Par changes the putt before you hit it

Researchers analysing more than 2.5 million PGA Tour putts found players holed comparable par putts more often than birdie putts—even after accounting for distance and other differences. Same length, same difficulty but whether putting for Par or Birdie, both save exactly one stroke. The researchers’ explanation: avoiding a bogey can motivate us more strongly than gaining a birdie. The score’s label can change how we approach the same opportunity.