Golf Scoring FAQs

Whether you are hitting the links at night with glow-in-the-dark golf balls or stepping onto the course under a blazing sun, knowing about golf scoring makes the game easier to understand. While every stroke counts, the important thing to remember about golf scoring is that lower is better. If you are just starting out, or all the golf lingo you hear tossed around the course confuses you, read these FAQs about golf scoring to learn the language of this popular sport.

Q: What is par?

A: Par is the number of strokes with which a skilled golfer should finish the course. It gives you a basis of comparison to let you know how you are doing. The par is different on each hole and on each golf course. A lower par indicates an easier hole or course, and a higher one indicates a harder hole or course.

Q: What is a handicap?

A: A handicap is a way to measure an amateur's ability on a given course. If you have a higher handicap, it means you are less skilled. Conversely, a low handicap means you are a better golfer. The handicap is used to create a more even playing field among golfers of different skill levels. If you are playing someone with little or no handicap and you have a high handicap, your score is adjusted to reflect this, allowing you to compete on a more level basis.

Q: What is a birdie?

A: A birdie means you finished a hole with one less stroke than par.

Q: What is a bogey?

A: A bogey means you finished a hole with one more stroke than par. There are also double and triple bogeys; a double means you were two strokes above par, and a triple means you were three over par.

Q: What is an eagle?

A: An eagle is when you finish the hole in two strokes under par.