How To Keep Score

Keeping score in golf is sometimes a mystery to those who are unfamiliar with the game. The confusion comes from the idea of the one with the lowest score wins.

Instructions:

1. Count the strokes it takes you to reach each hole and mark it down on the scorecard. 
2. Every time you swing at the ball, it counts as a stroke. Even if you swing and miss it counts as a stroke. (If you are playing by the rules)
3. There are things called penalty strokes. A couple examples of a penalty would be hitting the ball in the water which would be a 1 stroke penalty and you get to drop your ball close to where it entered the hazard. (Marked by a red stake). Another example would be hitting the ball OB (out of bounds). When you hit the ball out of bounds (marked by white stakes), you must place the ball where it was and take a two stroke penalty. So if you hit the ball out of bounds on your first shot, you would then re-tee your ball and would be hitting your third shot. 
4. When you're finished, add up your scores from each hole for a cumulative total. Double check it. If you're playing in a tournament, one of your competitors will be keeping your official score. You must check it and sign your scorecard to make it official. 

Extra Terms:

Each golf hole is a different length. Dependent on the length, it will be categorized as a Par 3, Par 4, and Par 5. Par 3's usually range from 100-225 yards, Par 4's range from 225-500 yards, and Par 5's range from 500-660 yards. 

• Par- The standard score for the hole (Par 4 = 4 on the hole). 
• Birdie- A hole played one stroke under par. (Par 4 = 3 on the hole). 
• Bogey- A hole played one stroke over par (Par 4 = 5 on the hole)
• Double Bogey- A hole played two strokes over par (Par 4 = 6 on the hole) 
• Eagle- A hole played two strokes under par (Par 4 = 2 on the hole)
• Hole in One- A hole played in one shot (Par 3 = 1 on the hole)
• Albatraz- A hole played three stokes under par (Par 5 = 2 on the hole). 

A scratch golfer is a player who averages a round of even par.