Sometimes, making par feels completely impossible. A recent Reddit post by user bluecgene perfectly captured this chaos with a hilarious story about a par attempt gone wrong. The discussion that followed was pure entertainment, filled with relatable, laugh-out-loud moments from fellow golfers. It’s a great reminder that golf can be absurd. But it also brings up a good question: beyond the wild scrambles and lucky breaks, what’s the real strategy for how to make a par when you’re in a tough spot? This thread, full of humor and genuine concern, offers a funny look at that very struggle.
So, You Want to Know How to Make a Par?
- A humorous video of a challenging par attempt leads to a lively, light-hearted discussion among golfers.
- Comments reveal a mix of humor, empathy, and shock from the community regarding golf etiquette and safety.
- The thread showcases the camaraderie of golfers as they share relatable experiences from their own rounds.
- Players reflect on the challenges of scrambling to make par and the humorous disasters that come with it.
What is Par in Golf?
The Definition and Importance of Par
So, what exactly is “par”? In golf, par is the pre-determined number of strokes a skilled golfer should need to complete a hole. Think of it as the gold standard for a hole’s difficulty. Each hole on a course is assigned a par, usually 3, 4, or 5. This number is based on the distance from the tee to the green, with the assumption that it takes two putts once you’re on the putting surface. For example, on a par-4, the expectation is two shots to reach the green and two putts to sink the ball. But as any golfer knows, it’s rarely that simple. Making par requires a solid game plan, patience, and the ability to execute accurate shots under pressure, especially when you find yourself in a tricky spot.
Why Making Par Is a Key Milestone
For anyone who plays golf regularly, making par feels like a major achievement. It’s more than just a number on a scorecard; it’s a clear sign that your skills are improving. When you first start out, just finishing a hole without a complete meltdown is a win. But as you progress, your goals shift. You start aiming to break 100, then 90. Consistently making pars is a huge part of that journey. It shows you’re developing the consistency and course management needed to score well. As one source puts it, when pars become a regular occurrence, it’s a good indicator that you’re becoming a skilled golfer. It’s that satisfying moment that keeps you coming back, even after a round filled with those all-too-relatable struggles, like searching for a lost golf cart.
Why Golfers Find This So Funny
The charm of the golf community often lies in its ability to laugh at the game’s unpredictable nature. One comment captioned, “Damn yellow shirt almost died on that second shot,” encapsulates the lighter side of golfing mishaps. The visual image of a player teetering on the edge of disaster provoked a series of reactions that combined humor and empathy. It’s refreshing to see golfers share not just their successes, but also their funniest fails. In a sport often depicted as serious, the light-hearted banter about potential catastrophes captures the essence of why many play golf in the first place: the laughter shared, the fun moments, and the camaraderie formed in the face of adversity. Almost everyone has a “never again” story from the course, and discussions like these remind us that we’re all in the same boat—or golf cart.
General Strategies for Making Par
While the chaos in that video is certainly entertaining, most of us would prefer a slightly less eventful path to making par. The good news is that consistency isn’t about pulling off miracle shots; it’s about having a solid foundation and a smart approach to the game. Shaving strokes off your score often comes down to playing the high-percentage shots and avoiding those costly mistakes that turn a potential par into a double bogey. Think of it less as a battle against the course and more as a strategic game of chess. By focusing on a few core principles, you can build a repeatable process that gives you a real chance at par on any hole, no matter what shenanigans are happening on the fairway next to you.
Have a Game Plan for Every Shot
Stepping up to the ball and just swinging for the fences is a recipe for a high score. Instead, take a moment to think through your shot before you even take your stance. You need a clear plan. Consider the distance to your target, how the ball is sitting, the direction and strength of the wind, and the location of the pin. Are there hazards you need to avoid? Is there a “safe” area to land the ball if you don’t hit it perfectly? Answering these questions helps you choose the right club and the right type of shot, turning a hopeful swing into a calculated play. This mental checklist is one of the biggest differentiators between scrambling for a bogey and confidently tapping in for par.
