Rules 01
Scoring & par, explained
What par really means, how a hole is scored, and the names for going over or under — birdie, bogey, eagle and the rest.
1 min read
Golf scoring is just counting: every time you swing at the ball (with intent to hit it), that's one stroke. Add them up for the hole, add the holes up for the round. The lower the number, the better.
What "par" means
Par is the number of strokes an expert is expected to need on a hole, assuming two putts once on the green:
- Par 3 — green in 1, then 2 putts.
- Par 4 — green in 2, then 2 putts.
- Par 5 — green in 3, then 2 putts.
A full course usually totals par 70–72. As a beginner, comparing yourself to par isn't the point yet — just count honestly and watch the number fall over time.
The names
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Eagle | 2 under par on a hole |
| Birdie | 1 under par |
| Par | Exactly par |
| Bogey | 1 over par |
| Double bogey | 2 over par |
A realistic target
For a new golfer, bogey golf — one over par per hole — is genuinely good. Don't chase pars; let them happen.
You'll hear
If you swing and completely miss the ball, it doesn't count.
What's true
A whiff counts as a stroke. The rules penalize the attempt, not the contact — so that air-swing goes on the card.
Key takeaways
- A stroke is any swing made with intent to hit the ball.
- Par assumes reaching the green in regulation plus two putts.
- Bogey golf is an excellent beginner benchmark.
- A complete miss (whiff) still counts as a stroke.
Sources