In golf, “four” most commonly refers to the number of strokes taken to complete a hole or the par value of a hole (par 4). It can also be used casually to describe a score, a type of hole, or even a team format (foursome/four-ball), depending on context.
If you’ve ever watched a golf tournament, played a round with friends, or followed golf scores online, you’ve definitely seen or heard the number four thrown around a lot. But what does four actually mean in golf and why is it so important?
Let’s break it down in a clear, friendly, and practical way. ⛳
Why “Four” Matters So Much in Golf
Golf is a numbers driven sport. Every shot counts, and certain numbers especially four carry extra meaning. From par 4 holes to scoring a four on the green, this number sits right at the heart of how the game is played, scored, and understood.
Whether you’re a beginner trying to learn the basics or a casual fan wanting to understand the scoreboard better, knowing what four means in golf will instantly boost your golf IQ.
What Does Four Mean in Golf?
In golf, four can mean several closely related things:
- A score of four strokes on a hole
- Par 4, meaning the hole is expected to be completed in four strokes
- A reference to formats involving four players
- A casual way golfers describe performance (“I made a four”)
The exact meaning depends on context, which we’ll explore in detail below.
The Origin of “Four” in Golf
Golf originated in Scotland in the 15th century, and early courses varied wildly in length and structure. As the game became standardized, holes were categorized by how many strokes a skilled golfer was expected to need.
That’s how par values were born:
- Par 3
- Par 4
- Par 5
Over time, par 4 holes became the most common type of hole on golf courses worldwide. That’s one major reason the number four became so central to the sport.
1. Four as a Score in Golf
What Does It Mean to “Make a Four”?
When a golfer says, “I made a four,” they mean:
They completed the hole in four strokes.
Whether that’s good or bad depends on the hole’s par.
Examples by Context
| Hole Type | Score of Four Means | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Par 3 | One over par | Bogey |
| Par 4 | Exactly par | Par |
| Par 5 | One under par | Birdie |
So yes—four can be great, average, or disappointing, depending on where you’re playing.
2. Four as Par 4
What Is a Par 4 Hole?
A par 4 is a hole designed to be completed in four strokes by a skilled golfer:
- Tee shot
- Approach shot
- Putt
- Putt (or fewer!)
Typical Length of a Par 4
| Golfer Level | Distance Range |
|---|---|
| Men (Championship Tees) | 400–450 yards |
| Men (Regular Tees) | 350–400 yards |
| Women | 250–350 yards |
Par 4s test accuracy, strategy, and consistency, making them the backbone of most golf courses.
3. Four in Golf Scoring Language
Golfers often use four casually in conversation. The tone can change based on context.
Friendly / Neutral Tone
- “I had a solid four on that hole.”
- “Four isn’t bad there—it’s a tough par 4.”
Positive Tone
- “I’ll happily take a four on that hole! 😄”
- “Four under pressure—nice!”
Negative / Dismissive Tone
- “Ugh, another four when I should’ve birdied.”
- “That four felt worse than it looks.”
4. Four in Team and Match Formats
The number four also appears in golf formats, which can confuse beginners.
Common Formats Using “Four”
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Foursome | Two teams of two players, one ball per team |
| Four-ball | Two teams of two players, each plays their own ball |
| Four-player scramble | Four players hit, best shot chosen each time |
⚠️ Important: In these cases, four refers to players, not strokes or score.
5. Comparison: Four vs Related Golf Terms
Four vs Par
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Four | Actual strokes taken |
| Par | Expected strokes |
You can score a four on a hole that isn’t par 4.
Four vs Birdie, Bogey, Eagle
| Score Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Birdie | 1 under par |
| Par | Equal to par |
| Bogey | 1 over par |
A four could be any of these depending on the hole.
Four vs encumbrance Scoring
In encumbrance play, a net four might differ from a gross four, depending on strokes received.
6. Alternate Meanings of “Four” in Golf
While rare, you might also hear:
- Hole number four (“I struggled on the four today.”)
- Group of four golfers (“We’re a four-ball.”)
- Informal shorthand for par 4 hole (“This four is tricky.”)
Context always matters.
7. Polite or Professional Alternatives
If you’re writing, commenting, or speaking formally:
- Instead of: “I made a four.”
👉 “I completed the hole in four strokes.” - Instead of: “That four was bad.”
👉 “That result was above par for this hole.”
Labeled Example Table: Four in Real Scenarios
| Scenario | What “Four” Means |
|---|---|
| “I scored a four.” | Took four strokes |
| “This is a par four.” | Expected four strokes |
| “We’re playing four-ball.” | Team format |
| “Hole four is tough.” | Fourth hole |
Usage Tips for Beginners
- Always check hole par before judging a four
- On par 4 holes, four is usually a good score
- Don’t confuse four-ball with foursome
- In conversation, clarify if you mean score or hole type
Conclusion
The number four is one of the most important and versatile numbers in golf. It can describe:
- A score
- A par value
- A hole type
- A team format
Understanding what four means in context helps you:
- Read scorecards accurately
- Follow professional tournaments
- Speak confidently on the course
👉 Always ask yourself: Is this about strokes, par, or players?
Once you do that, golf’s language becomes much easier and way more fun. ⛳
FAQs
Is four a good score in golf?
Yes on a par 4, a four is exactly par and considered a solid score.
What does four under mean in golf?
It means the golfer is four strokes better than par over multiple holes or a round.
Is four better than par?
Only if the hole is a par 5 or higher.
Why are most holes par 4?
They balance length, challenge, and scoring variety.
What does “made a four” mean?
The golfer completed the hole in four strokes.
Is four-ball the same as foursome?
No four ball uses four balls; foursome uses one ball per team.
Can a beginner score four often?
Yes, especially on shorter par 4s or par 5s.
What’s better: a three or a four?
A three is usually better, but it depends on the hole’s par.
Madison Lee is a skilled writer at ValneTix.com dedicated to making word meanings clear, relatable and actionable. She empowers readers to understand language deeply and use words with confidence in daily life.
