Golf Scoring Explained for Beginners: A Quick Guide

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.

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...

Aaron Rai returns to 3 Hammers to inspire Junior Golfers

On Saturday 16^th November we were delighted to welcome back Aaron Rai to 3 Hammers Golf Complex for a Q&A and golf clinic with our academy juniors on the back of his recent maiden PGA Tour victory.

Aaron began his golfing journey many years ago here at 3 Hammers Golf Complex when he was just 4 years old and since then it has been fantastic to watch and follow Aaron’s journey which has led to multiple wins on the DP World Tour, his maiden victory on the PGA Tour and a career high ranking of 20^th in the world.

Whilst Aaron is now based in the USA, he is often found practicing his putting, short game and swing around the complex when back visiting his family in Wolverhampton. During his most recent visit Aaron was kind enough to take part in a Q&A Session and Golf Clinic led by our Academy Director Rob Bluck to discuss his journey so far with our Junior Squads and give them the opportunity to watch Aaron hit shots and discuss his practice routine and the work he puts in to reach the top of the sport.

We kicked things off with some questions from our Juniors regarding what it’s like to play on tour and the pressures this brings. It was also extremely informative to find out more about the daily routine of a tour player and the amount of time which goes in to perfecting his game in between competitions.

Aaron also discussed how his golfing journey began right here at 3 Hammers as a beginner golfer trying golf for the first time. One of the highlights was taking part in a competition ran by 3 Hammers in partnership with the Express & Star called ‘Search for a star’ which Aaron won and we think it’s safe to say that we certainly did find a star.

Following on from the Q&A it was time to head to the range for the opportunity to watch Aaron hit some shots and see his swing up close. Our juniors along with their parents were blown away by his swing and his ability to shape shots as requested by our juniors. Aaron also discussed and demonstrated his pre shot and practice routines which enables him to get in the zone when playing to ensure there are no distractions. This was extremely informative for everybody involved and to see a tour player hitting shots was a memorable experience.

The final part of the session was held on the Par 3 Course where Aaron used to spend many hours every day dialling in his wedge shots which is now one of the strongest parts of his game. 5 of our Juniors challenged Aaron to a flood lit Closest to the pin challenge on our 15^th Hole. Aaron set the bar high hitting first and with some very nicely controlled backspin finished around 3ft from the hole. This meant it was now over to the juniors to see if they could beat him. We had some very good attempts to get inside of Aaron’s shot and for a moment we thought we were going to witness a hole in one when Jack Youlden hit a perfectly measured shot which brushed the hole cup to finish a few inches from the hole and take the win. This was a great achievement and Jack can now say he beat the current world number 21 in a closest to the pin competition.

Following on from the session all involved expressed their gratitude to Aaron for giving up his own time to spend the afternoon with us here at 3 Hammers and share his advice and experiences with us. We hope that the visit has inspired our Juniors that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Everybody here at 3 Hammers is extremely proud of everything Aaron has achieved and we hope he has many more successful years playing at the highest possible level.

On Saturday 16^th November we were delighted to welcome back Aaron Rai to 3 Hammers Golf Complex for a Q&A and golf clinic with our academy juniors on the back of his recent maiden PGA Tour victory.

Aaron began his golfing journey many years ago here at 3 Hammers Golf Complex when he was just 4 years old and since then it has been fantastic to watch and follow Aaron’s jour...

Tags: 3 Hammers, British, DP World Tour, England Golf, golf, Grow Golf, PGA Tour, R&A, Sports, Wolverhampton

England golf awards recognise three female finalists from 3 Hammers.

The 3 Hammers Golf Academy in Wolverhampton is proud to announce that three of the finalists in this year’s prestigious England Golf Awards have called the venue ‘home’.

Meghan Hopkins, Molly Moore and Ryka Verma were unveiled as finalists in this year’s awards, which recognise the people and venues shaping the future of golf.

“To have three female finalists from a Wolverhampton golf venue in a national awards is astounding,” comments owner of 3 Hammers Ian Bonser. “As well as recognising their contribution to the sport it also shows how inclusive golf is in our region. Whether they win or lose Meghan, Molly and Ryka have already made us all incredibly proud.”

Verma, who is a finalist in the Young Volunteer of the Year, started her golf journey in 2017. Since then, her golf has gone from strength to strength, becoming the first female junior caption at South Staffordshire Golf Club. Ryka has been recognised for her work supporting young golfers in the region. She recently won an award at the 3 Hammers for her fantastic attitude. She is a dedicated fundraiser and works tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health issues.

