Thinking about taking up golf? Whether you’ve never picked up a club before, have visited the driving range a few times, or enjoyed a round at Jurassic Creek Adventure Golf, understanding how scoring works is one of the first steps in learning the game.
The good news? Golf scoring is much simpler than it sounds. Once you understand a few key terms, you’ll be keeping score like a pro in no time.
What Is Par?
Par is the number of shots a golfer is expected to take to complete a hole.
Most golf holes are:
- Par 3
- Par 4
- Par 5
For example, on a Par 3 hole, a golfer is aiming to get the ball into the hole in three shots.
Common Golf Scoring Terms
Eagle = two shots under par.
- 1 shot on a Par 3 (a hole-in-one)
- 2 shots on a Par 4
- 3 shots on a Par 5
Birdie = One shot under par.
- 2 shots on a Par 3
- 3 shots on a Par 4
Par = Exactly the expected number of shots.
- 3 shots on a Par 3
- 4 shots on a Par 4
Bogey = One shot over par.
- 4 shots on a Par 3
- 5 shots on a Par 4
Double Bogey = Two shots over par.
- 5 shots on a Par 3
- 6 shots on a Par 4
How Do You Calculate Your Score?
Simply count every shot you take and add them together at the end of your round.
For example, if you play six Par 3 holes (Par 18) and take 24 shots in total, you would finish 6 shots over par, written as +6.
What’s a Good Score for a Beginner?
When you’re new to golf, don’t focus too much on your score. Instead, concentrate on:
- Making solid contact with the ball
- Learning the basics
- Having fun
- Building confidence
The scores will improve naturally as your skills develop.
Ready to Start Playing Golf?
A great place to begin is the 3 Hammers Driving Range, where you can practise your swing with unlimited balls and ball-tracking technology that shows exactly where your shots are going.
If you’d like some expert help, the PGA Professionals at the 3 Hammers Academy offer lessons for beginners of all ages and abilities.
Once you’re feeling confident, the 3 Hammers Par 3 Course is the perfect next step. It’s designed to help new golfers experience real golf in a fun and welcoming environment while putting their scoring knowledge into practice.
Whether you’re progressing from Jurassic Creek Adventure Golf or picking up a club for the first time, 3 Hammers has everything you need to start your golfing journey.
