Par, yardage, course rating and design: a plain-English guide to the numbers in our club profiles, and what they say about a course.
Every club profile on our site lists the courses with their holes, par, yardage, architect and year opened. Here is what those numbers mean, and how to use them when comparing clubs.
Holes
Most championship courses have 18 holes. Many clubs have more: 27 holes (three nines that can be combined) or two, three or even four full courses. Some communities also have executive or par-3 courses, which are shorter and quicker to play and are often popular with beginners and social golfers.
Par
Par is the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need. Most 18-hole courses play to a par of 70 to 72. Executive courses have a lower par because they have more short holes.
Yardage
Yardage is the total length of the course from a given set of tees. Our profiles generally list the longest set. Nearly every course has several sets of tees, so golfers of all abilities can play a comfortable length.
Course rating and slope
Golf associations publish a course rating and slope rating for each set of tees. Together they describe how difficult the course is for scratch golfers and for average golfers. Clubs usually display them on the scorecard.
The architect
A course's designer shapes its character: the routing, bunkering, greens and how water and wind come into play. Florida courses have been designed by many well-known architects over the decades, and many have since been renovated by others. Each club profile names the architects we could confirm.
Renovations
Courses evolve. Clubs regularly rebuild greens, bunkers and irrigation, and sometimes redesign holes. A recent renovation can mean excellent conditions; a planned one may mean temporary closures, and possibly a capital assessment.
What matters most to you?
- Serious golfers may look for championship length, challenge and practice facilities.
- Social golfers may value a friendly pace, a short course and plenty of leagues.
- Families may want a short course and junior programs.
The best course for you is the one you will enjoy playing every week.
