\n<\/p>\n
In golf, the term ‘par’ is pivotal to how we understand the sport.<\/b><\/p>\n
It refers to how a player’s score is measured on each hole and across their round.<\/p>\n
There are three different levels of par for golf holes – the shortest holes are usually par threes, mid-length holes are typically par fours, and the longest holes are par fives.<\/p>\n
A highly skilled golfer, who plays off a scratch (0.0) handicap, should be capable of achieving an average of par on a golf course, meaning they should usually be able to complete a par three in three shots, a par four in four shots, and so on.<\/p>\n
But the golfer’s dream is never par – the aim is to beat par.<\/p>\n
A birdie<\/b> is achieved when a player completes a hole in one shot under par.<\/p>\n
For instance, taking just three shots to finish a par four would mean the golfer scores a birdie.<\/p>\n
An eagle<\/b> is when a player completes a hole in two shots below (or under) par – making a three on a par five, for example.<\/p>\n
An albatross,<\/b> where a player completes a hole in three shots under par, is not often achieved. This can only take place on par four or par five holes.<\/p>\n
There is also a term for the extremely unusual instance in which a player scores four shots under par on a single hole. This is a condor.<\/b> Given that would involve a hole in one (also known as an ace) on a par five, very few cases of this have ever been recorded because reaching the putting surface in one shot is not usually achievable.<\/p>\n
When a player completes a hole in one over par, such as when taking four shots to complete a par three, it is known as a bogey.<\/b><\/p>\n
Two over par is known as a double bogey and three over is called a triple bogey. Quadruple and quintuple bogeys (and so on, numerically) exist too, and can be fairly common at amateur level.<\/p>\n
Any professional golfer posting such a score would have done something awfully wrong.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n