What is a Good Score in Golf for 18 Holes? Average Scores by Skill Level & Age
Do you know what is a good golf score for your playing level?
A good golf score for 18 holes is generally considered under 100 for most golfers. While it varies based on your skill level, experience, and age, hitting below 100 is often considered a solid achievement for amateurs. In this article, we’ll break down what constitutes a good score based on your playing level—from beginners to professionals—and share some tips to help you improve. Whether you’re looking to break 100 or shoot in the 70s, let’s explore what a good golf score for 18 holes means!
What is considered a Good Score in Golf for 18 Holes?
Generally, 120 is the neutral point when considering a good or bad golf score on an 18-hole course. Gaining lower than 120 points means you are shooting a better score, and finishing with a score greater than 120 is pretty high, which is considered a bad score on 18 Hole.
However, the average score is 100. As a beginner, if you are shooting fewer than 115 points it’s definitely good enough. Hitting within 90 to 100 must be impressive as an amateur. High school players often score the 70s to 80s. In the case of advanced players, the average hitting scale is mid-70s.
What Is a Good Score in Golf for 9 Holes?
A good score for a 9-hole course is typically half of what you would aim for 18 holes. Scoring below 45 for 9 holes is a good gain for most amateurs.
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- Scratch Golfer: 36 (PAR)
- Low Handicap player: 37-40
- Mid Handicap player: 41-45
- High Handicap player: 46-50
- Beginner Golfer: 51+
What Is a Good Score for High School Golf?
Typically, a high school golfer shoots under 80 points but it could be different depending on the gender and physical ability of the player. In the state or regional championship, the average high school boy’s score is almost 71 & in the case of girls, the average score is almost 74 to 76. While comparatively, the NCAA division shows a greater number on the scorecard for both boys and girls.
Understanding the Golf Scorecard & Terminology
Understanding a golf scorecard and its terminology is very crucial for tracking the performance on any course. Here’s a breakdown of all about the golf scorecard.
Hole number
Every hole in the ground is typically numbered 1 to 18. The scorecard will list these numbers in order.
Yardage
The yardage is the measurement of the distance from the tee box to the hole which is measured in yards. The yardage could be different for the various tee boxes listed on the ground.
Score
This is where it records the number of strokes You took to complete every hole. At the end of the round, all your Taken strokes will be added up to get your total score.
The lower the score you get the better shot you played. While the bigger score is considered as a bad performance.
While measuring your score point, “OUT” means the total score for the first nine holes, the” IN” is the total score for the last nine holes also known as back nine and the “TOTAL” is the sum of the front and back nine scores give the overall point for the round.
The GROSS score is the total number of strokes you take during the round without any adjustment and the NET score is the substitution of your HANDICAP from your GROSS score.
NET= (GROSS – HANDICAP)
How the Handicap System Works?
The handicap golf score indicator system generally indicates the difficulty of each hole. The most difficult one is the hole with a handicap of 1 while the hole with a handicap of 18 is the least difficult one. This indicator is used in matchplay to adjust scores based on a player’s skill level and ability. It is measured with GPS.
A golf handicap is basically measured based on a player’s recent scores, adjusted for the difficulty of the courses they have played.
During a round,
Player’s net score = (Gross score – course handicap)
For example,
if you have a handicap of 15 and shoot 90 on a PAR- 72 course,
Your net score is (90 – 15) = 75
A lower handicap indicates a better golfer
What Is a PAR Score in Golf?
PAR is the standard number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to take to complete the hole. For example, PAR-3 hole means you should ideally take 3 strokes to complete the hole. PAR value 3 is a short hole that is generally reachable in one single shot. PAR-4 is a medium-length hole that requires 2 shots, and PAR-5 is a long hole that often requires up to three shots to reach the green.
What is Birdie – Eagle -Albatross
Birdie is one stroke under PAR on a hole: for example, scoring 2 on a PAR-3 hole. Eagle is 2 strokes under PAR and Albatross is double eagle which means 3 strokes under PAR on a hole. it’s very hardly seen on a PAR-5.
What Bogey, Double & Triple Bogey
Unlike Birdie, Bogey is one stroke over PAR on a hole. A double bogey is 2 strokes over and a triple bogey is 3 strokes over PAR on a hole.
Greens in Regulation: GIR
A GIR is achieved if you reach the green in the number of strokes equal to PAR – 2. This is marked with a checkmark or GIR.
