In golf, "par" is the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete an individual hole, or to complete all the holes on a golf course. Par is the standard to which golfers aspire. Usage Examples: "This hole is a par-4." "The par for this golf course is 71." "I'm 3-over par so far in my round."
What does par mean in golf?
In golf, "par" is the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete an individual hole, or to complete all the holes on a golf course. Par is the standard to which golfers aspire. Usage Examples: "This hole is a par-4." "The par for this golf course is 71." "I'm 3-over par so far in my round."
What is the difference between Par and bogey in golf?
In the 1890s it was bogey that golfers used to refer to the target score or ideal score. "Par" entered the golf lexicon around the same time, and was used interchangeably with bogey. But "bogey" was the more widely used of the two terms. But by the early 1900s, the current golf meanings of the two terms started to emerge and become set.
How do you determine the par for golf holes?
The value assigned to represent par for an individual hole is always comprised of two putts plus the number of strokes it should take an expert golfer to reach the green. Holes typically are listed as par-3, par-4 or par-5, although par-6 is also occasionally encountered.
What is the origin of the word par?
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, "par" derives from the Latin, meaning "equal" or "equality," and dates to the 16th Century. Outside of golf, the word is often used to denote a standard level or to mean average, usual, ordinary. If something is "subpar," it is below average.
How do you explain par in golf?
For golf purposes, the USGA defined "par" as, "the score that an expert player would be expected to make for a given hole. Par means expert play under ordinary weather conditions, allowing two strokes on the putting green."
Why is the word par used in golf?
Par's General Meaning and Origins According to the Oxford English Dictionary, "par" derives from the Latin, meaning "equal" or "equality," and dates to the 16th Century. Outside of golf, the word is often used to denote a standard level or to mean average, usual, ordinary. If something is "subpar," it is below average.
What is it called when you get par in golf?
In golf, par is the predetermined number of strokes that a proficient (scratch, or zero handicap) golfer should require to complete a hole, a round (the sum of the pars of the played holes), or a tournament (the sum of the pars of each round).
Is par for the course a golf term?
An average or normal amount; just what one might expect. For example, I missed three questions, but that's par for the course. This term comes from golf, where it refers to the number of strokes needed by an expert golfer to finish the entire course.
How many strokes is par?
Golf Scoring Terms Cheat SheetGolf Scoring TermExplanationStrokeAny forward club swing that's intended to hit the golf ball.ParThe number of strokes an expert player is expected to make for a given hole or a group of holes (usually 9 or 18).BirdieOne stroke under par on an individual hole.8 more rows•Jul 15, 2021
What is 3 shots under par called?
Albatross. An albatross is—you guessed it—a term for three under par. Like the bird itself, achieving an albatross in golf is rare indeed.
What are some golf phrases?
19 Different Golf Sayings For Good LuckGood Luck.Enjoy The 19th Hole.Hit 'Em Long And Straight.May The Fores Be With You.Play Well.Swing Easy.Only Birdies.Have A Great Round.More items...•
How do you say your score in golf?
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.
How do you call score in golf?
Par-5 HoleDouble eagle: On a par-5, means you finished the hole in 2 strokes.Eagle: You finished the hole in 3 strokes.Birdie: You finished the hole in 4 strokes.Par: You finished the hole in 5 strokes.Bogey: You finished the hole in 6 strokes.Double bogey: You finished the hole in 7 strokes.More items...•
What is another word for par?
What is another word for par?equivalenceequalityequal footinglikenesssimilarityuniformitycorrespondenceagreementevennessparallelism27 more rows
Is par good in golf?
Golf courses normally have a par that ranges between 70 and 72; any score that is at par or under par is considered good.
What does "par" mean in golf?
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, "par" derives from the Latin, meaning "equal" or "equality," and dates to the 16th Century. Outside of golf, the word is often used to denote a standard level or to mean average, usual, ordinary. If something is "subpar," it is below average. If something is "on par," it is equal to or meets ...
What is par in golf?
Par, to put it another way, is a target score. Most golfers are unable to meet or beat par - the vast majority of golfers can only aspire to par, and are thrilled when, on rare or scarce occasions, we shoot par on an individual hole.
What is the difference between par and bogey?
"Par" came to denote the ideal score for the best golfers (and the aspirational score for the rest of us), while "bogey" was applied to a score that recreational golfers would be happy with.
When did par start?
The arrival of "par" in golf happened much later. Par didn't start being used by golfers until the late 19th Century. Today we know that par refers to a standard score that golfers are trying to meet or beat, whether for a single hole or a collection of holes.