Hopkins has been named as a finalist in the Women and Girls’ Trailblazer category. She joined 3 Hammers in October 2021 as a PGA Trainee Professional and has been championing the women’s and girl’s game ever since, recruiting girls from age 3 through to women in retirement. She has been acknowledged for her inclusive approach to golf, in particular in bringing parents and siblings of players into the game by gently nurturing their interest. She also works closely with the rising talent in the academy making sure that they receive all the support that they need.

Finally, PGA coach Molly Moore has been nominated in the same category. Molly spent 3 years at 3 Hammers upon completing her Applied Golf Management Degree at Birmingham University, before leaving to relocate after the pandemic.

“I’ve had the privilege to work with and mentor these pioneering young women over the last few years, and I am absolutely delighted that they have been recognised for their individual contributions,” comments 3 Hammers Golf Academy Director Rob Bluck. “We wish them all the very best when the award winners are announced at England Golf’s centenary dinner in Manchester on February 13.”

The 3 Hammers Golf Academy in Wolverhampton is proud to announce that three of the finalists in this year’s prestigious England Golf Awards have called the venue ‘home’.

Meghan Hopkins, Molly Moore and Ryka Verma were unveiled as finalists in this year’s awards, which recognise the people and venues shaping the future of golf.

“To have three fe...

Golf day raises £3500 for Brain Research UK

Over £3,500 has been raised for Brain Research UK by supporters of popular Wolverhampton golf venue, 3 Hammers Golf Complex.

Golfers teed off during a charity fundraising day in aid of the UK charity. Which has been funding the best science for over 50 years to achieve the greatest impact for people affected by neurological conditions. Helping them live better, longer lives. The event was organised by Will Dunn, PGA Golf Instructor at the Complex. To raise money in memory of Will’s cousin, Etta Hilditch. Some 84 people took to the greens at the award winning golf venue in Coven. Including Etta’s parents, relatives and friends, plus supporters of the Complex. Etta, from Featherstone, sadly passed away in November 2020 from a brain haemorrhage, aged just 22.

Chris and Matt Pearce from Cheslyn Hay won the charity golf day. Which consisted of a golfer and non golfer format. Where the golfer tees off and plays approach shots. With the non golfer doing the putting.

Over 100 attended a presentation in the venue’s Bistro afterwards. Where a BBQ was laid on with plenty of food and drink. A combination of the golf day, donations and a prize raffle raised the impressive £3,500 for the brain research charity.

Thanks go to all that supported the day including Stoma Building Control, Featherstone Fencing Ltd, Lichtgitter, Bridge Carpentry Ltd, Foxhills Country Club, Meadow Springs Country & Leisure Park and Experience Days.

Etta’s Dad Steve said “In memory of our daughter Etta, and in support of Brain Research UK, we offer our massive thanks to all at 3 Hammers. And especially Will for putting on a fantastic day. As a family, we were overjoyed at the turn out. The weather was brilliant, yet some of the golf, not so brilliant! Although Etta would be looking down with her usual big smile on her face, and proud of everyone. Thanks to all who supported, and the monies raised will be greatly appreciated by the charity. We hope to run the event again next year”.

Over £3,500 has been raised for Brain Research UK by supporters of popular Wolverhampton golf venue, 3 Hammers Golf Complex. Golfers teed off during a charity fundraising day in aid of the UK charity. Which has been funding the best science for over 50 years to achieve the greatest impact for people affected by neurological conditio...

Defibrilator arrives at 3 Hammers ready for British Heart Week

It is fitting that during British Heart Week a live-saving defibrillator, which

was purchased using funds raised by customers of the 3 Hammers Golf Complex, arrived on site at

the award-winning venue in Coven, Wolverhampton. Customers at the venue were inspired to raise

money for the device after hearing the remarkable story of 3 Hammers’ customer and local

businessperson Kevin Threlfall whose life was saved by a defibrillator after suffering a heart attack on

a local golf course.

“I have no doubt that this defibrillator will save lives,” commented former Wolves Director Threlfall.

“I know from my own experience that having access to this equipment and the relevant training is

essential. Without it I would not be here today! Every sports venue should have a defibrillator, so I

would like to extend a huge thank you to the 3 Hammers customers and staff, who really should be

congratulated for raising the funds necessary to buy this live saving equipment.”

Staff at the 3 Hammers have undergone specialist training to use the defibrillator, which has also

been registered with the British Heart Foundation’s national database. ‘The Circuit’ connects

ambulance services and 999 callers to the location of the nearest defibrillator device when there is a

cardiac arrest emergency.

