golf scores and what they mean

Definition of Golf Scores

• Overall scoring. Each hole has a designated par score. Par is the number of shots considered an even score. For example,...
• Par. As mentioned in Section 1, a par score is attained when a golfer completes a hole in the number of strokes listed...
• Birdie. A birdie is a score one stroke less than par. Birdies can be achieved on any hole, but often...

Full Answer

What is a good golf score?

What is a Good Golf Score?

• Overview. In golf, the term par is used to describe the expected number of shots that it takes to play each hole.
• Amateurs. The amateur golfer who is not that skilled at golf dreams of shooting par but such aspirations are beyond his ability.
• Professionals. ...
• Majors. ...

What are golf scores called?

• Double eagle: Double eagles are not possible on par-3 holes (a score of 3-under on a par-3 would be zero)
• Eagle: You finished the hole in 1 stroke — a hole-in-one
• Birdie: You finished the hole in 2 strokes
• Par: You finished the hole in 3 strokes
• Bogey: You finished the hole in 4 strokes
• Double bogey: You finished the hole in 5 strokes

More items...

How to keep score in golf?

Tips for Keeping Score:

1. Pay attention to how many shots you hit while playing a hole, so you won’t have to count them up after finishing.
2. Always write down your score as soon as you complete the hole to avoid forgetting.
3. Cell phone apps and other tools are available that help you keep score.

What do circles and squares on a golf scorecard mean?

Spot the par information which states how many shots you should take.

• The average golf course is a par 72, which means that the pars of all the holes added together equals 72.
• Par generally relates to length. ...
• The most common par on a course is a par 4.
• If you look at the "Out" and "In" columns on the scorecard you will see the par for each set of 9 holes. ...

What are the 7 golf scoring terms?

We've compiled a list of 100+ golf terms that are useful to know, but the golf scoring terms we'll cover in this guide are among the most essential when you're out on the course or watching televised golf.

What does 66 mean in golf?

In tournament scoring, you'll often see players a certain number under or over par. If a player shoots 66 on a par 72 course, that player would be six-under-par. Alternatively, a player who shoots 78 on the same course would be six-over-par. The aim is to shoot as low a score as you can.

What are the different types of scores in golf?

One over fixed score – 1 point [Bogey] Fixed score – 2 points [Par] One under fixed score – 3 points [Birdie] Two under fixed score – 4 points [Eagle]...Points are awarded to golfers based on performance on the course, and are awarded as follows:Bogeys – 1 point.Pars – 2 points.Birdies – 4 points.Eagles – 8 points.

Is a golf score of 72 good?

Golf courses normally have a par that ranges between 70 and 72; any score that is at par or under par is considered good.

Is 90 a good score in golf?

In golf, scores less than 120 strokes are seen as respectable, or “good” scores among amateur golfers. While 90 stroke scores are considered average, scores below 120 strokes on an 18-hole course are seen amongst the golf community as relatively good.

Is 87 a good golf score?

Good, based on what is average, is 90 strokes for every 18 holes played. This “good” golf score is based on playing a round of golf on an industry standard par 72 course. If a golfer stays within (assuming they are an amateur) scoring a 90-108 stroke (maximum), they are within the 'good golf score' range.

How do you read golf scores?

A player's score often is expressed in terms of the number of strokes under, even with or over the par score. A golfer who shoots a score of 65 on a par-72 course is seven under par, or minus-seven. A golfer who shoots an 80 is eight over par, or plus-eight. A golfer who scores a 72, par for the course, is even.

What is the best score in golf called?

aceAn ace, commonly known as a hole-in-one, is the best score out there.

How do you read golf stats?

The higher the total of the two numbers is good. The maximum is 18. The higher the number on the left shows how much pressure the player is putting on the golf course to score low numbers. Obviously, they are getting more birdie opportunities.

How many golfers can break 80?

Only about 2 percent of all golfers ever break 80, which generally is considered the Holy Grail of scoring. To legitimately break 80 — no improved lies; no 3-foot gimmes; no free drop from out of bounds — is to breathe the rarefied air of good, if not great golf.

What is Tiger's best score?

The hottest major on record – the thermometer hit 101 in the first two rounds – also was the site of one of Woods' personal records. His 63 in the second round of the 2007 PGA Championship at Southern Hills remains his lowest round in a major. At the time, no one had gone lower in one of golf's Grand Slam events.

What is Tiger Woods average score?

Woods is 14–1 when going into the final round of a major with at least a share of the lead. Woods scoring average in 2000 is the lowest in PGA Tour history, both adjusted, 67.79, and unadjusted, 68.17. Woods has the lowest career scoring average in PGA Tour history.

What does it mean to be up in golf?

In Match Play, a golfer is said to be up when he is leading his opponent in the match. For example, a golfer who is 2-up leads his opponent by 2 holes. That means that he has bested his opponent two times more often than his opponent has bested him. The ultimate goal in match play is to be up by more holes than there are holes left to play. When that happens, the golfer who is up at that point will win and the match will end.

What does it mean when a golfer is down?

