Understanding Golf Scoring

Keeping score in golf may seem intimidating at first, but understanding the basics helps you track progress and measure improvement. Every hole has a par, which represents the expected number of strokes for an average golfer. Finishing one stroke under par is called a birdie, while one over is a bogey.

Recording your strokes accurately is important. Beginners should track every swing, including penalty strokes, to get a realistic sense of performance. While traditional scorecards and pencils work perfectly, apps like 18Birdies make it easier to track your score digitally and even measure distances on the course.

Key points for scoring beginners:

• Record strokes after each hole to stay organized.

• Familiarize yourself with basic scoring terms like par, birdie, bogey, and double bogey.

• Optional tracking: consider noting fairways hit, greens in regulation, or putts per hole to spot areas for improvement.

• Always be honest and accurate — scorekeeping is for your growth, not comparison.

Once you understand scoring, tracking your rounds becomes an empowering part of the game. It allows you to set realistic goals, notice patterns, and enjoy seeing progress as your skills develop.