http://www.usga.org/Handicapping/handicap-manual.html#!rule-14401 false Section 16 PAR COMPUTATION Section 16 PAR COMPUTATION Definitions Within each section, all defined terms are in italics and are listed alphabetically in Section 2 - Definitions. Yardages for guidance in computing par are given below. The effective playing length of a hole for the scratch golfer determines par. (See Section 13-3b.) These yardages may not be applied arbitrarily; the configuration of the ground and the severity of the obstacles should be taken into consideration. Authorized golf associations are empowered to adjudicate questions of hole par. (See Decision 16/1.)