Prioritize Accuracy Over Distance
We all love the feeling of a perfectly crushed drive that seems to hang in the air forever. But what good is a 300-yard drive if it lands in the woods or a water hazard? For the sake of making more pars, accuracy is far more important than raw distance. A shorter shot that lands safely in the fairway sets you up for a much easier approach to the green. This mindset shift can be a game-changer. Instead of always grabbing the driver, consider if a 3-wood or a hybrid would give you better control and a higher chance of finding the short grass. Playing from the fairway is always easier than trying to recover from the rough, and it keeps your scorecard clean.
Aim for the Middle of the Green
This might be the most valuable piece of advice for any amateur golfer looking to lower their scores. It’s tempting to be a hero and go right for a tucked pin, but that’s a low-percentage shot that brings bunkers, water, and other hazards into play. A smarter strategy is to aim for the center of the green. This gives you the largest possible landing area and a significant margin for error. Even if your shot is a little off, you’re likely still on the putting surface with a chance for a two-putt par. This approach takes the pressure off your iron play and helps you avoid those big numbers that can ruin a round. Save the pin-hunting for when you’re feeling extra confident.
Improve Your Short Game
If you want to see your scores drop quickly, spend more time practicing from 100 yards and in. Your short game—chipping, pitching, and putting—is where pars are truly saved. A great short game can make up for a multitude of other errors on the course. If you miss the green on your approach, a solid chip can leave you with a simple tap-in for par. Learning different shots around the green, like how to mix cut shots and topspins, can give you the tools to handle any situation you face. Dedicating practice time to putting and chipping will have a much bigger impact on your scores than trying to add 10 yards to your drive.
Practice a “Stock Shot”
When the pressure is on, it’s essential to have a go-to shot you can rely on. This is your “stock shot”—a swing you’ve practiced so many times that you can execute it consistently without much thought. For most players, this is a shot that has a predictable and repeatable shape, like a slight fade or a gentle draw. Knowing you can produce this shot on command gives you immense confidence, especially on tight fairways or intimidating tee shots. Head to the driving range and work on developing a comfortable, controllable swing that you can trust when you need it most. This reliable shot will become the foundation of your game and your key to consistency.
Strategies for Specific Types of Holes
While the general principles of course management apply everywhere, different types of holes require slightly different strategies. A par-3 is a one-shot test of accuracy, while a par-5 is a three-act play that requires patience and planning. Understanding the unique challenge of each type of hole allows you to tailor your game plan accordingly. Breaking the course down this way makes it feel more manageable and helps you focus on executing one shot at a time instead of feeling overwhelmed by the entire round. Here’s a simple way to approach the most common hole types to maximize your chances of making par and minimize the potential for disaster.
Making Par on Par-3s
The strategy for a par-3 is beautifully simple: get your tee shot on the green and then two-putt for par. That’s it. The key is to choose the right club to safely reach the middle of the green, ignoring where the flag is placed for the moment. Don’t get greedy. If the pin is tucked behind a bunker or near the edge of the green, aiming for the center is always the smart play. This takes the pressure off your tee shot and eliminates the risk of a big number. Once you’re on the putting surface, your goal is to get your first putt close to the hole to leave yourself a stress-free tap-in for your par. It’s a conservative approach, but it’s incredibly effective for consistent scoring.
Making Par on Par-5s
For most amateur golfers, reaching a par-5 in two is out of the question, and trying to do so often leads to more trouble than it’s worth. A much better approach is to think of it as a three-shot hole. Your goal is to get on the green in three solid shots and then two-putt for par. Start with a good drive that finds the fairway. For your second shot, focus on advancing the ball to a comfortable distance for your third shot—your favorite wedge distance is a great target. This sets you up for a confident approach shot to the green. This methodical, three-shot strategy takes away the pressure to hit two perfect, long shots and dramatically increases your chances of walking off the green with a par.
A Quick Word on Safety and Golf Etiquette
<pWhile the majority of comments leaned toward humor, there was also a notable thread of concern regarding safety on the golf course. “The crowd should have moved a few paces back for that second shot,” one user stated, reflecting on the dangers that can occasionally arise during games if spectators fail to maintain a safe distance. Golf is a game of concentration, and distractions can lead to accidents that no one wants to witness. Occasions like this serve as reminders that, while laughter is essential, golfers must also prioritize safety and adherence to etiquette. Commenters who experienced almost being in the line of fire spoke genuinely about the need for awareness on the greens, where the stakes can be higher than the score.
