You know your game is improving when . . .

[Tgb02]

When I can play a friend at even and only lose a few bucks and my other friend I can play at half a stroke and lose a few bucks. Used to need 2 strokes from one and 1 stroke from the other just to not lose more then 5 dollars

[SoundandFury]

It is and I'm sure at some point people probably start paying attention to scoring average and things like that. I've been playing the par 3's well this year my par 3 and par 4 average is the same ATM (.68). Last year I was as high as a stroke over.

We have one that just kills me. No kidding I lay up and pitch on and hope I get it close enough to give myself a chance. It's long enough (220ish) that there is a little closely mown mini fairway in front of the green. Sand everywhere that is a score killer because the bunkers are 20-40 yards long in the line of play on the left. Our sand ranges from concrete hard to hitting from pebbles. I hit a 7 iron to the mown area and pitch it up. I am okay making bogey on this hole just because I've made so many 5's and 6's going for the green. Last night I had a rare GIR going for it because it was an exceptional ball striking day. I 3 putted it.

Same here.  We have two, one that's 180 way up hill and another thats 195.  Length isn't the issue; they both just pretty much look wrong to my eye every time I step up. Both make you aim left from the tee, which I hate because I have a bitch of a time drawing the ball when I have to aim left, so no matter what I do I miss right.  I've definitely laid up numerous times.

[Moppy]

I think when you are new to golf, the par threes are the only ones where you have any chance of a birdie whatsoever. One lucky iron shot and you have a makeable putt. On a par four, you need to string two solid shots together, and on a par five, three. Once solid contact becomes a regular thing, stringing two or three solid shots is more the norm.

[JazzFatCat]

... when your bad shots are still pretty playable

[newtogolf]

When you can play a round and not have to worry about getting poison ivy / oak.

[DustinB812]

When you don't have to take a cab home, or have a buddy drive you due to alcohol consumption.

[Tat14]

... is improving when...

I think this answer depends on how far one is along in his or her golf journey.

A while back, my first epiphany was getting off the tee well. My handicap would never have gotten under 20 without that ability somewhat ingrained from practice and play. This also helps with playing matches, in front of a crowd, or while playing through.

Recently, shaping shots for more accurate approaches is my new sign or evidence. When I can manage this, my scores drop as GIRs increase.

[9wood]

It's funny because most amateurs dread par 5's because of the length. I think awesome I have three shots to GIR easy peasy. It's the damn par 3's I dread. Which not ironically are typically the holes most amateurs see as a scoring opportunity because they are short. If there is a triple on my card it happened on a par 3.

I enjoy par 5's but still any hole that normally takes three strokes to get on the green means three times the chances that one of your three shots to get there will go wrong and then rather than 3 to get on it takes you four, once that happens you struggle for par. But it is wonderful when you get off three good shots in a row to allow you a chance for a birdie.

[9wood]

... is improving when...

I think this answer depends on how far one is along in his or her golf journey.

A while back, my first epiphany was getting off the tee well. My handicap would never have gotten under 20 without that ability somewhat ingrained from practice and play. This also helps with playing matches, in front of a crowd, or while playing through.

Recently, shaping shots for more accurate approaches is my new sign or evidence. When I can manage this, my scores drop as GIRs increase.

I have been working on my tee shots, because I know it's the one thing that prevents me from scoring better.

[uitar9]

A decent straight tee shot-for me 185

a straight and decent 2nd , third fairway shot-145-170

A great approach that lands on the green close enough for a two put

It's even happening on occasion

Reality: decent putting and ball striking do not occur  the same whole/game