It is a magical golf aim, a dream, maybe even a furious desire. Perhaps everyone would like to conquer a par course, but who will succeed? According to the long-term statistics, only less than one per cent of players are successful. But should we not set targets that are proportional to our handicaps?

Statistics say that conquering the par is often an unrealistic goal which can be reached only by the chosen ones. It is the same as if you got in a Formula 1 car and wanted to beat the track record. It is impossible! It takes years of preparation, training and improvement. And it is exactly the same in golf. The more you prepare and improve, the closer your goal is. Anyway, the average golfer cannot, after completing 18 holes, record a par course number or even a better number on a scorecard. It just does not make sense. This is a step in the wrong direction.

Before the scorecards were classically printed (mostly par-72), everything was different. The data on it were changed according to the difficulty of the course or weather conditions. If a strong wind blew, the number changed from 72 to 85. It makes sense; after all, try to play in bad weather on your favourite 18-hole course where you can usually score excellently. It will be difficult to get a quality result; almost certainly you will fail. And what if the rough is higher and thicker, fairways narrower and greens faster? You will do your best, but again fail. So why focus on some number written on the scorecard?

Let’s focus on the sense of our game. Try to determine the par on the course, which will match your handicap. Immediately you are opened to new horizons, pressure on you is reduced; your golf game will look completely different.

Rewrite pars of the toughest holes (again according to your handicap), also consider weather conditions. If the conditions are bad, add one or two difficult pars on the course (the toughest par-4 will become par-5, etc.). The same applies for players with a handicap of more than 18; they only need to add two strokes to their score throughout the round. And why? Believe that you will complete the holes more easily, you will be aware of the fact that you have some strokes in reserve, and thus your score should be better at the end. Do it every time you are on the course. But not everything is so simple. You still have to fight, focus and be patient. Forget that you are far from the par course and consider yours – the handicapped one. Say to yourself: “I played 99 strokes, that means I conquered my par by one stroke.” Do not say: “I’m 27-over-par again.” Quality golf results matching your personal level will surely come.