Golf is a popular sport that requires skill, strategy, and precision. The scoring system used in golf can be a bit confusing for those unfamiliar with the rules of the game. In this article, we will discuss what “E” means in the golf scoring system and delve into other important scoring terms.
What Does “E” Mean in Golf Scoring System?
On a golf leaderboard, few symbols are more commonly noticed than the letter “E”. “E” stands for Even, indicating that the player has managed to complete the course with precisely the number of shots expected for that specific par. Not too high, not too low, but just right.
For those who are new to the game or even seasoned players, keeping an eye out for the letter “E” on the leaderboard is always worth a glance.
Golf Scoring Terms Explained
To better understand the significance of “E” in golf scoring, let’s explore other scoring terms commonly used in the game:
Hole in one (ACE)
Perhaps the most celebrated achievement in golf, getting an Ace means completing a hole with just one shot.
For example, if you were to place your tee shot onto the green and manage to sink it into the cup in one stroke, you have achieved an Ace.
Birdie
A birdie is the second lowest score a player can obtain on any given hole. To achieve a birdie, it requires one less stroke than par to complete the hole.
For example, if par for a certain hole is 4 strokes and you are able to complete the hole with 3 strokes, this would be considered a birdie.
Bogey
The opposite of a birdie, a bogey is one stroke over par for any given hole. For example, if the par for a certain hole is 4 strokes and you complete it with 5 strokes, this would be considered a bogey.
Double Bogey and Triple Bogey
A double bogey is two strokes over par for any given hole. For example, if the par for a certain hole is 4 strokes and you complete it with 6 strokes, this would be considered a double bogey.
Similarly, a triple bogey is three strokes over par for any given hole.
Eagle
An eagle is two strokes under par for any given hole. For example, if the par for a certain hole is 4 strokes and you complete it with 2 strokes, this would be considered an eagle.
Albatross or Double Eagle
The rarest of all golfing achievements, an albatross (or double eagle) is three strokes under par for any given hole. For example, if the par for a certain hole is 4 strokes and you complete it with 1 stroke, this would be considered an albatross.
How To Calculate Par and Birdies Using “E”
When you look at a golf scorecard, you will notice that there is an “E” next to the number of strokes it takes to complete each hole. The “E” stands for Even, meaning that the player has completed the hole with exactly the par number of strokes.
For example, if a particular hole is a par 4 and the player is able to complete it in 4 strokes, then they have achieved an even score (“E”). In this case, if they were to get any less than 4 strokes, then this would be considered a birdie. Similarly, if they were to get any more than 4 strokes, then this would be considered a bogey.
Another example of a score of “E” would be a golfer who completed 18 holes by scoring 9 birdies and 9 bogeys. This cumulative total adds up to 0, thus resulting in a score of “even par” or “E”. In other words, the player has managed to complete the course with precisely the number of shots expected for that specific par.
Is Achieving An “E” Considered Good?
A score of “E” is certainly a good result for any golfer. It suggests that the player has managed to play at a consistent level throughout the course and shows that they are comfortable with their game. However, it could also be seen as an indication that the player has not stepped up when needed and pushed themselves to make birdies. Ultimately, an “E” score is a good result and should be celebrated as such. Therefore, it is important to strive for the E in golf – not too high, not too low, but just right!
How To Read The Golf Leaderboard
There will be a line of text above the list of player names indicating the current round being played. Most PGA tournaments are conducted over four days from Thursday to Sunday.
The “Total” column shows the player’s overall score for the tournament. For example, if a player’s total score is 5, it means they have taken 5 shots less than the par so far. This is often referred to as being “five under.”
Next to the Total column is a column that displays the player’s score for the current round. For instance, if a player’s score is 65, it means they have scored 65 for that particular day. Sometimes, numbers from 1 to 18 may appear, indicating the player is still on the course, and it represents the number of holes they have completed in their 18-hole round.
There will be numbers appearing just to the left of the player’s name column. This column represents the player’s current position on the leaderboard. If two players have the same score and are tied for the lead, both will be ranked as 1, and the player with the next best score will be ranked 3rd.
What Does “F” Mean In Golf?
Sometimes, instead of displaying regular numbers, the column next to the “Total” column will show the letter “F” to indicate the player has finished their round for the day. This simply means “Finished” and signifies that the player has completed their playing round for that day.
What Does +1 Mean In Golf?
The term “+1” in golf is used to indicate that a player is one shot over the par score for a hole. A +2 would mean that the player was two shots over, and so on. The number that appears after the “+” sign indicates how many strokes the player has taken more than the specified par for that particular hole.
Similar to the term “-1”.
What Do Golf Scores 4 & 3 Mean?
Matchplay is a unique format of golf tournaments where players compete in a head to head game to determine the ultimate winner.
Instead of playing relative to par, the scoring system is based on the number of holes one wins. In this format, players are pitted against each other in a knockout sequence, and if they are victorious, they proceed to the next round. The scoring system can seem complex, but it is based on a simple principle: the player with the lowest score wins the hole.
In a matchplay round of golf, each hole offers an opportunity for one player to gain an advantage over the other.
So, for example, if Player A scores a four on the first hole and Player B scores a three, Player B wins the hole and is said to be “one up.” If Player B also wins the second hole, they are “two up,” and so on. However, any holes where both players score the same are considered “halved” and do not affect the score.
However, when one player pulls ahead by enough holes, the match is considered over. At this point, the result of the match is declared, with the winning player’s score listed first and the losing player’s score listed second.
For example, a score of 4 & 3 means that one player had won four more holes than their opponent and there were only three holes remaining to play. This system ensures that the match comes to a definitive end when one player has secured a substantial lead.
Golf players will know this, but for those new to the game, this is a necessary rule to keep in mind.
Conclusion
Golf scoring can be confusing, but understanding the meaning of “E” in golf scoring system is key. Knowing when to use it and what other terms mean in relation to it will help you make better decisions on the course and track your progress more easily. Reading a golf leaderboard has never been easier with this knowledge!
