Golf scoring might seem confusing at first, but once you understand how it works, the game becomes much more exciting, whether you’re playing or watching. In this blog, we break down the basics, from what “par” means to the thrill of scoring a birdie and more. Let’s unravel the mystery behind golf scoring and show you how each stroke counts.
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How Golf Scores Work
Golf scoring is straightforward: each time you hit the ball, it counts as one stroke. The goal is to complete 18 holes with the lowest total number of strokes possible. Your final score is calculated by adding up all strokes across every hole.
Understanding Par
Par is the standard number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to take to complete a single hole. Par is determined by hole length and difficulty:
- Par 3: Short holes (typically under 200 yards)
- Par 4: Medium holes (typically 200-400 yards)
- Par 5: Long holes (typically over 400 yards)
Most standard 18-hole courses have a total par of 72. The Fairmont Western Mountain Collection courses range from par 71 to 72.
Course Par at Fairmont Properties
| Course | Par |
|---|---|
| Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | 71 |
| Fairmont Chateau Whistler | 72 |
| Fairmont Banff Springs | 71 |
Golf Shot Terminology: Quick Reference
Each golf shot result has a specific term. Below is the complete scoring terminology table for reference:
| Term | Score vs Par |
|---|---|
| Albatross | 3 under par (rare) |
| Eagle | 2 under par |
| Birdie | 1 under par |
| Par | Even (matching expected strokes) |
| Bogey | 1 over par |
| Double Bogey | 2 over par |
| Triple Bogey | 3 over par |
Two Primary Scoring Formats
Stroke Play
‘Stroke play” is the most common scoring system in golf and is used in most professional tournaments, including those on the PGA Tour. In this format, every stroke is counted and added up at the end of the round. Players then compare their total score to the course’s par to see how many strokes over or under they finished.
Match Play
In match play, two golfers (or teams) compete to win individual holes rather than the entire round. The player who wins the most holes wins the match, regardless of total stroke count. For example, if Player A wins 6 holes and Player B wins 5, Player A wins the match even if their total strokes were higher.
Penalty Strokes: Rules and Consequences
Golf courses are designed with obstacles that test both skill and strategy. When players encounter specific course situations, penalty strokes are added to their score according to USGA rules.
Out of Bounds
If your ball travels beyond the marked boundaries of the course, you must:
- Add one penalty stroke to your score
- Return to the location of your last shot
- Play another shot from that location
Water Hazard
A ball hit into a water hazard (pond, stream, or marked water area) incurs a one-stroke penalty. You then replay the shot from your previous location.
Lost Ball
If you cannot locate your ball after a reasonable search, it is considered lost. You must:
- Return to where you last played
- Hit another shot
- Add one penalty stroke
Illegal Cleaning
Cleaning your ball on the fairway without authorization—even to inspect it for damage—results in a one-stroke penalty.
The examples above are some of the most common penalty scenarios in golf. Hitting out of bounds or into a water hazard requires you to take another shot and adds a penalty stroke to your score. If you lose your ball, you’ll need to return to where you last played, hit again, and add an extra stroke.
Introduction to How Golf Handicaps Work
A golf handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer’s skill level. It represents the average number of strokes a player shoots above the course par. Handicaps allow golfers of varying abilities to compete fairly against each other.
How Handicaps Are Calculated
Example: Player Two has played Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge 5 times with scores of 79, 82, 78, 76, and 80.
- Step 1: Calculate average score
(79 + 82 + 78 + 76 + 80) ÷ 5 = 79 - Step 2: Subtract course par
79 − 71 (Jasper’s par) = 8
Player Two’s handicap is 8.
How Handicaps Work on the Course
When a player with a handicap plays against a player with a lower handicap, the higher-handicap player receives shots on the most difficult holes. These holes are ranked 1–18 on each scorecard, with 1 being the most difficult.
Continuing the example: If Player One has a 0 handicap and Player Two has an 8 handicap, Player Two receives one shot (one stroke deduction) on the 8 most difficult holes: 15, 7, 12, 9, 11, 4, 14, and 6.
If Player Two scores a 6 on hole 15 (ranked as the most difficult), they may record a 5 on the scorecard (6 − 1 shot = 5). This adjustment allows players of different skill levels to compete fairly.
Summary
Golf scoring combines several elements: counting strokes, understanding par, learning terminology, choosing between stroke play and match play, navigating penalty rules, and (for competitive play) applying handicaps. While the rules add complexity, golf is ultimately as serious or casual as you want it to be. Whether you’re competing or enjoying a round at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Chateau Whistler, or Banff Springs, the core principle remains the same: play your best and have fun on the greens.