What is the meaning of "bogey" in golf?
And it's tied to the origins of another golf scoring term, bogey . In the 1890s it was bogey that golfers used to refer to the target score or ideal score. "Par" entered the golf lexicon around the same time, and was used interchangeably with bogey. But "bogey" was the more widely used of the two terms. But by the early 1900s, the current golf ...
What is even par in golf?
If a golfer makes two pars to start a round, he is “even par” for the round. If a player opens with two birdies, he is “two under” for the round. If a player makes two bogeys to start a round, he is “two over.”. Similarly, if a player makes a birdie on the 1st hole and follows it with a bogey on No. 2, he is “even par.”.
How many strokes does it take to get a par 4?
On a par 4, an expert golfer is expected to take 4 strokes to get his ball in the hole. If you make a 4 on a par 4, you have just tallied a “par”. “Birdie” and “bogey” are simple once you understand the concept of par. A player makes a “birdie” when he uses one fewer strokes than the par of the hole.
What is a handicap in golf?
Handicap: A handicap is a measurement of the average number of strokes over par a particular golfer makes during a round on an average golf course. So, a person with a handicap of 15 is expected to shoot a score of 87 on a par-72 golf course of average difficulty. A 5-handicapper is expected to shoot a 77 on the same course.
What is a bogey in golf?
A bogey? Let’s start simply with the golf terms “par”, “birdie” and “bogey”. All three of these golf terms refer to scoring. “Par” represents the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to make on the hole or course. Every golf hole has a “par” assigned to it. Most holes are either a par 3, par 4, or par 5.
What is scratch golf?
Scratch: A “scratch” golfer is a golfer with a handicap of 0. These expert golfers are expected to shoot even par or better on most golf courses. Yips: A condition in which a muscle spasm or mental block prevents you from performing a simple golf task. Most often it’s associated with putting.
What is a forecaddie in golf?
Some think it comes from the golf term “forecaddie”, which is a person that stands in a forward position on each golf hole to pinpoint where the players’ balls go. “Forecaddies” are often in the line of fire and need to be warned when a ball is flying toward them.
Where are links golf courses located?
Links courses are also usually located on ocean coasts, where strong, changing winds play a major factor. “Links” golf courses began in Scotland with the very first golf courses ever built.
What does "double eagle" mean in golf?
Albatross (aka Double Eagle): This means a score of three strokes under Par, which as you can imagine is very rare. All square: Tied score in match play. Army Golf: Like a marching rhythm: Left-right-left, in the game of golf it means hitting the ball out of bounds to the left then to the right the next time.
What is a cabbage in golf?
Cabbage (aka Spinach): If you hit the ball into inescapable thick rough. Can: Refers to the “Cup” on the Green. Carpet: Term which refers to the “Green”. Casual water: A build-up of water on the golf course after heavy rain that is not part of a water hazard. The player can move the ball without penalty.
What is the best game of golf?
A golfer’s best game which is executed on a regular basis. Hitting the ball into the hole in one swing of the club. When the putted ball refuses to fall into the hole. A golf shot which travels a considerably longer distance than planned.
What is a stick in golf?
A stroke made above the equator of the ball which is mis-hit, resulting in a line-drive trajectory. Sticks: The plural “sticks” means golf clubs not to be confused with flagstick. Stroke play: A golf format in which the objective is to finish the game using the fewest total shots.
Why is it called a bite in golf?
Bite: If a ball has lots of backspin it is said to “bite” because it stays close to where it landed or may spin back toward the player. If a ball appears to be going past the hole a player may shout “pray” or a more humorous way can be to shout, “grow teeth!”. Bogey: A score of one over par. Bracket:
What is Mickey Mouse golf?
Mickey Mouse course: Refers to a course with many short holes and bad maintenance. Mulligan: Referring to a second shot from the Tee, after a bad first shot. Match play: A golf format where the goal is to win individual holes rather than tallying the total of all the strokes.
What is par in golf?
Par is derived from the stock exchange term that a stock may be above or below its normal or 'par' figure. In 1870, Mr AH Doleman, a golf writer, asked the golf professionals David Strath and James Anderson, what score would win 'The Belt', then the winning trophy for 'The Open', at Prestwick, where it was first held annually from 1861 to 1870. Strath and Anderson said that perfect play should produce a score of 49 for Prestwick's twelve holes. Mr Doleman called this 'par' for Prestwick and subsequently Young Tom Morris won with a score of two strokes 'over par' for the three rounds of 36 holes.
What is the term for three under par?
