Why is it that its good to score under par in golf but its bad to be “under par” in any thing else?

Answer 1

Par means average, normal or usual amount. So when you are playing golf, par is the "usual" score for a hole and being under par is good - the lower the score the better. However, being below par in health or ability (e.g "The band's performance was sub-par.") is not a good thing.

Answer 2

Par means zero and in the game of golf zero is the highest score. however in life you don't want to be considers under par because that means you are below zero (or below average) ....