Definition: A number assigned to an individual hole and to the full collection of holes on a course that represents the expected number of strokes it should take to play each hole. The value assigned to represent par is always comprised of two putts and the number of strokes it should take to reach the green. For example, a par-3 hole is short enough that one shot is expected to put you on the green, with two putts to follow. The length of a par-4 holes is sufficient to require two shots to reach the green; a par-5 is deemed lengthy enough to require most players to need three shots to reach the green.
See also: What is the origin of the term "par"?
