Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Score Relative to Par shows how a score compares with the course or round's stated par. Add the strokes taken, including any penalty strokes, then subtract par: a positive number is over par, a negative number is under par, and zero is even par.
How it matters in match play
Match play is decided hole by hole, not by the lowest total Score Relative to Par across the round. You can still use the comparison as a useful summary, but the official match result comes from holes won, lost or tied. In handicap match play, compare net hole scores after the applicable Handicap Strokes.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Score Relative to Par |
| Category | scoring |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 3.1a, Rule 3.1c and Rule 3.3a |
| Related concepts | Par, Over Par, Under Par, Even Par, Gross Score |
Worked example
On a par-72 course, Alex takes 78 strokes, so Alex is 6 over par (+6); Ben takes 70, so Ben is 2 under par (-2). If they are playing Match Play, that 8-stroke difference does not by itself decide the match.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 3.1a, Rule 3.1c and Rule 3.3a
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
What does 2 under par mean?
It means the player used two fewer strokes than the stated par for the holes or round being described. It is written as -2.
Can Score Relative to Par be based on a net score?
Yes, if the writer clearly says it is a net comparison. Gross Score uses the strokes played, while Net Score adjusts the gross score for applicable Handicap Strokes; do not mix the two baselines.
Does the lowest Score Relative to Par win Match Play?
No. Match Play is decided by the number of holes each player wins, loses or ties. A player may be worse relative to par overall and still win more holes and the match.
What is even par?
Even Par means the score exactly equals the stated par, so the relative-to-par result is 0. A par-72 round completed in 72 strokes is even par.
Is Score Relative to Par an official match-play result?
No. It is a scoring comparison, not the match result notation. Under the Rules, match play uses holes won, lost or tied; Score Relative to Par can be added as context.
How is Score Relative to Par calculated?
Subtract the relevant par from the strokes taken. For example, 75 strokes on a par-72 course is +3, while 69 strokes is -3.