Stupid Golf Question
What does par mean?
The card says par 72 and it feels like the course assigned you a target
Plain answer first
The plain answer
Par is the score assigned to a hole or course as the standard for a scratch player under ordinary conditions. A course total such as par 72 is the sum of the par values for all 18 holes.
The NPG answer
Par is the course baseline, not a beginner performance review.
When it matters
It matters when describing scores as birdie, par, bogey, or over par and when understanding GIR.
What to do next
Use par to understand the card, but set your own playable target for each hole instead of treating par as a requirement.
Do this next
How do I read a golf scorecard?
A scorecard combines hole distances, par, handicap-stroke allocation, totals, course ratings, and optional performance stats.
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