“The defibrillator that we have here isn’t just for our customers, it can be used by anyone in the local

community,” explains Ian Bonser owner of the 3 Hammers Golf Complex. “For every minute that

passes the survival rate of someone suffering a cardiac arrest decreases significantly, which is why it

is so important to increase the number of golf and other sports venues who have this specialist

equipment and training available. We are hugely grateful to everyone who contributed to the

fundraising efforts.”

It is fitting that during British Heart Week a live-saving defibrillator, which was purchased using funds raised by customers of the 3 Hammers Golf Complex, arrived on site at the award-winning venue in Coven, Wolverhampton. Customers at the venue were inspired to raise money for the device after hearing the remarkable story of 3 Hammers’ customer and local businessperson Kevin Threlfall who...

Tags: 3 Hammers, British, Defibrialtor, golf, Heart, Sports, Wolverhampton

Are 3 Hammers Golfers the youngest in Europe

Children as young as 18 months old are getting into golf at The 3 Hammers Golf

Academy as part of a new partnership with specialist sports provider, Sport4Kids. This new programme which

is already attracting families and children across the Midlands appears to be the first of its kind in Europe!

“We are always looking for ways to make golf more accessible to our community, we just never imagined that

toddlers would be the ones taking over the driving range on a Saturday morning!” comments 3 Hammers

Academy Director, Rob Bluck. “Children are keen to give golf a go and parents are always looking for fun, social

activities that help their developmental skills, which is exactly what golf does.”

S4K Golf is offered to children from 18 months – 6 years old and develops children’s mini and micro motor

skills. The coaches use a combination of Montessori teaching methods and child psychology to make learning

fun. Each class has a dedicated curriculum and a ‘practice at home’ book so that parents can help their

children to develop their skills outside of the class.

Sarah Marshall, whose 4 year old daughter Lana has started on the scheme commented, “Starting Lana at such

a young age has really built her confidence and passion for to the sport. She now asks her father to take her to

the golf range to practice as well as looking forward to her lessons. Learning through play with her peers is

fantastic and her ability for her age is fantastic and is all down to the team at 3 Hammers.”

Discussing this new partnership Academy Director Rob Bluck said “There is a lot of evidence that suggests that

a lifelong love of sport starts by getting children involved as early as possible in life. This isn’t about creating

the best golfers in the county. It’s about making golf a sport for every child to try. We are always striving to

improve what we offer and lead by example, and this is exactly what this new partnership allows us to do.”

What are 3 Hammers offering?

S4K Toddler (18 Months to 3 Years)

Using stories, children’s characters and entertainment, S4K Toddlers is an imaginative hub of learning. This

class involves the parents, which provides a great opportunity to bond with your child through sport as well as

meeting like-minded people.

S4K Birdies (3 to 4.5 Years)

S4K Birdies continue to develop the core elements, such as putting over different distances and continue to

challenge and improve the child’s skills. Stance is developed to instil excellent technique.

S4K Eagles (4.5 to 6 Years)

Games improve ball striking and start to introduce aiming, distance control, landing zones and shot selection

with use of brightly coloured and fun targets. There is a lot of excitement, cheering and big scores to make

each and every player feel like a winner.

To ensure a smooth transition into regular golfing, the Sport4Kids Eagles class feeds into the 3 Hammers

Academy Programme, which is run by a team of 8 PGA Professionals. There are various levels to work through

via the Junior Golf Passport as they are set targets and challenges to complete. The Academy is already

recognised as a leader in children’s golf development having won The Critchley Award from the Golf

Foundation which acknowledges the work which the team has done.

If you would like to get your child into golf, please send them an email at academy@3hammers.co.uk

Children as young as 18 months old are getting into golf at The 3 Hammers Golf Academy as part of a new partnership with specialist sports provider, Sport4Kids. This new programme which is already attracting families and children across the Midlands appears to be the first of its kind in Europe! “We are always looking for ways to make golf more accessible to our community, we just never imagi...

3 Hammers twins with Uganda’s AFRIYEA Academy

From Coven, United Kingdom and Fort Portal, Uganda: 3 Hammers Golf Complex has created a Twinning project with East and Central Africa’s number one -golf academy AFRIYEA. By working collaboratively 3 Hammers and AFRIYEA will exchange ideas and expertise, create fun experiences for the youngsters at both venues with a long term ambition to create a partnership that will help AFRIYEA achieves its goals in the region.

AFRIYEA, which is based at The Toro Club, was founded in 2020 by Isaiah Mwesige as a means to engage the most vulnerable young people and children in the region. The unique concept connects these youngsters to opportunities to enhance their lives. As well as golf coaching, the youngster attending AFRIYEA receive education, mentorship training, environmental and life skills that will prepare them for adult life.

