Golf Term - What's a Par?

Basically it refers to the number of shots identified as the average score for any particular hole.

For example, if the hole is designated as a Par 4, then, any golfer is expected to average 4 shots from the tee box to the hole.

For any given hole, it would either be a Par 3, a Par 4 or a Par 5, nothing less and nothing more.

Any golfer will aim to shoot less than the average score.

The combination of all 18 holes will be a course's average score, such as, Par 70, Par 71 or Par 72 course.

If a golfer shoots less than the combined 18 holes average score, then he has scored "under par". Similarly, if he shoots more that the 18 holes average score, then he is said to have scored "over par".

For example, if his total score is 69 at a 72 par course, then he has scored "3 under par 72".