In Match Play, a golfer is said to be down when he is trailing his opponent in the match. For example, a golfer who is 2-down trails his opponent by 2 holes. That means that his opponent has bested him on 2 occasions more than he has bested this opponent.

What does it mean to halve a hole?

In match play a golfer or a team is said to halve a hole when its score is identical to that of its opponent. In essence, it is a term used to indicate that the hole was tied. In addition to a single hole, the term halve is also used to describe a match that ends in a tie, with no winner which can be referred as a halved match. Note that this can only apply when the rules of the tournament or round allow for a match to end in a tie. Indeed, in many cases if a match were to stand at all square after 18 holes, extra holes of sudden death are played as long as needed in order to determine a winner.

What does triple bogey mean?

Similarly, a triple bogey occurs when using 3 strokes over par, a quadruple occurs when using 4 strokes over par, and so on. On the scorecard a golfer who has hit a double bogey will mark his score as +2 or will put the number of strokes hit inside two squares.

How many strokes does it take to score an eagle?

As such, a golfer that posts an eagle is said to be 2 under par on that hole. In practice, an eagle is achieved when requiring 3 strokes on a par-5, two strokes on a par-4, and 1 stroke on a par-3 for a hole-in-one. On the scorecard a golfer who has scored an eagle will either mark his score as -2 or will put the number ...

What is a birdie on a hole?

As such, a golfer that posts a birdie on a hole can be referred as having shot one under par. Consequently, a birdie is achieved when using 4 strokes on a par-5, 3 strokes on a par-4, and 2 strokes on a par-3. On the scorecard the golfer who has hit a birdie will ...

What is par in golf?

A par is obtained on a hole when a golfer uses a number of strokes that is in line with what is deemed standard. It is a score that golfers strive to match – if not beat – and is referred to as “even”, or “even-par”.

What is the meaning of golf scores?

Definition of Golf Scores. By Timothy Bodamer. Golf scores are based on each hole played, as well as the total of all holes played in the round. The scoring system in golf is different than that of most sports, where the higher score is the winner. In golf, success is determined by the lower score, or the fewest number of shots taken on ...

What is the par score in golf?

The par score for most 18-hole golf courses ranges from 70 to 72, and typically includes a majority of par-4 holes. The remaining holes are par-3 or par-5 holes.

How is success determined in golf?

In golf, success is determined by the lower score, or the fewest number of shots taken on the hole or in the round. Each course has a designated number, known as par, that represents the score a skillful golfer would shoot. Furthermore, each hole on a course, typically nine holes or 18 holes, has its own par score.

What is the score of a par 72?

A golfer who shoots a score of 65 on a par-72 course is seven under par, or minus-seven. A golfer who shoots an 80 is eight over par, or plus-eight. A golfer who scores a 72, par for the course, is even.

How many holes are there in golf?

Furthermore, each hole on a course, typically nine holes or 18 holes, has its own par score. A course's par score is the sum of the par scores for each of the holes.

What is the score of a par-72 golf course?

A player's score often is expressed in terms of the number of strokes under, even with or over the par score. A golfer who shoots a score of 65 on a par-72 course is seven under par, or minus-seven.

What is a birdie in golf?

A birdie is a score one stroke less than par. Birdies can be achieved on any hole, but often are made on par-4 and par-5 holes. A par-3 hole provides a tougher test because it requires the golfer to get the ball into the hole in two shots.

How does scoring work in golf?

Golf scoring works by counting the number of purposeful swings, accounting for penalties, and totaling with handicaps and par. Although it may seem like a complicated system, once you understand the basics, scoring for golf becomes effortless.

How to fill out a golf scorecard?

According to Golf Week, here are the six steps to filling out a golf scorecard correctly: Name of each player – You should have a list of all the players on each scorecard, as well as the name of who is keeping track of your points (also known as the “scorekeeper”).

What is a stroke in golf?

Mark all the strokes for each player – In a game of golf, a stroke is understood to be an intentional swing at the golf ball. Even if the ball doesn’t move, if a player swings at it, that counts as a stroke. You can add or subtract the par and handicap at the end of the game.

How many strokes to score if you hit the ball with a club?

When it comes to marking penalties in golf scoring, follow these twenty rules: If you ask another golfer what club they used to hit the ball with: Add two strokes to your score for that hole. If the ball moves after you put your club behind it: Add one stroke to your score for that hole, unless it falls off the tee.

What is handicap in golf?

According to American Golf, a handicap for golf simply means the variable number of the player’s level of experience that helps people of different levels play together. Another way to think of a handicap for golf is in the context of playing tag with small children. You, a full-grown adult, wouldn’t run as fast as you actually can to give the kids a chance to catch you. It’s the same idea for a golf handicap; it’s so people of any level can play the same field.

What is match play in golf?

Match Play. According to Golf Rules and Etiquette, match play scoring for golf puts more of an emphasis on each hole, rather than the course as a complete system. To score using the match play method, a point is given to the player who had the least amount of strokes per hole.

How to play golf in numerical order?

