
Golf is a game of honour, and the handicap system helps to make the game more enjoyable and competitive for players of varying skill levels. The average golfer playing recreationally scores 91 on a par 72 golf course, with most male players falling into the 13 handicap range and most women scoring around 27. Advanced and professional players tend to score below 40 after nine holes, while beginners should aim to shoot below 60. The average score for 18 holes for those playing recreationally is around 94, with some sources placing it at 100. The handicap system allows golfers to track their progress and compete on equal terms, with lower numbers indicating greater skill. A handicap of 0, or 'scratch handicap', is for highly skilled golfers who can play 18 holes in level par or lower.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average score for 18 holes for those playing recreationally | 100 |
| Average 18-hole score for men and women in the US | 94 |
| Average Handicap Index for men | 14.2 |
| Average Handicap Index for women | 28.7 |
| Average score for players aged 20-30 on a par 72 golf course | 90 |
| Average score for players aged 30-40 on a par 72 golf course | 92 |
| Average score for players aged 40-50 on a par 72 golf course | 92 |
| Score for a golfer with a handicap of 18 on a par 72 course | 91 |
| Score for a golfer with a handicap of 18 on a par 72 course with a course rating of 70 | 88 |
| Score for a golfer with a handicap of 18 on a par 72 course with a course rating of 73 | 91 |
| Score for a highly skilled golfer with a '0' handicap | par or lower |
| Score for a golfer with a handicap of 10 | low-mid 80s |
| Score for a golfer with a handicap of 20 | 90s |
| Percentage of greens in regulation (GIR) hit by a scratch golfer | 59% |
| Percentage of greens in regulation (GIR) hit by a 10 handicap golfer | 32% |
| Percentage of greens in regulation (GIR) hit by a 20 handicap golfer | 14% |
| Answer to "What an able golfer might shoot" in a crossword puzzle | EVENPAR |
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What You'll Learn
- 'Even Par' is the answer to the crossword clue
- The average golfer playing recreationally scores 91 on a par 72 course
- Advanced and professional players score below 40 after nine holes
- The average 18-hole score for men and women in the US is 94
- The average handicap index is 14.2 for men and 28.7 for women

'Even Par' is the answer to the crossword clue
If you're an able golfer, you might be looking to shoot 'even par'. This is a term used in golf to describe when a golfer uses the same number of strokes as a hole's par rating. For example, if a golf course is a par-72 and a golfer's score is 72, that's even par.
'Par' is one of the basic scoring terms in golf. It's the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need, and this applies to both single holes and the entire round. Each individual golf hole, as well as the collective 18 holes of a golf course, has a par rating assigned. A hole with a par of 4 is one that an expert golfer is expected to need four strokes to complete. A golf course that an expert golfer is expected to complete in 72 strokes is called a par-72 course.
The term 'par' is thought to have originated from the stock exchange, where it was used to describe the expected value of stocks. The term was then transitioned to golf. Holes are generally assigned par values between three and five, which includes a regulation number of strokes to reach the green based on the average distance a proficient golfer hits the ball, and two putts. On a par-3 hole, a golfer is expected to make it to the green in one stroke, and then two putts.
If a golfer takes 70 strokes, the reported score is -2, or "two-under-par". A hole score of one stroke fewer than par (one under par, -1) is known as a birdie. For example, 2 strokes to complete a par-3 hole or 4 strokes on a par-5 hole.
So, if you're an able golfer, you might be looking to shoot even par, or perhaps even go under par and get a birdie!
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The average golfer playing recreationally scores 91 on a par 72 course
Golf is a game of honour, and the handicap system helps to make it a social game. The handicap index is a versatile connector that adds to everyone's overall enjoyment. It is a great equaliser that gives everyone a fair chance to win. The handicap system was introduced in 1911 in the United States of America and allows golfers of different skill levels to play against each other on equal terms.
The average score for 18 holes for those playing recreationally is around 100. The average handicap index is 14.2 for men and 28.7 for women, and any rating above 20 can be considered a relatively high handicap.
While the average golfer may score 91 on a par 72 course, more advanced and professional players tend to score below 40 after nine holes. For those who are neither beginners nor advanced, shooting below 60 at the end of 9 holes is considered decent.
