Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Even Par means a score equal to the hole's or course's par: neither over nor under. Examples include 4 on a par-4 hole or 72 on a par-72 course. Specify gross or net scoring when handicap strokes affect the comparison.
How it matters in match play
Even Par is not a normal match-play result. Match play is decided hole by hole by comparing the players' gross or net scores, so a player can be even par for a round and still win, lose or halve the match. On an individual hole, matching par does not automatically win it: the opponent's score determines whether the hole is won, lost or halved. In Par/Bogey, however, matching the Committee's fixed target score ties (halves) that hole.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Even Par |
| Category | scoring |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 3.2a (match-play hole results); Rule 21.3 (Par/Bogey fixed-target scoring) |
| Related concepts | Score Relative to Par, Par, Over Par, Under Par, Stroke Play |
Worked example
On a par-4 hole, Alex takes 4 strokes, so Alex is even par for that hole; over a par-72 round, Alex's 72 is even par. In a match-play hole where Alex makes 4 and Ben makes 5, Alex wins the hole regardless of whether both scores were above or below the hole's par in a different example.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 3.2a (match-play hole results); Rule 21.3 (Par/Bogey fixed-target scoring)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.golf.org.au
Common questions
Is Even Par the same as level par?
Yes. Even Par and level par are commonly used to mean that the score equals par, although this record uses the inventory term Even Par. A par-72 round of 72 is even par.
Does Even Par win a match-play hole?
No. Match play compares your score with your opponent's score on that hole. If Alex makes par and Ben makes bogey, Alex wins; if both make par, the hole is halved. Being even par is not itself a match result.
Can a handicap score be Even Par?
Yes, but specify the scoring basis. A gross score equal to the course par is gross Even Par; a net score equal to the relevant target may be described as net Even Par. Competition terms determine how handicap strokes and results are applied.
How do I calculate Even Par?
Subtract the course or hole par from the score being discussed. A score of 4 on a par-4 gives 4 minus 4, or zero: Even Par. The same method gives positive numbers over par and negative numbers under par.
Is Even Par an official match-play format?
No. Even Par describes a score relative to par, not a competition format. Standard match play is settled by holes won, lost or tied; Par/Bogey is a separate form of stroke play that uses a fixed target on each hole.
Does Even Par mean the match is All Square?
No. All Square describes the match score when neither player leads. Even Par describes a player's score relative to par, so the two expressions refer to different comparisons.