In golf, par (typically 72 for 18 holes) is considered the goal for scoring. However, golf is often so difficult that some golfers never shoot 72 in their entire lifetime. As a new player with just this arbitrary number to work with, it’s hard to know what a “good” golf score is for your current playing level and experience.
Is it 80, 110, 95, etc? We’re going to go over an average golf score and what is considered a good score at all different stages of the game. Chances are a score that you consider to be good right now but it may change in a year or two when your game progresses and improves!
Golf Scores Based on Player Level
Golf is supposed to be a fun game where you enjoy yourself regardless of what you shoot. If you’re like many people, however, you love a good challenge. This is why, for most players, the score still matters.
In each section below, we’ll cover the average scores for players at each experience level so you can have something to compare to, no matter what stage you’re at in your golf game.
Beginner Golfer
For a beginner, any score under 100 is pretty impressive. Most beginners struggle to make less than a double bogey on each hole. If you double bogey each hole, that would be 36 over par and a score of 108, for example.
For most beginners, there is a shot or two on each hole that doesn’t quite go their way. Whether it’s a chunk or a slice, playing consistent golf makes it hard to score low. As the game develops, you’ll notice things like fewer three-putts and a better understanding of how far each of your clubs travels.
Your first goal as a beginner should be to break 100. This YouTube guide is a great starting point for beginner golfers to really maximize the most out of every swing.
Average Golfer
Average golfers tend to shoot in the low 90s. These players are playing what many refer to as ‘bogey golf’. They make a bogey on almost every hole. Sometimes they will have a double bogey or a par but the average is typically around a bogey.
If you bogey every hole that is 18 over par and a score of 90.
The average golfer often makes some course management mistakes when they play, that can often cost a few strokes. These players are known to three putt or hit a shot in the water from time to time, which as a reminder, is very normal!
In addition, average golfers often miss the green on their approach shot but have difficulty getting up and down. Many average or consistent amateur golfers will tell you their goal is to break 80 when they play.
Advanced Players
Advanced players are low-handicap golfers who can shoot in the 70s. When these players have a bad day, they may shoot 80 or 82, but most scores are in the mid-70s. These golfers are called single-digit handicaps.
They par most of their holes and sometimes have a bogey or two mixed into the round. Advanced players have developed some consistency in their games, and because of this, they can predict shot outcomes.
Advanced players know how far each of their clubs travel and are careful when choosing which clubs to hit to their target. In addition, advanced players have a different mentality about putting greens.
Their goal isn’t to avoid three putts but to make one putts. They walk up to birdie putts with the full intention of making them.
Professional Golfers
As a beginner player, you may think that professionals would be shooting par or 72. In reality, to be a professional golfer, you need to consistently shoot under par. The PGA Tour scoring average is typically around 71, but you must remember that this is an average.
Golfers who are winning events are often shooting in the mid and even low 60s!
To become a professional golfer, you must make many birdies and play an incredibly clean round of golf.
What Should I Be Scoring?
To determine if your score is a good one, ask yourself a few questions:
- How long have I been playing?
- Have I put time into development (lessons, education, practice, etc.)?
It takes time to become a good golfer, so if you are still not shooting the scores you want to, start thinking about investing more time into your development as a player. Aside from what golf professionals are shooting, there is no universal golf score that we accept as “good.” Instead, look at your individual situation and what is a good golf score for you.
Improve Your Golf Score, Fast!
As fun as it would be to shoot 72 every time you went out to play golf, it’s not how the game works. Choose a score you would like to shoot and work on your game until you get closer. Do this in baby steps. If 110 is the best round of your life, work on shooting 105. From there, move to breaking 100. Be patient with yourself and remember that as nice as these low scores are, the development of your game through the years is where all the enjoyment is.
If you’re looking to seriously up your game and move up a level (or two), be sure to check out our training video library, where you can find helpful instructions, drills and advice for every aspect of your golf swing.
