversations and attempt to learn the game better.
To learn more about golf scoring terms imbued in professional training and assistance, book your slots at Longwood Golf Club. Call us at (281) 213-2400.