par

golf

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

In golf, par refers to the standard score for each hole on a course, determined by the number of strokes an expert player is expected to take. This standard is used to calculate handicaps.12

Par-three golf courses are shorter, with each hole designed to be completed in three strokes.3
The term "bogey" is also used, often meaning one stroke over par.2

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golf
Par golf
Every course has a par, which is defined as the score an expert (i.e., a scratch player) would be expected to make, and many courses also have a bogey, which is defined as the score that a moderately good golfer would be expected to make. Both par and bogey…
Read More
Every course has a par, which is defined as the score an expert (i.e., a scratch player) would be expected to make, and many courses also have a bogey, which is defined as the score that a moderately good golfer would be expected to make. Both par and bogey…
Read More