If you’re new to golf, the scoring system might seem a bit confusing at first. Don’t worry – it’s actually pretty straightforward once you get the basics down.
Let’s start with the most important thing: in golf, the lowest score wins. I know, it’s the opposite of most sports, but stick with me here.
Every hole on a golf course has what’s called a “par” – that’s the number of strokes (hits) a good golfer should take to get the ball in the hole. Most holes are either par 3, par 4, or par 5. A typical 18-hole course usually has a total par of around 72.
Here’s what the basic scoring terms mean:
- Par: If you get the ball in the hole in exactly the number of strokes set for that hole
- Birdie: One stroke under par (that’s good!)
- Bogey: One stroke over par (not great, but totally normal for beginners)
- Double Bogey: Two strokes over par
- Eagle: Two strokes under par (amazing shot!)
So let’s say you’re playing a par-4 hole:
- If you get the ball in in 4 shots = Par
- If it takes 5 shots = Bogey
- If it takes 6 shots = Double Bogey
- If you sink it in 3 shots = Birdie
- If you manage it in 2 shots = Eagle (buy a lottery ticket, it’s your lucky day!)
For beginners, shooting bogey golf (one over par on each hole) is actually pretty good. Many new golfers start out scoring double or triple bogeys, and that’s completely normal. A typical beginner might shoot anywhere from 100 to 120 for 18 holes, while the average recreational golfer scores between 90 and 100.
Here’s a pro tip: don’t get discouraged by your early scores. Golf is a challenging game, and those super-low scores you see on TV? Those pros have been playing their entire lives. Focus instead on improving your own game and celebrating your personal victories, like the first time you make par on a hole or hit a really sweet drive down the middle of the fairway.
Remember, golf isn’t just about the score – it’s about enjoying yourself out there. But knowing how scoring works will help you track your progress and understand what those numbers mean when your golfing buddies start talking about breaking 90 or shooting bogey golf.
Now get out there and play – and don’t forget to keep count of those strokes!
