Understanding the Average Golf Score

As golfers, we often wonder how our scores stack up against others. It’s easy to feel like you need a rare talent or years of practice to lower your score, especially when you see pros knocking shots under par. 

But if you take a step back and look at the typical scoring ranges, you’ll get a clearer picture of where you stand and what’s realistic for your skill level. This can help you set achievable goals and see real progress over time.

Rather than stressing about hitting pro-level scores, focus on improving your game bit by bit. Enjoy the journey and celebrate those small wins. And if you’re looking for extra support, checking out Skillest’s coaching options can help you refine your skills and build more confidence on the golf course.

What Do Most Average Golfers Shoot?

On a par 72 course, the average recreational golfer typically shoots around 91 strokes. However, this number often comes from more active or motivated players who submit their scores, so the true average may vary.

It’s a helpful benchmark, but factors like weather, course familiarity, and skill level all play a role in individual scores.

Handicap can also give insight into scoring. Golfers with a handicap of 20 or above usually shoot in the 90s or 100s, while men with an average handicap of 13 score in the mid-80s to low 90s. For women, the average handicap index of 27 often translates to scores in the mid-90s or higher.

Keep in mind that scores alone don’t tell the whole story—your strengths and weaknesses (e.g., driving, chipping, or putting) impact your golf game as well. Tracking these areas can help you focus your practice where it’s needed most.

Even small improvements, like refining your short game or course management, can lower your scores over time.

For extra guidance, consider golf coaching, local golf lessons, or advice from experienced players. With consistent effort, reaching scores under 100—or even closer to 91—can become an achievable goal. Remember, progress is personal. 

What Is the Average Score for 18 Holes?

Research says that the average recreational golfer shoots around 100 strokes for 18 holes, a number that has remained steady despite some serious advances in equipment. 

While modern clubs and balls can help with distance and control, consistent practice (especially in the short game) matters far more.

Focusing on wedge play, green reading, and reducing penalty strokes can help golfers break into the 90s. Course ratings can also offer insights into difficulty levels. Golfers should keep in mind that reported averages often reflect more active players so that occasional golfers might score closer to 110 or 120.

What Is the Average Score for 9 Holes?

For golfers short on time, a 9-hole round is a great option. The average score is around 45 strokes, or bogey golf (one over par per hole), on a typical par-35 or par-36 course.

The shorter format allows for focused practice on specific skills, like putting or accuracy off the tee while being less physically and mentally demanding. It’s a great way for new golfers to ease into the game or for more experienced players to refine weak spots.

Scores can vary based on course difficulty or weather conditions, so tracking your progress over time can help build consistency. Many golfers find their scores improve in 9-hole rounds, making it a perfect stepping stone to 18 holes.

Joining a 9-hole league can also add a social, fun element to the game while rewarding steady progress.

What Does a Decent Golfer Shoot?

There’s always some debate around what “decent” means in golf, but most people would agree it’s someone who can hold their own on most courses. 

That being said, a “decent” golfer typically shoots near par (around 72) or slightly over. For pros, low 70s are the norm, thanks to years of practice. For most weekend players, shooting in the low to mid-80s is a solid goal. It shows consistency, smart decisions on par-5 holes, and reliable putting and wedge play.

If 18 holes feel overwhelming, try breaking 60 for 9 holes. Doing so means you’re managing hazards, hitting solid approaches, and cutting down on three-putts. Focused practice, like working on your golf skills, can help you improve each season.

What’s “decent” can also vary by course. Easier courses might see decent scores in the mid-70s, while tougher layouts could push scores into the 80s. Tracking stats like greens in regulation or putts per hole helps identify weak spots so you can refine your game.

Consistency is key. Spend time on purposeful practice—like honing your short game or putting—and you’ll see progress. Moving from the 90s to the 80s is an exciting milestone, and with steady effort, you’ll confidently call yourself a decent golfer in no time.

Average Golf Score by Age Group

Age can impact your flexibility, strength, and practice time. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in different age groups:

In Your 20s:

• Average Score: Around 90 on a par 72 course.
• Why: Players in their 20s typically have faster swing speeds and fewer physical limitations, making it easier to hit longer drives. The recovery time is also quicker, allowing for more frequent practice sessions.

In Your 30s:

• Average Score: Around 92.
• Why: Many golfers in this age group start getting more serious about their game, refining their fundamentals while balancing career and family. While the difference in score isn’t huge, it reflects that newer players are starting to improve and raise the group average. Those who’ve played for years might still maintain or improve their skills.

In Your 40s:

• Average Score: Around 92.
• Why: While flexibility may decrease, experience becomes key. By now, players know which clubs work best for them and where their shots might go wrong. Resting well, focusing on drills, and smart course management can keep you competitive.

In Your 50s:

• Average Score: Around 91.
• Why: Many players in their 50s have more time for practice, either through partial retirement or stable work schedules. Stretching, better nutrition, and more time at the range help offset the physical changes of aging. A focus on short-game skills—like approach shots and putting—can lower scores significantly.

In Your 60s and Beyond:

• Average Score: Around 92.
• Why: Strength and endurance naturally decline, but strategy becomes more important. Older golfers often avoid risky shots, choose clubs they can control, and make smarter course decisions. Distance may be shorter, but mental skills like reading greens and handling hazards get sharper, making for a more consistent game.

Don’t Forget:

• These averages are guidelines, not strict rules.
• A more experienced golfer in their 60s might easily outscore a younger, less experienced player.
• On any given day, a solid short game can outshine a powerful drive.
• The goal is to measure progress against your own past results, not others.
• Most importantly, enjoy the game and focus on gradual improvements!