Usually, you play in numerical order, but if the course is busy, players can start at the halfway point and wrap back to the starting hole after playing the highest-numbered hole. (e.g., from holes 1-18, start at hole ten and play until hole 18, then go to holes 1-9).

What is a bogey in golf?

A bogey is when you take one stroke too many relative to par to complete a hole. In the case of a par 4, that number would be five. If a player takes two strokes too many relative to par the term is a double bogey, three too many a triple-bogey etc.

What is the most common scoring format?

Strokeplay is the most common scoring format. Players count up each stroke, write down the number of strokes taken on each hole, add them together, and whoever has the lowest cumulative number is the winner.

What is double eagle golf?

A double eagle or albatross is when a player finishes a hole in three strokes less than that hole’s par number. An extremely rare feat that is often only ever seen when a player holes his second shot into a par 5.

What is matchplay in golf?

Matchplay is similar to strokeplay in that players count their total strokes for a hole but then compare that number with their competitor. The player with the least amount of strokes on the hole is awarded the hole, and the winner of the contest is the one who wins the most holes.

What is a penalty stroke?

A penalty stroke is an additional stroke or strokes added to a player’s score for an infraction of the rules during their round. Typically, a penalty will be assessed for lost balls, and shots hit out of bounds.

How does Stableford scoring work?

With Stableford scoring, players score points based on the number of strokes it takes them to finish a hole. The number of total points then decides the winner. Unlike in traditional scoring, the player with the highest score (points) is determined the winner.

What is the aim of a par 72 golfer?

Alternatively, a player who shoots 78 on the same course would be six-over-par. The aim is to shoot as low a score as you can.

Ace (Hole-In-One)

An ace, or hole-in-one, is a golf term that describes when a golfer sinks their ball into the cup on a single shot. This is extremely rare, but it can happen! Golfers are often seen celebrating when this happens because they know it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

Albatross

An albatross, or double eagle, is a golf term that is used when a golfer scores three under par on any hole. It’s one of the hardest scores to achieve and can only be accomplished by the most skilled golfers!

Birdie

A birdie is a golf term that is used when a golfer scores one under par on any hole.

Bogey

A bogey is a golf term that is used when a golfer scores one over par on any hole.

Double Bogey

A double bogey is a golf term that is used when a golfer scores two over par on any hole.

Condor

A condor is a golf term that is used when a golfer scores four under par on any hole; it’s also known as a double albatross, or triple eagle.

Eagle

An eagle is a golf term that is used when a golfer scores two under par on any hole.

Why do golfers use scorecards?

The golf scorecard is used by golfers all over the world when they are playing a round of golf at any of the vast amount of golf courses. This can range from the PGA Tour to even crazy golf! It helps players to track their performance both individually and in competition against others.

How long is a golf scorecard?

Typically the scorecard will be around 6 inches long by 4..5 inches when it is folded. This makes it easy to carry in a pocket or golf bag without taking up too much room. Each golf scorecard has some common elements that are important to understand when playing a round of golf.

What does 18 mean on a golf scorecard?

18 means that it is the expected easiest hole on the golf course and 1 means that it is the expected hardest hole on the golf course. The handicap strokes section of a scorecard is fundamental for golfers when calculating their score based on their golf handicaps.

What does the circle symbol on a golf scorecard mean?

These represent a golfers score on a particular hole. Solid circle symbol – Represents an Eagle or better score (e.g. an Albatross or hole in one) By using these golf symbols for scores it makes it quicker and easier to identify scoring when reading a golf scorecard.

How to score a birdie in golf?

They work as follows: 1 Solid circle symbol – Represents an Eagle or better score (e.g. an Albatross or hole in one) 2 Circle symbol – Represents a Birdie 3 No symbol – Represents a Par 4 Square symbol – Represents a Bogey 5 Solid square symbol – Represents a Double-bogey or worse

What format is golf played under?

Pay Attention To The Format. There are different formats that golf is played under. Ranging from stroke play to stableford. It is important to factor this in when completing your score card, especially in competition. Depending on the type of competition that you are playing will impact how you mark your scores.

How long to write down scores for 18 holes?

Therefore, it is worth taking the 10 seconds to write down scores each time that you complete a hole.

What does 2 and 1 mean in golf?

So "2 and 1" means that the winner was two holes ahead with one hole to play (the match ended after No. 17), "3 and 2" means three holes ahead to with two holes to play (the match ended after No. 16), and so on.

What is match play scoring?

At root, match play scoring in golf is very simple: Golfers compete hole by hole, and the golfer who wins the most holes wins the match. But match play competitions can create some scores that novices might not be familiar with, scores that may look odd or use terminology unfamiliar to beginners.

What is the meaning of tie in golf?

Simple: Win a hole, that's one for you; lose a hole, that's one for your opponent. Ties on individual holes (called halves) essentially don't count; they aren't kept track of in the scorekeeping.

How many holes does a match play match have?

Match play matches do not have to go the full 18 holes. They often do, but just as frequently one player will achieve an insurmountable lead and the match will end early. For example, say you reach a score of 6-up with five holes to play—you've clinched the victory, and the match is over.