Albatross is the term for three under par and is a continuation of the birdie and eagle theme, but is in fact a British term. Ab Smith said his group used the phrase 'double eagle' for three under ( see Birdie above ), which is still the term most Americans and the name for their Double Eagle Club (membership by invitation only).
What are the three terms used in golf?
There is quite a history behind the golfing terms bogey, par, birdie, eagle and albatross. Bogey and par were central to the development of handicapping, pioneered by the LGU. The modern meaning of three of the terms - bogey, birdie and eagle - comes from their use in USA. Bogey Par Birdie Eagle Albatross.
What is the meaning of the eagle in golf?
Eagle. "Eagle", a score of two under par for a given hole, was clearly the extension of the theme of birds for good scores from a " birdie " . It would be natural for American golfers to think of the eagle, which is their national symbol and the term seems to have developed only shortly after the 'birdie'.
When was the par standard first used?
Although the first noted use of the word "par" in golf was in Britain and predates the bogey, today's rating system does not and the par standard was not further developed until later. It was the Ladies Golf Association, who, from 1893, began to develop a national handicapping system for women.
What does "birdie" mean in golf?
Birdie. "Birdie", meaning a score of one stroke under Par, comes from the early 20th century American slang term "bird", meaning anything excellent. The September 1911 edition of Maclean Magazine described a golf shot as - '"bird" straight down the course, about two hundred and fifteen yards.'.
Who invented the ground score?
In 1890 Mr Hugh Rotherham Secretary of the Coventry Golf Club conceived the idea of standardising the number of shots at each hole that a good golfer should take, which he called the 'ground score.'. Dr Browne, Secretary of the Great Yarmouth Club, adopted the idea, and, with the assent of the club's golfers, this style ...
What does it mean when a golf putt rolls around the cup?
Lip Out – When your putt rolls around the edge of the cup causing it to change directions. This is terribly frustrating because that means you almost made the putt! Slice – This is probably the most popular of golf terms as it relates to a player’s swing. A slice is occurs when a golfer puts excessive curve on the ball.
What does "pull" mean in golf?
Pull – When a golfer says they pull their shot, they have hit it directly to the left. Albatross – Another word for double eagle, or when scoring three under on a hole. This only occurs if you were to make a hole in one on a par 4, or hole out on your second shot in a par 5.
What does it mean when a golfer says "I chunked it"?
Chunk – When a golfer says “I chunked it” that usually means that they made contact behind the golf ball, and their club had dug into the ground too deeply. Also could be referred to as hitting it fat. Greenie – If you are playing a gambling format like Nassau usually groups will make side bets.
What is double cross in golf?
Double Cross – When a golfer intends to hit a fade, or a draw but does the complete opposite. For example, if a golfer wanted to hit a fade and then ends up hooking it. Instead of the ball flying from left to right, it goes from right to left. Gimme – When your putt is close enough to the hole that it is considered to be made.
What is a divot in golf?
Divot – The small piece (sometimes large) of turf that comes out when your club makes contact with the ground. Sometimes you don’t even need to take a divot. Flyer – When your ball is in the rough, but propped up a bit then you might have a “flyer” lie. This will cause the ball to travel farther than it normally does.
What is a slice in golf?
A slice is occurs when a golfer puts excessive curve on the ball. For a right-handed golfer, they have sliced it if the ball is moving excessively from left to right. Hook – For a right-handed golfer a hook occurs when the ball travels from right to left, but in a much more exaggerated path.
What is a snowman in golf?
A snowman is when you score an 8 on a hole. Worm Burner – When you strike a shot that barely gets off the ground and just rolls. Ace – Another word for a hole-in-one. Fore – The word you shout as loud as you can when you hit your ball in the direction of another golfer. You need to warn them!
When opponents have the same score at a hole or in a match play tie or neither side win after the round
When opponents have the same score at a hole or in a match play tie or neither side win after the round is completed you have halved the hole or halved the game.
What is a marker on a golf course?
The markers that you play from on the teeing ground. They are colour coded to depict different areas of play for different days players or events. You should always confirm before your round which tees the club would like you play from
What is the definition of a grip on a golf club?
A description of a type of grip used on the club when the last finger of the right hand interlocks with the first finger of the left hand. (See also baseball and overlap)
What is the stroke index in golf?
The stroke index indicates which holes golfers will receive a stroke at in matchplay or stableford competitions.
What is a stimey in golf?
Stimey. An old matchplay rule that is no longer used where you were allowed to play a strategic shot or putt to deliberately block your opponents clear route to the hole by getting your ball in the way. In the modern rules your opponent will ask you to mark your ball in this event which is compulsory. top.