“We were really inspired to see the splendid work that Isaiah and his team are doing and wanted to see if our team could help create opportunities to help them achieve their goals,” explains owner of 3 Hammers Golf Complex Ian Bonser. “We have already identified a range of collaborations that will create a community that connects the young golfers at both locations, as well as give AFRIYEA access to our expertise. This is just the beginning of what promises to be a really rewarding partnership.”

As of December 2021, the AFRIYEA academy has already introduced over 310 kids into golf. Its most recent recruitment campaign introduced the sport to over 40 kids in primary schools and will lead to the development of an inter school golf competition. The youngsters are in incredibly capable hands under the tutelage of Head Coach Stephen Kasaija who is the former national team coach and his assistant George Kituku, a former national team player plus a strong field of other national and professional players such as Joseph Cwinya-ai who is the current national team captain, Adolf Muhumuza, Happy Robert, Mackline Nsenga, Koowe Lillian among others.

Isaiah Mwesige, CEO and Founder comments, “This is a really exciting opportunity for us and the children to connect with people who are as enthusiastic about golf as we are. To gather advice and support from people who have been running a successful academy for over 30 years is really going to help us. I am looking forward to the children meeting each other at our first virtual event in a few weeks’ time.”

From Coven, United Kingdom and Fort Portal, Uganda: 3 Hammers Golf Complex has created a Twinning project with East and Central Africa’s number one -golf academy Read More

Tags: 3 Hammers, Afriyea, England Golf, golf, Grow Golf, Play, R&A, Sports, Uganda, Wolverhampton

Phil Anderton visits 3 Hammers

R&A Chief Development Officer Phil Anderton and Director of Business Development Jenny Brown spent the day meeting key members of staff as well as the diverse range of customers.
The multi-award winning golf venue is widely recognised as a pioneer. As well as being chosen as a pilot for revolutionary technology, including TopTracer, 3 Hammers has led the way when it comes to coaching programmes. Its first female specific schemes started over 34 years ago, and its outreach programmes have touched every part of the local community giving disabled children and disadvantaged youngsters opportunities that they would never have otherwise enjoyed.

Anderton, who is responsible for a number of development initiatives that aim to make golf more accessible and inclusive, was particularly interested in understanding how 3 Hammers works with the community. Projects such as the 3 Hammers Prostate testing campaign, which saw nearly 1,000 men tested at the venue, has created a valuable link with local residents and attracted new people to the venue.
“We are very supportive of golf facilities that are working to make golf more accessible and inclusive by breaking down the barriers that often prevent people from getting into the sport,” commented Anderton. “We enjoyed our visit to 3 Hammers where we learned more about what the venue is doing to attract more people into enjoying golf. We were impressed with what we saw.”
The R&A is also creating a community-focussed golf facility at Lethamhill in Glasgow.  It is hoped that the development of the new venue, which Jenny Brown is overseeing, will attract more families into the sport by offering fun and exciting formats of golf.
“It’s been inspiring to hear how 3 Hammers interacts with and supports its local community.  We are keen to learn from the individuals who are already delivering successful programmes and are very grateful for Ian and his team’s openness and support,” commented Brown.
3 Hammers owner Ian Bonser, who was on hand to show the R&A’s team around the facilities, added: “I hope that Phil and Jenny have been inspired by what they have seen here today.  Here at 3 Hammers we create golfers. This is the start of their journey, and when they are ready we help players find a local golf club where they can blossom. We are able to do this by continually updating our facility with the best available equipment, working closely with the clubs in our local area, and ensuring that our coaching team is best in class. “Our focus has, and continues to be, creating the perfect environment to start and continue to play golf, but what we are particularly proud of is that whatever stage they are at, all of these golfers still call 3 Hammers ‘home’.”
3 Hammers has a team of seven PGA Professionals employed to offer coaching to all levels of golfers. They also work with local schools and community groups to deliver coaching programmes to thousands of people across the West Midlands.

Please find the video via the following link: https://youtu.be/kOPSORhY3g0

The R&A paid a visit to 3 Hammers Golf Complex recently to see first-hand why this Wolverhampton venue is recognised as one of the most progressive golf facilities in the UK and a leader in golf development. R&A Chief Development Officer Phil Anderton and Director of Business Development Jenny Brown spent the day meeting key members of staff as well as t...

We welcome Trey Niven to 3 Hammers!

We welcome Trey Niven to the coaching team at 3 Hammers Golf Academy.

