Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Over par means a score is higher than the course or hole par by a stated number of strokes. For example, 78 on a par-72 course is 6 over par. The comparison may use gross or net score, depending on the competition’s scoring method.
How it matters in match play
Over Par is mainly a descriptive scoring measure, not the way an ordinary match is won. Under Rule 3.2, players compare their gross or net scores hole by hole, and the match result is based on holes won, lost or tied. A player can therefore be over par overall and still win if they win more holes than their opponent.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Over Par |
| Category | scoring |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 3.1a(1), Rule 3.1c(1) and Rule 3.2a; Rules of Handicapping, Appendix F |
| Related concepts | Score Relative to Par, Under Par, Even Par, Par, Gross Score |
Worked example
On a par-72 course, Alex returns 78, so Alex is 6 over par; in an illustrative match, Alex can still beat Ben if Alex wins 10 holes, loses 8 and halves none.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 3.1a(1), Rule 3.1c(1) and Rule 3.2a; Rules of Handicapping, Appendix F
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
How do I calculate Over Par?
Subtract the relevant par from the score. A score of 76 on a par-72 course is 4 over par; a score of 3 on a par-4 hole is 1 under par. State whether the comparison is gross or net when handicap strokes apply.
Can a golfer win a match while Over Par?
Yes. Ordinary match play is decided hole by hole, not by the lowest total round score. If Alex wins more holes than Ben, Alex wins the match even if both players, or Alex alone, finish over the course’s total par.
Is Over Par the same as a bogey?
No. A bogey is one stroke over par on a particular hole. Over Par can describe any positive difference from par, such as 2 over for a hole or 6 over for a whole round.
Does Over Par use gross or net score?
It depends on the competition. Gross score is the total strokes without handicap strokes; net score adjusts the gross score for the player’s handicap. Use the scoring basis specified by the Committee or competition terms.
Does Over Par decide a match-play result?
Not by itself. In ordinary match play, the relevant comparison is each player’s gross or net score on each hole. The match is settled by the holes won, lost or tied, rather than by the round’s aggregate difference from par.