
Golf is a game of skill and precision, and putting is a crucial aspect of the game. While the number of putts can vary depending on several factors, it's important to understand what is considered average for different skill levels. The average number of putts can vary based on factors such as proximity to the hole, course difficulty, and a golfer's skill level. Understanding the average number of putts can help golfers assess their performance and set realistic expectations to improve their game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average putts per round for professional golfers | 32 |
| Average putts per round for average golfers | 36 |
| Average putts per round for high handicap golfers | 40-45 |
| Average putts per round for lower handicap golfers | 30-36 |
| Average putts per round for golfers with a handicap of 6-7 | 32.4 |
| Average putts per round for golfers with a handicap of 10 | 33.6 |
| Average putts per round for golfers with a handicap of 25-36 | 25-36 |
| Average putts per round for a 15-handicap golfer | 90s |
| Average putts per round for golfers with a handicap | 39.4 |
| Average putts per hole for professional golfers | 1.8 |
| Average putts per hole for average golfers | 2.2 |
| Average putts per hole for golfers with a handicap of 2.4, 2.5, and 2.9 for par 3, par 4, and par 5 holes | 16', 28', and 41' |
| Average putts from 8-feet for professional golfers | 50% |
| Average putts from 4-feet to 8-feet for PGA Tour golfers | 49% |
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What You'll Learn

Pro golfers average 1.8 putts per hole
The number of putts per hole varies depending on the golfer's skill level. Professional golfers average about 1.8 putts per hole, while the average male golfer has around 2.2 putts per hole. This equates to approximately 32 putts per round for professionals and at least 40 for amateurs.
The number of putts can also depend on the golfer's handicap. Research by MyGolfSpy found that the average number of putts per round for a scratch golfer is 31.5, while a 16-20 handicap golfer averages 35.8 putts per round. Similarly, a 10 handicap golfer may average 33.6 putts per round, while a 4.5 handicap golfer may average 33.8 putts per round.
The distance from the hole also plays a role in the number of putts. The PGA Tour average is about 90% from four feet, 50% from eight feet, and pros average 49% from eight feet. Therefore, it is important to focus on getting as close to the pin as possible to reduce the first putt length and the overall number of putts.
Additionally, the number of greens hit can impact the average number of putts. For example, if a golfer is only hitting half the greens, they may need fewer putts from scrambling and saving pars.
Practicing short putts of 3-8 feet can significantly improve a golfer's game and lead to lower scores. By mastering these shorter distances, golfers can increase their chances of making putts and reducing their overall putts per round.
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Amateurs can expect 2.2 putts per hole
Golf scoring is set up to allow for two putts per hole, which would give an overall score of par. However, the average golfer will tend to have more putts and a higher score. Amateurs can expect 2.2 putts per hole, according to USGA statistics. This equates to at least 40 putts per round or 36 for par golf.
There are many factors that influence the number of putts for the average golfer, including lag putting, the golf course itself, the number of greens hit, and hitting long putts closer. One source suggests that a lot of golfers make putting more difficult by setting unrealistic expectations. For example, pros average 50% from 8 feet, yet amateurs may get frustrated at missing one at that length.
The data shows that the closer the distance, the more likely you are to make a putt compared to mid-to-long putts. Therefore, to have fewer putts, it is recommended that you spend a lot of your practice time working on short putts (3-8 feet). This can feel repetitive, but it will lead to lower scores. Getting the ball closer to the hole with your first putt will also make a big difference in putts per round.
It is also important to remember that golf handicaps are not an expected score. A 15-handicap golfer would likely shoot in the low to mid-90s.
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Short putts (3-8 feet) need the most practice
The number of putts that can be considered average depends on a lot of factors, including the golfer's proficiency level, the golf course, and the number of greens hit. For instance, the average golfer can have widely varying numbers of putts per round. Generally, lower-handicap players tend to have fewer putts per round, while higher-handicap golfers tend to have more putts and higher scores.
However, short putts (3-8 feet) need the most practice, regardless of the golfer's skill level. This is because the likelihood of making a putt increases as the distance to the hole decreases. Practising short putts can help golfers of all skill levels improve their scores quickly. For instance, 90s shooters, who tend to have issues with putts inside 5 feet, should focus on improving their short putts within the 5-to-10-foot range. This will help them improve their scores and build confidence.
Similarly, tour professionals also need to work on putts from 8 to 10 feet, as their proficiency drops off dramatically beyond 5 feet. They should also practice putts outside 50 feet to improve their lagging skills. Practising short putts can help golfers of all skill levels improve their accuracy and consistency, which are crucial for scoring well in golf.
