What is the origin of the term "par"?

Question

Specifically in golf.

Answer 1

Par is derived from the stock exchange term that a stock may be above or below its normal or 'par' figure. In 1870, Mr AH Doleman, a golf writer, asked the golf professionals David Strath and James Anderson, what score would win 'The Belt', then the winning trophy for 'The Open', at Prestwick, where it was first held annually from 1861 to 1870. Strath and Anderson said that perfect play should produce a score of 49 for Prestwick's twelve holes. Mr Doleman called this Par for Prestwick and subsequently Young Tom Morris won with a score of two strokes 'over Par' for the three rounds of 36 holes.
Although the first noted use of the word "Par" in golf was in Britain and predates that of Bogey, today's rating system does not and the current Par standard was not further developed until later.

Answer 2

The average of something. If in golf you have 12 hits to get the ball into the hole, the par is 12. If you get the ball in the hole with only 10 hits then you are below par. If you get the ball in the hole with 12 hits then you are at par, and if you get it in after 15 hits for example then you are above par.

So just remember this simple formula: PAR=AVERAGE


♥Hope this helps!♥

Answer 3

Par:
1622, "equality," also "value of one currency in terms of another," from L. par "equal, that which is equal, equality" (see pair). Meaning "average or usual amount" is first attested 1767. Golf usage is first attested 1898. Figurative use of par for the course is from 1947.