What ‘Making Par’ Actually Looks Like
Amidst the laughter, there is a strong theme of struggling to achieve par, particularly in tough situations. A user casually remarked, “I don’t always make par but when I do, it usually looks like this.” This humorous acknowledgment of reality resonates with many who have found themselves grappling with their golf game at some point. Scrambling is part of golf that often gets overlooked in favor of pure drive and putt prowess. What happens between those shots—hooked balls, mucked chips, and heartbreaking misses—often gets buried under technical advice and swing mechanics. By sharing relatable moments, players reaffirm that making par is not just about skill; it’s about perseverance, creativity in tough situations, and the ability to laugh at oneself. As much as golf is serious, it’s also inherently flawed—and beautifully so.
How to Make Par from a Bad Position
We’ve all been there: your ball is nestled behind a tree, stuck in deep rough, or has found a bunker that seems to have its own gravitational pull. The dream of an easy par feels distant. But saving par from a tough spot isn’t about hitting a one-in-a-million hero shot. It’s about smart, strategic thinking to minimize the damage and give yourself a chance. The next time you find yourself out of position, take a deep breath and work through these steps to get back on track.
Assess Your Situation Carefully
Before you even pull a club, stop and play detective. Your first job is to gather all the facts about your current predicament. Take a close look at how the ball is sitting. Is it buried in thick grass, sitting up nicely, or on hardpan? Next, scan your surroundings for immediate obstacles. Are there low-hanging tree branches in your swing path or directly ahead? Finally, identify any major hazards like water or sand traps between you and the green. This quick assessment isn’t about dwelling on the negative; it’s about collecting the data you need to make the smartest possible decision for your next shot.
Play the Safe Shot to Get Back in Play
Tempting as it is to try and thread the needle through a tiny gap in the trees, the “miracle shot” rarely pays off. The primary goal of a recovery shot is simple: get your ball back into a good position for your next stroke. This often means aiming for the widest part of the fairway or the center of the green, rather than attacking a tucked pin. Playing the high-percentage shot might feel less exciting, but it’s the key to avoiding a double or triple bogey. Think of it as a strategic retreat that sets you up for a future victory, preventing one bad shot from turning into a tale of total disaster.
Accept a Small Loss
Sometimes, the best play is to “take your medicine.” This means accepting that you can’t advance the ball very far and instead focusing purely on getting out of trouble. If you’re deep in the woods, the smartest move is often a simple chip sideways back to the fairway. You might only move the ball 20 or 30 yards, but you’ll have a clear shot for your next one. This requires setting your ego aside. Acknowledging that you can’t hit the green from your current spot and playing a safe, short shot is a sign of a mature golfer who understands course management and is playing the long game to save their score.
Know When to Take a Penalty
In some truly awful situations, even a sideways chip isn’t a viable option. If your ball is in an impossible lie—up against a fence, in a water hazard, or in a spot where you risk injury to play it—it might be time to consider taking a penalty. You can declare the ball unplayable, which will cost you one stroke. This allows you to drop the ball in a better position according to the rules. While no one likes adding a stroke to their score, it can be a strategic move that prevents you from taking three or four extra swings to get out of an impossible spot, ultimately saving you from a much higher number on the scorecard.
A Quick Note on Bunker Shots
Getting out of a greenside bunker can feel intimidating, but a few key adjustments can make it much more manageable. First, line up your body toward the flag, but close your club face just a little. When you swing, focus on hitting the sand firmly about an inch or two behind the ball. The force of the club hitting the sand is what will pop the ball out. Because this technique creates very little backspin, be prepared for the ball to roll a bit once it lands on the green. It’s a different kind of shot, but with a little practice, it becomes a reliable way to escape the sand.