Why do you hold a pin when you putt?
Holding the pin for your playing partner while they are playing a putt, usually to provide a visual aid. When you are attending the pin it is your responsibility to remove it as the ball approaches the hole. If the ball hits the pin your playing partner would incur a penalty.
What is a captain in golf?
The Captain is the figurehead at any golf club who heads the management committee. This person on route to becoming captain will have worked towards this position over years of being involved in most departments in the running of the club
What is a local rule in golf?
Local Rule – Specific rule or rules that are not mainstream and only for that particular golf course. Long – A term for a golfer who hits the ball far (Dustin Johnson). Long Game – Refers to hitting long irons, woods, hybrids, and driver. Lob Wedge – A type of wedge that is usually in the 60 to 64-degree range.
What is the back nine of a golf course?
Back Nine – This refers to the last 9 holes of a typical 18 hole course, also known as heading in. Backswing – As the term suggests, this is simply the action taking when swinging back before striking the golf ball. It is important for distance and accuracy.
Why is backspin important in golf?
It is important for distance and accuracy. Backspin – Spin is very important in most aspects golf and you will often come across the term when comparing clubs or in golfing instructions. Simply put, more backspin will give you a high ball with a fair amount of control.
What is an ace in golf?
Ace – Otherwise known as a hole in one an ace is when the ball finds the hole from the tee in a single stoke. It is the dream of many golfers.
What is a fat shot in golf?
The specifics and colors can vary from course to course. Fat – A fat shot is when the club strikes the ground before the ball.
What is a big dog in golf?
Big Dog – A Driver. Bite – A term used by golfers for a golf ball to stop rolling. Bladed Shot – A chip shot from just off the green purposely hit with the bottom of the club. Played often from when the ball rests against the collar of the green. Runs like a putt.
What is the name of the cup on the green?
Plugged Lie – Occurs when a golf ball sinks into the ground and it is submerged. Easily occurs in wet conditions. Pot – Another name for the cup on the green. Press – Occurs when a second bet is brought up by a golfer during a round, and usually used to hedge their first bet.
What is the definition of compression in golf?
Compression: A measure of the relative hardness of a golf ball ranging from 100 (hardest) to 80 (softest). (Like most powerful players, he preferred a 100-compression ball). Connection: A description of a swing in which all the various body parts work harmoniously to produce a solid, fluid motion.
What is the backspin of a golf ball?
Backspin: The rotational movement or spin of the ball produced by contact with the clubface. The greater the backspin, the higher the ball will fly and the more it will spin, and therefore stop or even spin backwards on impact with the turf.
What is the motion of the club that takes the club away from the ball?
Backswing: The motion that involves the club and every element of the body in taking the club away from the ball and setting it in position at the top of the backswing from which the club can be delivered to the ball at impact. (John Daly has an unusually long backswing that causes the club to go past parallel at the top of the swing).
What is the axis of a golf swing?
Axis: Generally refers to a straight line (the spine) that the upper body rotates around in the course of the golf swing. (One reason for her consistent ballstriking is that her axis remains in a constant position throughout the swing). B. Backswing: The motion that involves the club and every element of the body in taking the club away from ...
What is casting in golf?
Casting: An uncocking of the wrists prematurely on the downswing, resulting in a loss of power and control. Also known as "hitting from the top.". (Smith had a tendency to swing at and not through the ball, which caused him to cast the club from the top of the swing).
What is COAM in golf?
Conservation of Angular Momentum (COAM): A law of physics that allows the player to produce large amounts of kinetic energy. As the body shiftsits weight and turns towards the target in the forward swing, the mass (arms and club) is pulled away from the center into an extended position by centrifugal force.
What is carryover golf?
Carryover: When a hole is tied in a match and the bet is carried over to the next hole. (He won the 10th hole as well as the carryover).
Par's General Meaning and Origins
Par in The Golf World
- The arrival of "par" in golf happened much later. Par didn't start being used by golfers until the late 19th Century. Today we know that par refers to a standard score that golfers are trying to meet or beat, whether for a single hole or a collection of holes. If Hole No. 1 is a par-4, that means the best golfers are expected to need four strokes to play it, and 4 is the score that all golfers want to me…
How Par Entered The Golf Lexicon
- When and how did "par" become a golf word? As noted above, that didn't happen until around the time the 19th Century turned into the 20th Century. And it's tied to the origins of another golf scoring term, bogey. In the 1890s it was bogeythat golfers used to refer to the target score or ideal score. "Par" entered the golf lexicon around the same time, and was used interchangeably …