You have been playing golf for a while now, and now you want to know where you stand in the game. You want to know how deep you are in the pool. You also want to know how you measure up to the competition.
So, to make your life a little easier, we have compiled a great deal of information about golf scores. Take your time to read through our analysis and by the end of it, we are sure you’ll have a pretty good idea of where you stand.
Before getting into the deets, let’s look at the stats:
Stats on Average Golf Scores
- In the USA, about 25 million people play golf on the course annually.
- These 25 million people account for 440 million rounds annually.
- Average score estimates from multiple sources range between 95-100 for 18 holes (more on this ahead)
- Based on the USGA analysis of handicaps, only about ⅓ of golfers have handicaps of 10 or less- that means, ⅔ of all players cannot break 90 regularly.
- Adherence to rules (or not) adds a lot of variability to average golf score scores.
So let’s unpack this information and see how deep we can dig into the average golf score. If you took a look at the stats above, it’s clear that the great majority of players are not going to break 90 on a regulation golf course.
This means if you are a golfer who can regularly shoot in the 80s at a par 72 golf course, you are among the top third of all players. You will beat 7 out of 10 players on the same course, playing by the rules. Now, when I say ‘rules’, I do not in any way insinuate players of cheating, but we all know that a lot of players take liberties.
So, the only sure short way to compare is by having each player abide by the same standards, or else, comparisons are worthless and won’t mean anything.
ReachTheGreen.com Average Score Chart
Based on all of the information we have, and our experience in the game, we’ve put together the following chart to help you gauge yourself against the golf community.
We’ve assumed a regulation, par 72 golf course playing at 6,700 yards in length and a moderate slope of 120. The course rating for this example is 71.
Take it as a challenge, not as some crazy difficult course, and you will see yourself doing wonders on the ground.
| Your Average Score | Estimated Handicap | % of Players |
| 75 or less | 4 or less | 7.5% |
| 76-80 | 7 or less | 17% |
| 81-85 | 11 or less | 36% |
| 86-90 | 16 or less | 64% |
| 91-95 | 21 or less | 83% |
| 96-100 | 25 or less | 92% |
| 101-105 | 30 or less | 97% |
| 106-110 | 35 or less | 100% |
Track Your Golf Scores & Stats
If you really want to know how you rank as a player, you must keep track of your scores (at a minimum). Not only does it give you real information about your golf scores, but it can also help you improve your game as well.
Unless you have PGA Tour aspirations by your side, this is an endless amount of info to track. If you know how many fairways you hit from the tee, how many greens you hit in regulation, and how many putts you take per hole, you are in for the long game as these shots will help you improve your game big time.
By knowing more about your strengths and weaknesses, you can practice with purpose and bring down your average golf score. As an example, if you find that you are wasting a lot of shots with 3 putts, spend more time practicing the long lag putts and making 3-footers.
Or if you are unable to hit fairways, all so often, you can spend time at the range picking out specific targets and work on finding swing keys that help you drive the ball more aligned.
Golf Scores & You
So what average score would make you happy? No matter where you rank against other players, you probably have a good idea of the scores that you think are satisfactory enough.
Some players just love the game, and don’t get too involved in the scores they shoot. It’s true. I know some folks who just love to play and never seem to get upset about their scores. But the vast majority of players want better scores and are often unhappy when they card a score outside the high end of their acceptable range.
If you’re someone who wants to lower your average score, I assure you that consistent practice, and possibly instruction/golf coaching will show drastic results.
You cannot short-change golf improvement. If you want to get better you have to work on your weaknesses. Either start by looking at your setup and ensuring that your grip isn’t hurting your game. Read the other guides we have on how to swing a golf club, and see if you can take something meaningful for your game.
But I’ll repeat my words, if you want to lower your scores, you have to practice and work consistently at this game.
The Fastest Way to Lower Golf Scores
Having played this game at a high level (college golf) and watching players of all abilities play thousands of rounds, I can say confidently that the fastest way to lower your golf scores is by practicing your putting and chipping. If you develop an above-average short game, you will absolutely lower your average scores. What I believe is that everyone has the ability to be a better putter and chipper.
For 45 years I’ve been watching players hit the ball adequately, take a million strokes around the greens, and ruin any chance of a good score. Yet, rarely do I see folks on the practice greens working on their short games. There is a lesson here, take it to heart and you can get better.
All the best champ! Here’s hoping your best golf is yet to come!
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