As a golfer, we always have a good idea of our scores and how our handicap is changing. However, you may also wonder how you are scoring compared to other players. It’s interesting to see your average golf score by age and how your average golf scores over time can either go up or down. 

If you have an interest in golf scoring and how you compare to the other golfers in the game, we have you covered. 

Also Read: How to Calculate Your Golf Handicap (and Improve it!)

What Is An Average Golf Score?

The average golf score among all golfers is about 92. This seems to be where most players end up after a few good holes and a few not-so-good. This range is generally considered to be called bogey golf as it is the equivalent score to getting a bogey on each hole. 

However, the average golf score does fluctuate a bit based on the age of a person. As we age, our swing speeds tend to slow down a bit, and it can cause issues with getting distance. 

20-30

The younger golfers tend to have the best average golf score. In this group, you will see players with a scoring average typically just less than 90. Again, there is quite a bit of influence here from the players that are stronger and long-distance hitters able to muscle their way around the course. 

30-50

The 30-50-year-old range is where we see the majority of golfers in the 91-92 range for an 18-hole golf score. This is a time in people’s lives when time is very limited to work on their golf game, and that certainly plays into the overall scoring average being just a bit higher than the 20-30 group. 

In addition, plenty of golfers younger than 30 may still be considering a run on the PGA Tour, and those golfers are very low scorers bringing the numbers down. In the 30-50 group, most people are settled in whatever their career will be. 

50-70

With the 50-70 age group, we find a slight decrease in scoring average with more players in the 90-91 range. Although this is where some players may notice a decrease in swing speed, they are also finding more time to play and sometimes a bigger golf budget for equipment. 

70+ 

The 70+ range has a scoring average of around 93. Again this is where it makes sense to move up a tee box and start to focus on greenside performance a bit more than total distance. 

What is the average score for 9 holes of golf?

An average golf score for 9 holes is 45. However, this number will change based on age, general athletic ability, and time spent on the golf course. One of the factors impacting the average golf score that is not discussed often enough is the time it takes to shoot low scores. 

Most golfers who can maintain a low handicap and shoot in the 70s also invest quite a bit of time in the game. These golfers can shoot par or around 36 for 9 holes, but they must work hard to keep this scoring average down. 

What is the average score for 18 holes of golf? 

The average golf score for 18 holes of golf is typically between 90-100. Although this is a wide range, many factors can contribute to this score, which is why we notice the large gap between the lower average and higher average. 

In addition, although it’s not something we like to admit, it’s very hard to get true scoring averages for golfers. So many golfers are not aware of the correct scoring in the game, and they will often make mistakes when counting penalty strokes. 

Some players feel like a mulligan or an extra shot off the tee is just part of the game, even though we know this is not the case. The average score for 18 holes of golf remains a tough thing to nail down truly. However, if you are shooting below 90 and have made it into the 80s, you are concerned about being better than average. 

Also Read: How Long Does It Take to Golf 18 Holes?

Factors to consider when determining an average score

Many factors impact an average golf score. In fact, you will find as you work on improving your golf game that the things that affect your score change from week to week. Here are some of the most common factors to consider when determining the average golf score and how it may change. 

Physical ability 

For golfers to be great at the game, they must be physically able. If you are a strong person with great balance and impressive hand-eye coordination, you should have no issues with the physical ability portion. 

Golf course conditions

Not every golfer has a beautiful golf course with greens that roll true. In fact, it can take quite some time for players to figure out how to play their golf course if it’s tricky or the grass is uneven and broken up. Golf course conditions and what golfers call “rub of the green” can impact your scoring average. 

Equipment 

The best golf clubs on the market can certainly help to improve your golf scoring average. When you have a new driver that hits the ball 20 yards further than your old one, expect to drop your strokes a bit. 

Also Read: Best Golf Gear

Tee Placement

Where you play from also impacts your total score. If a golfer with a very fast swing speed and plenty of distance is to play from the forward tees, they will have a lower score than if playing from the tees further back. This is why golf uses a handicap system more often than an average golf score system. 

Tournament vs. Friendly Round

Many golfers play in tournaments and events, and their average scores are typically a little higher. The tournament will bring about a bit more pressure, and that impacts the average golf score. 

Weather and conditions

When it’s raining or windy on the golf course, expect there to be a more significant impact on your score. These outside influences make it incredibly difficult to deal with managing the golf ball and how it gets around the golf course. 

Lessons/Coaching

Golfers that have help with their game tend to have a lower scoring average than those that are on their own. Lessons and coaching will help you learn how to play the course and why it’s so important to focus on certain aspects as you play. 

Mental Game

The mental game of golf is something that impacts all players. However, some are better at managing it than others. The mental game includes thinking about your game in a positive light and trying to go as low as possible. If you are instead worried about hitting a shot in the water, you will struggle to really perfect the mental game in any way. 

Short game

Typically speaking, golfers with an excellent short game will have a lower scoring average than those who struggle with putting and chipping. The ability to get the ball up and down even if you miss a green is something that has a significant impact on the scoring average. 

Frequently asked questions

The average golf score is an interesting concept for many players because of the natural desire to want to compare to others. In other sports, you can sometimes clearly see who is the better player; with golf, it takes a few rounds and periodically analyzing different levels of ability. 

Also Read: 11 Practical Golf Tips For Beginners

Conclusion 

Hopefully, you now have a better idea as to what the average golf score is and how your game stacks up against average. It’s important to remember that golf is an individual sport where you play against the course and yourself. Don’t let the average golf score get you too worried; work on the things that will help you score better and see how this impacts your overall effectiveness on the course. Chances are, you are already moving towards a lower scoring average.