How Does Golf Scoring Work?

Golf scoring revolves around the idea of the "par." Each hole has a set number of strokes which the golfer is anticipated to shoot in. This set number is considered the par. For example, a hole that should take 3 shots to complete is known as a Par 3 hole. Golfers are not penalized for shooting par, but they are not rewarded, either. Shooting neither over or under par results in a score of "Even." Otherwise, a positive or negative numerical score is assigned to the golfer depending on whether they are over or under performing. However, some golfers elect to adopt a handicap, which is a measure of a golfer's playing ability, or lack thereof. It is used to calculate a score from the number of golf strokes taken, and is used to level the playing field between golfers of different skill levels. Handicaps only exist in amateur golf and are not a part of the professional game.

There are specific names for various scores in golf. A bogey is shooting 1 over par, while a double bogey is shooting 2 over par, and a triple bogey is shooting 3 over par. Often, shooting 2 over par is referred to as just that, and so on. Shooting under par has more varied and interesting namesakes. Shooting 1 under par is known as a birdie, and shooting a "perfect round" is considered shooting a birdie on every hole. An eagle meanwhile is shooting 2 under par. Shooting an unusual 3 under par is known as an albatross or a double eagle, and shooting a miraculous 4 under par is known as shooting a condor. A condor is also known as a vulture, or a double albatross or triple eagle. The term "hole-in-one" is hitting the golf ball into the hole on one's first swing attempt. Landing the ball in a water hazard or other unplayable area where the ball cannot be played where it lies will result in a loss of stroke. The ball can be dropped or played again from the point where it was originally struck, so long as a stroke is added to the golfer's score on that hole.

Scoring for match play in golf is another matter. In match play, teams play against one another with the object to win as many holes as possible via performing as few strokes as possible on each hole, and fewer than the competition. Match play can be played on 18 holes, or fewer or greater than 18 holes. Match play is a variant which provides for a team atmosphere in a sport otherwise dominated by individual play.