The handicap system takes into account the course rating, which varies depending on the difficulty of the golf course. A difficult course with a par of 72 may have a course rating of 73, while an easier course with the same par may have a rating of 70. This means that a golfer's expected score will vary depending on the course they are playing.
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Advanced and professional players score below 40 after nine holes
Golf is a game that is all about progress and improving your score. Tracking your scores allows you to see definitive results, pushing you to do better each time. It is important to know your skill level based on statistical data, which will help you improve.
Advanced and professional players tend to score below 40 after nine holes. If you are neither a beginner nor an advanced golfer, shooting below 60 at the end of 9 holes is considered a decent score. Beginners should aim to shoot below 60.
The average scores reflect the scores of those who actively submit their scores online. The typical golfer playing recreationally scores 91 on a par 72 golf course. The USGA tracks the stats using submitted handicap results. You can consider yourself a relatively high handicap golfer if your rating is 20 and above. This score equates to players shooting in the 90s and 100s. The average score for 18 holes for those playing recreationally is around 100.
The golf handicap system, introduced in 1911 in the United States, provides a method for golfers to play against each other on equal terms. The system divides golfers into different grades so they can compete fairly. A '0' or scratch handicap is for highly skilled golfers who can play 18 holes in level par or sometimes lower. This is the level required to become a top amateur and progress to a professional career.
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The average 18-hole score for men and women in the US is 94
Golf is a game of honour, and the average golfer can improve their game by tracking their scores. This allows them to see definitive results, pushing them to do better each time. The average 18-hole score for men and women in the US is 94. This score is calculated by the National Golf Foundation, which conducts monthly and annual participation surveys of more than 36,000 golfers.
The average score gives a standard result to golfers, who can then compare their skill levels and push themselves to improve. The golf handicap system was introduced in 1911 in the United States and provides a method for golfers to play against each other on equal terms. The handicap system allows golfers to compete fairly and determine a winner.
The handicap index is a tool that measures a golfer's ability on a course of standard playing difficulty, tailored to the course and tees they are playing on a particular day. The average handicap index is 14.2 for men and 28.7 for women. A handicap of 20 or above can be considered a relatively high handicap golfer, with scores in the 90s and 100s.
The average scores reflect those who actively submit their scores online. The typical golfer playing recreationally scores 91 on a par 72 golf course. The average score for 18 holes for those playing recreationally is around 100. Advanced and professional players tend to score below 40 after nine holes, while beginners should aim to shoot below 60.
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The average handicap index is 14.2 for men and 28.7 for women
The game of golf is a sport of random, unforeseen outcomes that tends to mock the notion of an "average". However, the USGA has, for decades, tracked the 9- and 18-hole scores of millions of golfers through a handicap system. This handicap system is a great equaliser, allowing golfers of varying abilities to compete on fair terms. The handicap index is a sophisticated tool that measures a golfer's demonstrated ability on a course of standard playing difficulty, tailored to the course and tees they play on a particular day.
Golfers with a handicap index tend to be more seriously engaged golfers who play more regularly. The handicap system divides golfers into different grades, from scratch golfers (0 handicap) who can play 18 holes in level par or lower, to the higher handicap golfers (18-36) who are expected to shoot 18-36 over par every time they play a round. For example, a golfer with an 18 handicap playing a par 72 course is expected to shoot 90.
The handicap system allows golfers to track their progress and improvement over time, with many golfers aiming to lower their handicap. This can be done through various training aids and practice drills, with some golfers reducing their handicap by following specific instruction systems.
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Frequently asked questions
Advanced and professional players tend to score below 40 after nine holes. If you're neither a beginner nor advanced, you could consider shooting below 60 to be a decent score. Beginners should aim to shoot below 60.
The average score for 18 holes for those playing recreationally is around 94 to 100.
A handicap of 0 is for highly skilled golfers who can play 18 holes in level par or lower. Most golfers fit into the 18-36 handicap range.
The golf handicap system was introduced in 1911 to allow golfers of different skill levels to play against each other on equal terms. Your handicap is a measurement of your demonstrated ability on a course of standard difficulty, tailored to the course and tees you play on a particular day.
Beginners should aim to shoot below 60 after 9 holes and around 94 to 100 after 18 holes.











































