There are various scoring terms relating to how a player scores on each hole on a course. It is important to understand these terms in order to grasp the basic scoring mechanisms in golf:
- Par: par is the predetermined number of strokes in which a player should sink the ball in the hole. This would be on the basis of a “scratch” golfer with a handicap of 0. Scoring is accordingly based on the par of each hole. “Under-par” accordingly relates to taking fewer shots than expected to complete a round. The par on a hole ranges from 3 to 6. The par is based on the distance from the tee to the hole. Most courses consist
s of four par 3 holes, four par 5 holes, and 10 par 4 holes; - Birdie: this is a score of one stroke below par;
- Bogey: a score of one stroke over par;
- Eagle: a score of two strokes under par;
- Double Bogey: a score of two strokes above par;
- Double Eagle / Albatross: a score of three strokes under par (so rare there is an official club);
- Triple Bogey: a score of three strokes over par; and
- Hole-in-one / condor: everyone’s coveted score. This entails being able to sink the ball in the hole on a player’s first shot.