Remember: Even Pros Miss the Fairway
It’s easy to get frustrated when you hit an errant tee shot, but it’s important to keep things in perspective. The best golfers in the world don’t hit every fairway. On average, PGA Tour pros only hit the fairway about 60% of the time, and amateurs are well below that number. This means that a huge part of golf, at every level, is about recovery. Being able to scramble and save par from a bad position is what separates good scores from bad ones. It’s a skill just as important as a powerful drive, requiring a versatile mix of shots and strategies to handle whatever the course throws at you.
What Golf Teaches Us About Bouncing Back
Beyond the humor lies a deeper message of resilience in golf, particularly when faced with adversity. A commenter noted, “He is such a scrambler…his open win is still one of my favorites to watch.” Highlighting the success of overcoming challenges speaks to the very heart of golf’s appeal. Every golfer—be it on tour or a weekend warrior—faces hurdles, and how they react can be a testament to their spirit. From hacking out of the rough to taking a breath after a bad shot, each experience shapes the player and encourages growth. This resilience builds character, showcasing how golf teaches lessons far beyond the greens. Each errant shot or narrow miss can serve as a reminder to persist and keep a sense of humor about what unfolds.
Being part of the golf community means embracing the ups and downs, the hits and misses, with a hearty dose of laughter and camaraderie. The conversation surrounding how to make par is more than just a quest for a score; it’s a reflection of the hilarious and often unpredictable experiences that unite golfers, a reminder that every round offers something valuable—whether it’s a milestone achievement or a good giggle at an unforgettable blunder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the one thing I can change today to start making more pars? Start thinking one shot ahead. Before you swing, ask yourself what the smartest next shot is, not just the longest. This often means choosing a club that guarantees you’ll land in the fairway instead of grabbing your driver, or aiming for the fattest part of the green instead of a tucked pin. This simple shift from a “hit it hard” mentality to a “play the percentages” approach will immediately help you avoid big trouble and keep par within reach.
I get so frustrated when I’m in a bad spot. How do I avoid turning one bad shot into a total disaster? The key is to take a deep breath and accept the situation for what it is. Your goal is no longer to hit a miracle shot; it’s simply to get your ball back in play. Hitting a simple chip sideways onto the fairway might feel like a defeat, but it’s actually a strategic victory. It stops the bleeding and prevents a single mistake from spiraling into a triple bogey. A boring recovery shot is almost always the right call.
Is it ever a good idea to aim directly for the pin? Absolutely, but you have to be smart about it. If you have a wedge in your hand, a perfect lie in the fairway, and the pin is in the middle of the green with no hazards around it, then go for it! But if the pin is tucked behind a bunker or near the edge of the green, you’re taking a huge risk for a small reward. The pros know when to attack and when to play it safe, and most of the time, they’re playing it safe.
My long game is decent, but my short game is costing me pars. What’s the most effective way to practice? Instead of just hitting a bucket of balls on the range, dedicate at least half of your practice time to the putting and chipping greens. Don’t just mindlessly hit chips; create little games for yourself. For example, take one ball and see how many times you can get up and down from different spots around the green. This simulates real on-course pressure and makes your practice much more effective at saving strokes.
How should my strategy change between a par-3 and a par-5? Think of a par-3 as a single, precise task: hit the green. Your entire focus is on that one tee shot. A par-5, on the other hand, is a three-part project. Don’t even think about reaching the green in two. Instead, plan three sensible shots that will get you there comfortably. A solid drive, a second shot to your favorite wedge distance, and a confident wedge onto the green is the most reliable path to making par.
Key Takeaways
- Think two shots ahead: Instead of just hitting the ball, create a simple plan for each shot. Aiming for the middle of the green and choosing a club that keeps you in the fairway will save you more strokes than a risky hero shot ever will.
- Embrace the “boring” recovery shot: When you’re in trouble, the goal isn’t a miracle—it’s just to get back in play. A simple chip sideways to the fairway is often the smartest move, preventing one mistake from ruining your scorecard.
- Make your short game your secret weapon: If you want to see your scores drop fast, dedicate practice time to chipping and putting. A reliable short game is your best defense against bogeys and can turn a missed green into an easy, stress-free par.