Most 18-hole golf courses have four par-3s, four par-5s and 10 par-4s. If you start scoring less on par-4s, it has the potential to have a major impact on your golf game. Playing a par-4 well requires a combination of driving skills, approach play and short game skills. To see where your game may be lacking, it helps to know your average par-4 score for your handicap. Let’s take a look.
Average par-4 scores by handicap
We asked Shot Scope for some data about the average par-4 score for their users. We’ve also included the percentage of fairways and greens in regulation for par-4s only.
| Handicap | Par-4 average score | fairway hitting % | GIVE% | Dec Set for GIR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4.2 | 50% | 52% | 1.85 |
| 5 | 4.5 | 48% | 44% | 1.95 |
| 10 | 4.8 | 45% | 36% | 2.05 |
| 15 | 5.1 | 43% | 27% | 2.10 |
| 20 | 5.4 | 47% | 15% | 2.18 |
| 25 | 5.9 | 46% | 9% | 2.18 |
Breaking down the challenges for higher handicap players
Higher-handicap players score nearly two strokes higher on par-4s than lower-handicap players. Here are the differences in the games of higher handicap players that can lead to par-4 scoring problems.
The average driving distance is more than 50 yards less
The male golfer with a 25 handicap has an average driving distance of 191 yards compared to the golfer with a handicap who averages 259. The percentage of fairway shots is not as great with a 46 percent difference for players with higher handicap hitting fairways vs. 50 percent of scratch players.
The lack of distance off the tee makes the approach shot more challenging and the par-4 score much higher.
Green in percent adjustment
The 25-handicap golfer hits nine percent of the greens in regulation compared to 52 percent for the handicapper. From 150 yards away, the proximity to the hole on these approach shots for golfers is nearly 100 yards closer.
The poor approach proximity makes double shooting more difficult.
Two things can help higher handicappers in this situation. The first is to gain some distance off the tee (use the correct tips, equipment and golf ball and fix that part). The second is to improve slicing and pitching.
If you have a higher handicap, you will never be as accurate as a scratch golfer, but if you miss the green and can get up and down, you will score almost a stroke below average for your handicap.
Short game performance
Although a golfer with a scratch hits more greens than golfers with higher handicaps, they are twice as likely to get up and down as 25-handicappers. The thing is, 25-handicappers have a lot of practice getting up and down but they still can’t get it out.
Focus on hitting and chipping drills that help get the ball within 10 feet of the hole. Here are some good ones to practice.
The three shots don’t help
The scratch golfer makes three shots only three percent of the time compared to 13 percent for the 25-handicap player. Three shots are score killers. If you want to improve all holes (not just par-4s), practice longer shots.
Before a round of golf, take a few three-foot and four-foot shots, but don’t forget to practice longer shots to the green. Here’s a guide we made on what putt length you should practice if you want to lower your scores: Practical guide to putt length.
Choose the right theses
Regardless of your golf handicap, you also need to make sure you play from the correct tee. If you notice that your par-4 scoring average is higher than it should be for your handicap, you may be playing from the wrong tee box.
Selecting the right tee is critical to making par-4s more accessible. of USGA’s Tees best initiative provides recommendations based on your average 7-Iron distance. This method ensures that players play from tips that match their skill level and give them a better chance for success.
| 7-iron average distance (yards) | Recommended course yardage (yards) |
|---|---|
| 175 | 7150 – 7400 |
| 165 | 6800 – 7000 |
| 155 | 6400 – 6600 |
| 145 | 6000 – 6200 |
| 135 | 5600 – 5800 |
| 125 | 5200 – 5400 |
| 115 | 4800 – 5000 |
| 105 | 4400 – 4600 |
| 95 | 4000 – 4200 |
| 85 | 3600 – 3800 |
example: A golfer with an average 7-iron distance of 125 yards should play from the gauges 5200–5400 yards. This should increase your GIR percentage and relative proximity to the hole.
Athletic Motion Golf came up with a formula where you multiply your average 5-iron distance by 36 to get an idea of ​​where you should play from. If you hit the 5-iron 170 yards, your ideal tee box length is 6,120 yards.
CONCLUSION
Improving par-4 performance will be different for every player. However, taking a few extra yards off the tee and putting your chips and steps closer to 10 yards from the hole gives you a better chance of making a four. Most importantly, play from tees that match your distance skills to give yourself the best chance for success.
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