[Kim Maengnyeong's Golf English Conversation] "Par 4 Holes Are the Heart of Golf"

Par 4 holes are the core, making up 10 out of the 18 holes.

In golf, the standard number of strokes is called 'par.'

Par derives its name from the Latin word meaning 'equal.' Holes are categorized as par-3, par-4, and par-5 depending on their length. Par-4 holes, in particular, make up as many as 10 out of the 18 holes (par 72). Many golfers still refer to par-4 holes as 'middle holes.' This is incorrect Japanese-style English. While it means 'middle hole' between holes, native speakers abroad do not understand this usage.

The correct terms are 'par-4 hole' or 'two-shotter hole.' You can say, "It’s a two-shotter hole," or "It’s a par-4 hole." In slang, the word 'affair' is sometimes used, as in "The ninth hole is a two-shot affair." Par-4 holes typically range from 251 to 470 yards for men and 211 to 400 yards for women. Recently, professional golf tours have featured par-4 holes around 500 yards.

The United States Golf Association (USGA) recommends that course designers include three short par-4 holes around 300 yards, five medium-length par-4 holes around 350 yards, and two long par-4 holes over 420 yards. This differentiation is to prevent monotony. Golfers encounter various hole designs such as straight holes, dogleg holes, blind holes, and uphill holes as part of the challenge.

A: Is this hole a par-4 hole?

B: Yes, this is a short but tricky par-4 hole. The fairway is very narrow and there are penalty areas on both sides. You had better use your three wood for the tee shot.

A: Yeah, I think I’ll play it safe here.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyeong, golf columnist