Most 18-hole golf courses have four par-3s, four par-5s and 10 par-4s. If you start scoring lower on the par-4s, it has the potential to have a strong impact on your golf game. Playing a par-4 well requires a combination of driving, approach play and short-game skills. To see where your game may be lacking, it helps to know the 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 regarding the average par-4 score for their users. We also included fairway hit percentage and greens in regulation for par-4s only.
| Handicap | Average Par-4 Score | Fairway Hit % | GIR % | Avg. Putts per 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 golfers score nearly two shots higher on par-4s than lower-handicap players. Here are the differences in the games of the higher-handicap players that could lead to issues with par-4 scoring.
Average driving distance is more than 50 yards less
The 25-handicap male golfer has an average driving distance of 191 yards compared to the scratch golfer who hits 259 on average. The fairway hit percentage is not as big of a difference with 46 percent of higher-handicap players hitting fairways versus 50 percent of scratch golfers.
The lack of distance off the tee makes the approach shots more challenging and the par-4 scoring that much higher.
Greens in regulation percentage
The 25-handicap golfer hits nine percent of greens in regulation compared to the 52 percent for the scratch golfer. From 150 yards out, the proximity to the hole on these approach shots for scratch golfers is nearly 100 feet closer.
Poor approach proximity makes it harder to two-putt.
Two things can help higher handicappers in this situation. The first is to gain some distance off the tee (use the right tees, equipment and golf ball and fix that slice). The second is to improve chipping and pitching.
If you have a higher handicap, you’ll never have as much precision as a scratch golfer but if you miss the green and can get up and down, you’ll score almost one whole stroke lower than average for your handicap.
Short-game performance
Even though a scratch golfer hits more greens than the higher-handicap players, they are twice as likely to get up and down as the 25-handicap. The point is that 25-handicappers have lots of practice for getting up and down but they still can’t pull it off.
Focus on pitching and chipping drills that help get the ball within 10 feet of the hole. Here are a few good ones to practice.
The three-putts don’t help
The scratch golfer three-putts just three percent of the time compared to 13 percent for the 25-handicap golfer. Three-putts are score-killers. If you want to improve on all holes (not just par-4s), practice longer putts.
Before a round of golf, make some three- and four-footers but don’t forget to practice the longer putts all the way across the green. Here’s a guide we did on what putt lengths to practice if you want to lower your scores: Putt Length Practice Guide.
Choose the right tees
Regardless of your golf handicap, you should also ensure you play from the right tee box. If you notice 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 correct tees is critical for making par-4s more approachable. The USGA’s Best Tees Initiative provides recommendations based on your average 7-iron distance. This method ensures that golfers play from tees that match their skill level and give them a better chance of success.
| Average 7-Iron Distance (yards) | Recommended Course Yardage (yards) |
|---|---|
| 175 | 7,150 – 7,400 |
| 165 | 6,800 – 7,000 |
| 155 | 6,400 – 6,600 |
| 145 | 6,000 – 6,200 |
| 135 | 5,600 – 5,800 |
| 125 | 5,200 – 5,400 |
| 115 | 4,800 – 5,000 |
| 105 | 4,400 – 4,600 |
| 95 | 4,000 – 4,200 |
| 85 | 3,600 – 3,800 |
Example: A golfer with an average 7-iron distance of 125 yards should play from tees measuring 5,200–5,400 yards. This should increase the 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 what tees you should be playing from. If you hit your 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, getting a few extra yards off the tee and placing chips and pitches closer to 10 feet from the hole gives you a better shot at making a four. Most importantly, play from tees that match your distance capabilities to give yourself the best chance of success.
Archie
1 year ago
Last 12 month scoring average: 72.6
GIR: 69%
Fairway: 55%
Par 4 Ave: 4.1
Putt Per GIR: 1.89
Leveraging improvements in high ROI skill areas is the key to lowering score. For me to improve by 1 stroke I’d need to make 10% more from each of 5-9ft, 9-15ft and 15-25%.