Skip to content
Contact us
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

What is Par?

What is par?

Par is the score that a scratch player would generally be expected to achieve on a hole, under normal course and weather conditions.

Par yardage 

How is par determined when yardage falls between standard ranges?

The range between two pars allows for adjustments based on uphill or downhill yardage, as well as other factors. Par can flex beyond strict yardage ranges to account for terrain, required layups, and course conditions. Factors that may adjust par include:
  • Uphill yardage: A hole at 450 yards for men (370 yards for women) may be rated par 5 even though it falls within the par 4 yardage window.
  • Downhill yardage: A downhill back tee at 260 yards (220 yards for women) may still count as a par 3.
  • Required layups: Holes that meet the yardage definition but require a layup may be moved to the appropriate par, depending on difficulty and obstacles.
For example, an uphill hole at 450 yards for men [370 yards for women] may be considered a par 5, even though it is within the par 4 yardage window. The opposite, a downhill back tee at  260 [220] still might count as a par 3. Holes that meet the yardage definition, but require a layup may move to the appropriate par, depending on the difficulty and obstacles placed on the hole. 

What should you do if par on your scorecard does not match par in GHIN?

If Par on your scorecard and Par in GHIN do not match on a specific tee or hole, please have a course official contact AZ GOLF. To resolve the discrepancy:
  1. Have a course representative contact AZ GOLF via the link above.
  2. The Handicapping & Course Rating Director will review the discrepancy.
  3. They will either update the par value in USGA/GHIN or explain why the recorded par is correct.
AZ GOLF.