There are various drills and techniques that golfers can use to improve their short putts. These include focusing on the ball instead of the putter face and direction, committing to the putt, and practising with a ruler on the ground to control the backswing. Other strategies include aiming at a point past the hole and looking at the hole while hitting the putt. By incorporating these drills and techniques into their practice routines, golfers can improve their short putt performance and, consequently, their overall scores.
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Track stats to improve your game
Golf is a game of precision and patience. To improve your game, it is essential to track your performance and set realistic goals. Here are some ways to do that:
Track Your Stats:
- Putts per Round: One of the basic metrics to track is the number of putts per round. This gives you a benchmark to work with and helps you identify areas for improvement. For example, an average golfer might aim for around 36 putts per round, while a lower handicap golfer could target fewer than 30.
- Putts per Hole: This metric provides a more detailed view of your performance. Professional golfers average about 1.8 putts per hole, while amateur golfers often have higher numbers, sometimes even exceeding 2.2 putts per hole.
- First Putt Length: The distance of your first putt is crucial. Getting the ball closer to the hole on your initial putt will reduce your overall putts and lower your score. Focus on improving your approach shots to achieve this.
- Strokes Gained: Introduced by Mark Broadie, this metric compares your performance to PGA Tour averages. It accounts for the distance of your putts and provides a more nuanced view of your putting ability. However, it may be a more complex statistic for amateur golfers to calculate and utilize regularly.
Set Realistic Expectations:
Putting is a challenging part of the game, and it's important to set realistic expectations. For example, pros average 50% of their putts from 8 feet, so don't be too hard on yourself if you miss one at that distance.
Practice Smart:
Spend a significant portion of your practice time on short putts (3-8 feet). While it may feel repetitive, it will lead to lower scores. Also, work on improving your accuracy with irons to shorten your follow-up putts and increase the likelihood of conversions.
Remember, tracking your stats is just the first step. The key to improving your game lies in analyzing these numbers, identifying areas of weakness, and tailoring your practice routines to address those specific areas.
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Accuracy with irons can improve putting
The number of putts per round is a good indicator of a golfer's performance. While there is no set number of putts needed, the average number of putts for an amateur golfer can vary depending on several factors, such as the golfer's skill level, the course, the number of greens hit, and the golfer's proximity to the hole. For example, a good golfer might average 2 putts per hole, while 36 putts across 18 holes might be considered less impressive.
Accuracy with irons can significantly improve putting and, consequently, a golfer's overall performance. Here are some ways to improve accuracy with irons:
Drills and Aiming Techniques
Practicing drills at the range and incorporating different aiming techniques can help improve accuracy. One technique is to ensure that the ball goes in the intended direction. If the range has mats, golfers can check the alignment by observing where the edge of the mat is pointing and adjusting their shots accordingly if they deviate from the intended line.
Alignment and Grip
Focusing on alignment and grip can help improve accuracy with irons. If a golfer consistently hits the ball left or right of the target, they can adjust their aim to compensate for this tendency.
Club Face Alignment
Ensuring that the club face is aligned with the target is crucial. One method is to draw an imaginary line from the flag to a spot on the ground about five inches in front of the ball and checking if the club face is pointing directly at that mark.
Weight Transfer
Improper weight transfer during the downswing can lead to inaccurate shots. To correct this, golfers should focus on completing the backswing first and then initiating the downswing with a slide-turn of the hips while simultaneously shifting their weight to the left foot. During impact, the right knee should be pointing at or slightly in front of the ball, indicating a successful weight shift.
Flexing the Left Wrist
Flexing the left wrist during the swing can help position the clubface correctly, allowing for better control over the distance and trajectory of the shot.
Visualizing the Target
Visualizing the target clearly is essential. Instead of a general sense of the ball's direction, golfers should pick an exact spot where they want the ball to land.
The Box Drill
The box drill involves taking the top half of a golf ball box, placing it on its side, and lining it up parallel to the target line. Golfers then practice swinging the club so that the shaft passes just over the box without hitting it.
By implementing these strategies and techniques, golfers can improve their accuracy with irons, which will positively impact their putting performance and overall golf game.
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Frequently asked questions
Professional golfers average about 1.8 putts per hole and 32 putts per round.
The average male golfer has at least 40 putts per round or 2.2 putts per hole.
The number of putts depends on several factors, including the golfer's skill level, the golf course, the number of greens hit, and the proximity to the hole.
Spending more time practising putting skills and working on short putts (3-8 feet) can help improve your putting accuracy and reduce the number of putts needed.











