Understanding Average Driving Distance: What is ADN
A driving distance in golf means the distance of football travels from the T-shirt RAPA R4 or PAR5 hole. ADN is the average of all drive-distances a golf ball travels during the round. Average driving dispense determines a golfer’s power and ability to reach the green efficiently.
How ADN is measured
ADN is usually measured in yards and is calculated by averaging the multiple-drive distance. Launch monitors, GPS devices, on-course tracking markers, and stat tracking apps could be useful to measure driving distance.
Professional vs. Amateur AND
The average driving distance of a professional PGA Tour player is around 295 to 310 yards. Meanwhile, a female professional LPGA Tour player’s ADN is around 250 to 260 yards.
Meanwhile, in the case of an Amateur golfer, a beginner player’s ADN is not more than 118 to 200 yards. While it’s 200 to 230 yards for intermediate golfers. Advanced armatures typically score 230 to 260 yards AND.
Affecting factors of ADN
Your equipment technology, launching angle, swing and ball speed, weather conditions, course conditions & overall physical fitness could be affecting factors that can influence your driving distance.
Is 100 a Good Golf Score?
If you are a newbie just stepping onto your first-course journey, scoring around 100 is normal and pretty good for beginners & amateurs. For a casual weekend golfer, shooting around 100 is not also bad, but the 90s and 80s would be great for these players; finally, in the case of a professional, skilled golfer, a score of around 100 is considered high, which is not good at all. Professionals normally shoot around the 70s to 80s or lower than that. Breaking 100 is a common beginner goal. It could be the first achievement of an amateur. Shooting regularly below 100 is your progress toward becoming an intermediate golfer.
What Is a Good Golf Score for Seniors: Golf Score for Advanced Players?
The advanced golfer is an experienced, skilled, and professional player. Most of the pros score an average of 65 to 70 points on an 18-hole course. Although 9-hole courses aren’t as famous among professional golfers, they usually make under 40 stocks in this tournament. In the PGA tour, professional golfers shoot around 60. The Professional Golfers Association of America PGA recorded 58 as the lowest score of the PGA Tour which was made by Jim Furyk in 2016.
Rhein Gibson made 55 points in 2012 & Alexander Hughes made the same score in 2020. These are the two lowest official instances of Golf Scoring.
What Is the Average Golf Score in 18-hole? Based on skill level and Age
According to the National Golf Federation’s annual survey in the United States the average golf score in an 18-hole course is around 94. However, several factors can affect the score including experience level, golfers’ ability, and others.
Based on skill and experience level
| Player type | Avg Score in 18 holes | Skill and experience level |
| Beginner & Amateur | 100-115 | Still learning the fundamentals of game |
| Low handicap (0-9) | 70-80 | Advanced amateur with strong course management. |
| Mid handicap (10-19) | 80-90 | Good control over shots learned to avoid silly mistakes. |
| High handicap (20-30+) | 90-100+ | Struggles with consistency, aiming to break 100 |
| Professional PGA | 70-72 | Elite professional player with excellent control over shots. |
| Professional LPGA | 70-73 | Golfer aiming to win tour championships |
| Professional Korn Ferry & others | 69-71 | Dedicated professionals, aimed to break an international record. |
You can also check out what’s in the bag of professional PGA tour players
Average Good Golf Scores by Age & Gender
Age could be a dramatic number while shooting a handsome golf card score. Younger players tend to shoot an unpredictable & better score due to their flexibility, strength, and energetic inspiration. While older golfers might decrease their performance due to the reduction of their stamina.
|
Age Group |
Men’s Avg. Score |
Women’s Avg. Score |
|
Teens (Under 20) |
90 – 110 |
100 – 120 |
|
20s – 30s |
85 – 100 |
95 – 110 |
|
40s – 50s |
85 – 105 |
95 – 115 |
|
60+ |
90 – 110 |
100 – 120 |
USGA tracks the stats using submitted handicap results. You can check US handicapping statistics in detail.
Factors Affecting Your Golf Score
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Course Difficulty: A course with a high slope rating or many hazards can raise your score.
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Skill Level & Experience: Practice and gameplay experience play a major role in your score and confidence.
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Weather Conditions: Temperature, rain, and wind impact ball flight, accuracy, swing control, and endurance.
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Mental Focus & Strategy: A positive mindset and good course management improve decision-making and reduce mistakes.
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Equipment & Club Selection: Choosing the right gear boosts precision, shot accuracy, and comfort.
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Physical Fitness & Technique: Fitness, flexibility, strength, and stamina affect performance and confidence.
