Your first golf scorecard can look confusing. Once you understand the basics, it is simple. Here is everything beginners need to know.
What Is Par?
Par is the expected number of strokes per hole for an expert golfer. Holes are par 3, par 4, or par 5. A standard 18-hole course has a total par of 72.
Scoring Terms
- Eagle: 2 under par
- Birdie: 1 under par
- Par: Expected strokes
- Bogey: 1 over par — most common beginner score
- Double Bogey: 2 over par
Reading the Card
- Blue/White/Red tees: Play from Red or White as a beginner
- Par: Expected strokes for each hole
- Stroke Index: Difficulty ranking 1 (hardest) to 18 (easiest)
- Score box: Write your actual stroke count
Helpful Tools
- Scorecard holder — keeps your card dry
- Stroke counter — never lose track of your count
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