Golfing Terminology - Par

"Par" refers to the number of strokes a good player must make to sink a golf ball in the cup.

Most courses have only 3, 4, and 5 par holes although some courses include par 6 holes.

Typical distances for the various holes are as follows.

Men

• Par 3 - 250 yards (230 m) and below
• Par 4 - 251 to 470 yards (430 m)
• Par 5 - 471 to 690 yards (630 m)
• Par 6 - 691 yards (632 m) or more

Women

• Par 3 - 210 yards (190 m) and below
• Par 4 - 211 to 400 yards (370 m)
• Par 5 - 401 to 575 yards (526 m)
• Par 6 - 575 yards (526 m) or more

Harder or easier courses may have longer or shorter distances, respectively. Terrain can also be a factor, where a long downhill hole might be rated a par 4, but a shorter uphill or treacherous hole might be rated a par 5.

source: Wikipedia