Crossword Genius

Mean as Dad sounds (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

par

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'mean' is the definition.
(average score on a golf course)

'dad sounds' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'dad' could be 'pa' (both can mean one's father) and 'pa' is found within the answer.
A single letter 'r' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'as' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for par that I've seen before include "standard for a pro" , "average degree" , "Average score for good golf player" , "Expected number of strokes for hole (golf)" , "Normal golfing score" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.