Par
The standard number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to need to complete a hole or course.
Definition
Par is the benchmark score for a hole in golf, representing the number of strokes an expert player would be expected to take. Individual holes are commonly rated as par 3, par 4, or par 5, mainly based on their length, and adding these together gives the par for the whole course.
Scoring is measured against par: matching it is "even par," while finishing under or over par means taking fewer or more strokes than expected. Par is the reference point for other golf terms such as birdie, eagle, and bogey, and it is used the same way in disc golf.
Where you’ll hear “par”
Sports that use this term:
Golf
A precision target sport played across an outdoor course, blending skill, strategy and a long walk in the open air.
Disc Golf
A relaxed, low-cost target sport where players throw flying discs toward chain baskets across an outdoor course.
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Follow the threads that connect Par to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Positions
- Fly-halfThe fly-half is rugby’s chief decision-maker and tactical kicker, directing the backline and controlling how the team attacks.
- Scrum-halfThe scrum-half is rugby’s link between forwards and backs, feeding the scrum and delivering quick, accurate passes to launch attacks.
- HookerThe hooker is a front-row forward in rugby who wins the ball in the scrum and typically throws the ball into the line-out.
- Point guardThe point guard is basketball’s primary ball-handler and playmaker, running the offence and setting up teammates to score.
- SetterThe setter is volleyball’s playmaker, taking the team’s second contact and delivering accurate sets for hitters to attack.
Player roles
- Utility playerA dependable, versatile player who can competently fill several different positions as the team needs, rather than specialising in just one.
- Ball-winnerA ball-winner is the player tasked with regaining possession through pressing, tackling and interceptions — a team's tireless defensive workhorse.
- PlaymakerThe playmaker is a team's creative hub — the player who orchestrates attacks, controls the tempo and distributes the ball so teammates can score.
- Target playerA target player is a focal attacker who receives, holds up and links play for others, often physically strong and good in the air or with the hands.
Scoring systems
- Tennis scoringTennis is scored in points, games and sets, using the distinctive 15–30–40 point sequence and a win-by-two margin at every level.
- Tiebreak scoringA tiebreak is a short deciding game used in racket sports to settle a set that has reached an even number of games, scored in simple numbers to a fixed target.
Equipment
- Golf clubA shafted club with a specialised head used to strike the ball around a golf course.
- Padel racketA solid, stringless perforated racket used to play padel.
- BasketballA large, inflated ball with a dimpled surface used to play basketball.
- Badminton racketA lightweight strung racket used to hit the shuttlecock in badminton.
- Football (soccer ball)A round, inflated ball used to play association football and futsal.
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How this page is maintained
- Content type
- Term
- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
- Verified external sources
- 0
- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
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