Par

Par refers to a unit of measurement for golf swings. It represents a point during a swing where the clubhead is six inches (about 15 cm) from the golfer's target line at the top of the backswing. This point is considered the optimal position for maximum power and accuracy.

In traditional golf instruction, the backswing and downswing progressions are often described in terms of "number of par" instruction. Practitioners aim to reach this par line at specific points in the swing, with the ultimate goal of developing a consistent and efficient swing.

The term par also has other uses in golf. In golf scoring, par refers to the predicted number of strokes a skilled golfer should take to complete a hole. For example, a hole marked as "par three" is expected to be completed in three strokes.

Par has other connotations outside of golf. In politics, a parliamentary republic (par republic) refers to a system where the head of state is a figurehead and the government is accountable to the parliament.

In various contexts, "par" might also denote standards or averages. Examples include a fair share or a balanced situation (e.g., "they're functioning at par"). The expression is derived from a set of persons striving to meet given performance goals, aiming for parity, as in fair representation or comparable accomplishment.