Kids Trivia: Golf Scoring - The Par
A golfer's score is compared with the golf course's winning par requirements.
If a course has a par of 72 and a golfer takes 75 strokes to complete the course, the reported score is "three-over-par". The golfer took three shots more than par to complete the course.
If a golfer takes 70 strokes, their reported score is "two-under-par" which is a quality game.
Most golf courses have par-3, -4, and -5 holes. The typical distances for the various holes from standard tees are:
- Par 3 – 250 yards and below
- Par 4 – 251–450 yards
- Par 5 – 451–690 yards
- Par 6 – 691 yards or more
- Par 3 – 210 yards and below
- Par 4 – 211–400 yards
- Par 5 – 401–575 yards
- Par 6 – 575 yards or more
Harder courses may have longer distance holes. Easier course have shorter distance holes.
Terrain can also be a factor, so a long downhill hole might be rated par 4.
A shorter uphill or treacherous hole might be rated par 5.
Tournament players play from a longer-distance tee box (the Championship or Tournament tee). More skill and judgment is needed to complete these tee and fairway shots to win the game.