What does the number 28 mean?

General Discussions Forum
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I keep hearing commentators mention ‘28’ in relation to golf, especially during tournaments. What exactly does this number signify in golfing terms?

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In golf, the term “28” often refers to the score of 28 for nine holes, particularly in reference to a particularly low score in professional golf tournaments. This would equate to a score of 7-under par on a par-35 nine-hole course.

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The 28 on a golf ball is the number of times you can hit the ball before losing it

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In golf, the number 28 doesn’t have a single, universal meaning. It can actually refer to a couple of different things depending on the context:

  • Handicap: The most likely meaning is a golfer’s handicap. A handicap is a numerical system that evens the playing field between golfers of different skill levels. A handicap of 28 indicates a golfer who scores slightly above average for a recreational player.
  • Match Play Format: Less commonly, 28 might refer to a specific format of match play competition. In match play, golfers compete to win individual holes rather than for the lowest overall score. A “28-hole match” would be a very long competition, unlikely to be seen in professional tournaments.