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Practice & Coaching: Consistent practice and professional coaching refine your technique and strategy. Playing with skilled golfers further boosts your abilities.
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How to Improve Your Golf Score: 10 Proven Tips
Practice, Practice & Practice: Spend time on the putting green and practice chipping around the greens. The more you practice in the field the more you will learn the strategy, and the more you will gain control, comfort & confidence.
Focus on Course Management: Play smartly, and strategically by avoiding risky shots and positioning yourself for easier approaches. Try to find out your most effective personalized technique that utilizes your strengths & minimizes your weaknesses.
Use the Right Clubs: Ensure the clubs you are selecting are perfectly suited to your swing speed and your skill level.
Stay Mentally Focused: Try to take control over your emotional balance, avoid frustration, and keep a positive mindset, even after a bad shot.
Take Lessons: A golf pro can help you identify and re-correct the weaknesses in your gameplay. So, taking lessons from professionals will refine your skill level.
Play Regularly: Consistency is key to improving your score.
Track Your Progress: Use a golf app or journal or your coaching authority to monitor your performance and set goals to crack the target.
Warm Up Before Each Round: Stretch and hit a few practice shots to prepare your body and mind.
Learn to Read the Greens: Pay attention to the slope and grain of the greens to improve your putting accuracy. It helps predict ball movement for better-putting results
Play with Better Golfers: Observing skilled players can provide valuable insights and inspiration. Besides, playing with a better golfer will increase your competency level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Golf Scores
1. What is a good score in golf for 18 holes?
A good score for 18 holes is typically below 90 for amateur golfers.
2. What is a good score in golf for 9 holes?
Scoring below 45 is a good score considered in a 9-hole course.
3. What is a good score for a beginner high school golfer?
High school golfers often score between 75 and 85. It can be different depending on gender and age.
4. How can I lower my golf score quickly?
Improve your driving accuracy, take lessons, focus on your short game, avoid hazards, play smartly and strategically & finally, stay mentally and physically strong.
5. What is a good score for a female golfer?
For beginner female golfers scoring between 100 to 120 is a good score on the 18-hole course. Shooting around 85 to 100 for intermediate females is good enough and when it’s to advanced and professional female golfers, scoring between 72 to 80 or below then that is better.
6. Can you break 100 in golf as a beginner?
Yes, of course! breaking 100 as a beginner is an achievable goal with practice, consistency, and focus.
7. Is a Golf Score of 82 Good?
Yes, definitely! while the average golf score is 100 then scoring 82 is good enough for beginner, amateur, and intermediate players. But if you are a skilled professional golfer then 82 is not that good for you.
8. Is 77 a Good Golf Score?
Yes! 77 is a handsome score whether you are a high school player, intermediate player, or recreational player. It’s also a good score for an early professional player. 77 is exceptional score and indicates a low-handicap golfer. Shooting 5 over par on a par-72 course is a sign of advanced skill and consistency. If you’re scoring 77, you’re likely competing at a high amateur or semi-professional level.
9. How Does a Golf Handicap Work?
A golf handicap is a number that reflects a golfer’s potential ability, based on recent scores and adjusted for the difficulty of the courses played. It helps to level the playing field between golfers of different skill levels.
To calculate your net score during a round:
Net Score = Gross Score – Course Handicap
This allows players of varying abilities to compete on an equal footing.
For example,
if you have a handicap of 15 and shoot 90 on a PAR 72 course,
Your net score is (90 – 15) = 75
A lower handicap indicates a better golfer
10. What is considered a bad golf score?
For Scratch Golfers: Anything above 80 is considered below average. If you are a Mid-Handicap player, Scores above 100 are seen as poor. For Beginners Shooting above 120 may be frustrating but is common for new players.
See More…
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- PGA Tour Players What’s in The Bag
- Why Are Nitro Golf Balls Illegal?
- What is a Good Handicap in Golf?
- The Best Golf Balls for Mid Handicappers
- Golf Club Lofts and Distance Charts
- How Much Do Golf Lessons Cost?
- How much does it cost to rent golf clubs
- Most Beautiful and Prettiest Golf Courses in the US
- Top 5 Forgiving Fairway Woods for High Handicappers
Written By- Afruza Ava: A passionate golf enthusiast with a deep love for the sport. Alongside her dedication to golf, she is an experienced SEO expert and content writer, creating engaging and informative content for golf fans and enthusiasts. Afruza combines her expertise in SEO with her passion for golf to provide valuable insights for readers of all levels.
