Ratings are a derivative function, par is not. Setting ST at par 72 would not change the ratings.
This inanity calls for a lunk,
http://www.pdga.com/files/documents/ParGuidelines.pdf
and the lunk has provided a link.
This seems to suggest par means different things to different people.
Just like in bolf. The members play it as a par 5, but for the pros it is a par 4.
No. 7: 447 yards, PAR-4 ("Briars," 4.118, 7th): A PAR-5 for Ridgewood members known as the Cemetery Hole because George Washington Memorial Park borders it, it requires an uphill drive of at least 290 yards to a plateau on a fairway that slopes left to right (toward the cemetery). Anything shorter leaves a blind second shot to a diminutive green for a hole of this length.
They took two holes the members play as par 5s -- the 475-yard 6th and the 466-yard 10th -- and declared them par 4s. etc.
OK? It is left as an exercise to the reader to determine hole-by-hole par.
What determines 'heavy or light' foliage?
What color are the tees? What color are the trees?
Do you need to remove your shoes to count to 12?
Do you understand the difference between an eagle and an ace?
So many questions, sow many seeds, sew mini-skirts, snow many inches.
http://www.pdga.com/files/documents/ParGuidelines.pdf