3 Factors to Consider When Calculating Average Golf Score

Your golf score can be influenced by more than just your skill level. By understanding a few key factors, like course design, slope ratings, and the World Handicap Systems, you can get a clearer picture of how your performance compares on different courses.

Let’s break it down:

Course Ratings

A course rating estimates how many strokes a scratch golfer (someone who usually plays close to par) might take under standard conditions. You’ll usually see this rating as a single decimal number.

It’s based on factors like yardage and course layout. If the rating is higher than par (like 74 or 75), it means the course is more challenging, with longer holes, tricky greens, or more hazards.

• Why It Matters: A higher course rating means more challenges—think long approaches, tricky greens, or strategically placed hazards. Understanding the course rating can help you mentally prepare and adjust your strategy if you’re not a scratch golfer. A course rating close to 72 might indicate a relatively straightforward layout, while a rating of 74–75 suggests a more challenging round.
• Effective Playing Length: This is the actual yardage of each hole, factoring in conditions like altitude, wind, and fairway roll. For example, courses at higher elevations make the ball travel farther. The weather (windy or rainy) can reduce distance, so it’s important to account for these changes.
• Course Obstacles: Hazards like thick rough, trees, and water hazards all increase the difficulty of the course. If you know a course has a lot of water or forced carries, you can plan accordingly—maybe with a safer club off the tee.

Slope Ratings

The slope rating focuses on the bogey golfer or someone who typically finishes around 18–20 strokes over par. While the course rating is about scratch golfers, the slope rating shows how much more challenging a course might be for someone with a higher handicap.

• Why It Matters: A course with a high slope rating means that bogey golfers (like most of us!) will likely face more challenges. If the slope rating is closer to 113 (the average), it indicates a moderate increase in difficulty. A course with a higher slope means more obstacles that could make the game harder for the average golfer.
• How It’s Calculated: The slope rating is based on the difference between the bogey rating and the course rating. For example, courses with tricky doglegs or deep bunkers might have a higher slope, making your round more difficult.
• Planning Your Strategy: If the slope rating is high, it might be time to rethink your club selection. A driver might not always be the best choice if there are tight fairways and heavy hazards. A more controlled hybrid or 3-wood could help you avoid costly mistakes and keep you in play.

Handicap Ratings

A handicap rating helps level the playing field by adjusting your score based on the difficulty of the course. After you finish your round, you subtract your handicap from your total score to get your net score, which shows how you performed relative to your expected level.

• Why It Matters: Your handicap lets you compare your performance to others, regardless of skill level. A lower handicap means you’re a more accomplished player, while a higher handicap shows there’s still work to be done. It can be reassuring for beginners to see that your net score might be much closer to par than you thought!
• How It’s Calculated: Your handicap is based on your best rounds, factoring in the course and slope ratings. The system encourages steady improvement—every time you play golf, you build a more accurate picture of your skill level.
• Improving Your Handicap: To lower your handicap, focus on making consistent ball contact, selecting the right clubs, and refining your short game. Cutting down on penalties and developing a reliable approach game can save you shots every round. And the more different courses you play, the more accurate your handicap becomes. It’s all about progress—small improvements add up over time!

Unlocking Your Lowest Scores With Skillest

Golf can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a beginner struggling to break 100. But improvement is possible for every player—one stroke at a time. Tracking your progress and focusing on small, consistent wins can lead to significant changes over time.

That’s where Skillest can help. Whether you’re just starting or aiming to fine-tune your game, Skillest connects you with professional coaches for personalized online lessons.

From swing mechanics to mental strategies, you’ll get expert guidance without needing to visit a course. This means you can work on your skills anytime, anywhere, with tailored drills to help you reach your goals faster.

For experienced golfers, comparing scores with others or setting seasonal goals—like shaving a few strokes off your average—can be both motivating and rewarding. With Skillest, you’ll have the tools and support to stay consistent and keep improving.

At the end of the day, golf is about progress, not perfection. Whether your goal is breaking 100, hitting the 80s, or simply enjoying the game more, steady improvement is what truly counts. With patience, enthusiasm, and the right guidance from Skillest, your best golf is always ahead of you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is the average golf score?

For most amateur men, the average score on an 18-hole, full-length par 72 course is around 100 strokes. Women tend to average closer to 108, according to research from the USGA and the National Golf Foundation.

Pros on major tours typically shoot around 71–72 per round. These numbers highlight how much skill varies across players—and that improvement takes time and practice.

How many golfers can break 90?

About 26% of golfers can consistently break 90, according to surveys by the National Golf Foundation. Breaking 90 is a huge milestone because it shows a solid grasp of ball striking, short game, and course management.

Golfers in this range typically have fewer penalty strokes and handle hazards more effectively, which helps them lower their scores.

Is 120 a good golf score?

For someone just starting out, shooting 120 is pretty good. Golf can be tricky, especially on more difficult courses. With regular practice, though, focusing on your short game and consistency, many players can get their scores down to under 100 in time. It’s all about steady progress and enjoying the process.

Is 87 a good golf score?

On a par 72 course, an 87 is a solid score for an amateur. It means you’ve got a handle on various parts of the game, like avoiding big mistakes, hitting greens and fairways, and putting well.

Since the average recreational golfer tends to shoot close to 100, an 87 puts you ahead of the curve. It’s a sign that you’re putting in the effort to improv, and it’s paying off. Keep it up!