‘We are incredibly excited to welcome Trey to the 3 Hammers Golf Academy coaching team. Trey is a fantastic young golf coach with an incredible amount of competitive and coaching experience behind him and we cannot wait to welcome him into the coaching bays at 3 Hammers from 7th August on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays’ said Rob Bluck, 3 Hammers Golf Academy Director.

A little bit about Trey.

Trey has coached at Telford Golf Club, Shrewsbury Golf Club and Shrewsbury Driving Range. He has had a successful Mens Amateur career reducing his handicap to +1 at the age of 19 and playing full seasons on the mens national amateur circuits while also playing for Shropshire & Herefordshire Mens 1st team. Trey won the S&H Mens Order of Merit in 2017.

With this experience he has gained over 10 years of knowledge in all aspects of the golf game. He has been coached and screened a number of top coaches in all departments from full swing, short game, putting, psychology, strength and conditioning and training plans. This allows him to implement these strategies into his coaching. Trey has been delivering golf lessons now for 4 years having recently completed his PGA Training in 2021.

Trey provides lessons to the beginner to the elite level golfer, a lesson with Trey will enhance your knowledge of your swing characteristics and allow you to OWN your own golf swing – it is a skill being able to detect symptoms but we have to find the root cause of the problem and send you away with a plan to be able to improve.

We cannot wait for Trey to get going and he has offered a great offer for anyone looking to book some upcoming golf lessons.
With this experience he has gained over 10 years of knowledge in all aspects of the golf game. He has been coached and screened a number of top coaches in all departments from full swing, short game, putting, psychology, strength and conditioning and training plans. This allows him to implement these strategies into his coaching. Trey has been delivering golf lessons now for 4 years having recently completed his PGA Training in 2021.
Trey provides lessons to the beginner to the elite level golfer, a lesson with Trey will enhance your knowledge of your swing characteristics and allow you to OWN your own golf swing – it is a skill being able to detect symptoms but we have to find the root cause of the problem and send you away with a plan to be able to improve.
We cannot wait for Trey to get going and he has offered a great offer for anyone looking to book some upcoming golf lessons.
With this experience he has gained over 10 years of knowledge in all aspects of the golf game. He has been coached and screened a number of top coaches in all departments from full swing, short game, putting, psychology, strength and conditioning and training plans. This allows him to implement these strategies into his coaching. Trey has been delivering golf lessons now for 4 years having recently completed his PGA Training in 2021.
Trey provides lessons to the beginner to the elite level golfer, a lesson with Trey will enhance your knowledge of your swing characteristics and allow you to OWN your own golf swing – it is a skill being able to detect symptoms but we have to find the root cause of the problem and send you away with a plan to be able to improve.
We cannot wait for Trey to get going and he has offered a great offer for anyone looking to book some upcoming golf lessons.
With this experience he has gained over 10 years of knowledge in all aspects of the golf game. He has been coached and screened a number of top coaches in all departments from full swing, short game, putting, psychology, strength and conditioning and training plans. This allows him to implement these strategies into his coaching. Trey has been delivering golf lessons now for 4 years having recently completed his PGA Training in 2021.
Trey provides lessons to the beginner to the elite level golfer, a lesson with Trey will enhance your knowledge of your swing characteristics and allow you to OWN your own golf swing – it is a skill being able to detect symptoms but we have to find the root cause of the problem and send you away with a plan to be able to improve.
We cannot wait for Trey to get going and he has offered a great offer for anyone looking to book some upcoming golf lessons.

We welcome Trey Niven to the coaching team at 3 Hammers Golf Academy. 'We are incredibly excited to welcome Trey to the 3 Hammers Golf Academy coaching team. Trey is a fantastic young golf coach with an incredible amount of competitive and coaching experience behind him and we cannot wait to welcome him into the...

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What Is Par?

Common Golf Scoring Terms

Eagle = two shots under par.

Birdie = One shot under par.

Par = Exactly the expected number of shots.

Bogey = One shot over par.

Double Bogey = Two shots over par.

How Do You Calculate Your Score?

What’s a Good Score for a Beginner?

Ready to Start Playing Golf?

The 3 Hammers Golf Academy in Wolverhampton is proud to announce that three of the finalists in this year’s prestigious England Golf Awards have called the venue ‘home’.

The 3 Hammers Golf Academy in Wolverhampton is proud to announce that three of the finalists in this year’s prestigious England Golf Awards have called the venue ‘home’.

Please find the video via the following link: https://youtu.be/kOPSORhY3g0

We welcome Trey Niven to the coaching team at 3 Hammers Golf Academy.

A little bit about Trey.