How to Read Golf Scores

Golf is one of the only games in which a low score is ideal. A round of golf consists of 18 holes of varying distances and difficulties, each of which is given a predetermined number of strokes it should take to complete. This number is known as par. The standard par for an entire course is 70 to 72, with each hole assigned a par of 3, 4 or 5. Every golf course prints a score card for you to track your own scores and those of the others in your group, too.

Things You'll Need

  • Score card
  • Pencil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Write the amount of strokes it takes you to complete each hole in the designated area on the score card. If the hole is labeled "par 3" then it should only take three strokes from tee to hole, "par 4" should take four strokes and "par 5" should take five strokes. Keep in mind, these are average scores for professionals or low handicap amateur golfers, so do not be discouraged if your scores are higher.

    • 2

      Add up the number of strokes it took you to complete the entire course by tallying each individual hole score. Then compare your total against the established par for the course. If the par is 72 and it took you 84 strokes to finish the course, than you have a score of +12, or 12 over par. On the other hand, if it only took 71 strokes to complete the same course, you have a score of -1, or 1-under.

    • 3

      Compare your final score against the others in your group. Whoever has the lower score, wins.