Jackson Reid
Golf scoring can be a complicated business, with lots of rules and different scoring formats. The most common scoring format is stroke play, where each player counts the total number of strokes taken to complete each hole and the entire round. Each hole on a golf course is assigned a par score, representing the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete the hole. Par can vary by hole and course, typically ranging from 3 (par-3) to 5 (par-5), with the total par for 18 holes usually being around 72 strokes for a standard course. Golf scoring introduces colourful terminology to describe performance relative to par. For example, achieving a score of one stroke under par on a hole is called a birdie, while two strokes over par is a double bogey. Golf also uses a handicap system, which is a numerical measure of a golfer's playing ability, calculated based on recent scores and adjusted according to the difficulty of the course being played. The handicap allows players to compete on an equal footing. So, what's your score?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average golf score | Between 94 and 100 |
| Average handicap index for men | 14.0 |
| Average handicap index for women | 28.0 |
| Average score for new golfers | Men: 15.2, Women: 31.2 |
| Score for scratch golfers | Par |
| Score for + handicap index golfers | Less than par |
| Most common scoring format | Stroke play |
| Penalty for out of bounds | Two strokes |
| Penalty for penalty areas | One stroke |
| Penalty for lost ball | Re-hit from previous spot |
| Penalty for unplayable lies | One stroke |
| Scoring format for match play | Holes won or lost |
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What You'll Learn
What is a good golf score?
The definition of a good golf score varies depending on several factors, including the player's experience, age, gender, and the course's difficulty.
For a beginner, a good score may be breaking 120. The average golf score is somewhere between 94 and 100, with 94 being the average score according to golf participation research from the National Golf Foundation (NGF). Renowned golf instructor Dave Pelz insists the average score among all golfers is 96. The majority of golfers can break 100, and a good score for an average golfer playing 18 holes may be in the 90s. For a more skilled player, a good score could be closer to par or slightly under.
The handicap system in golf allows players of different skill levels to compete on an equal footing. The lower the handicap, the better the player, and a player with a handicap of 0.0 is known as a scratch golfer, who has the potential to shoot par any time they play. According to the USGA, a player should play to their handicap about 15-20% of the time and expect to shoot about 2-4 strokes higher. Therefore, playing to your handicap is considered a good score.
Improving your golf score can be achieved through various methods, such as getting the right equipment, taking lessons, and practicing. Additionally, playing with golfers who are better than you can offer insights into strategic play and inspire improvement. Understanding the rules and etiquette can also help maintain a good pace of play and save you from unnecessary penalty strokes.
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How to calculate your handicap
Golf handicaps are a way to level the playing field for players of different skill levels. A lower handicap indicates a higher skill level. In the US, golf handicaps for men range from 0 to 36, while for women, they range from 0 to 40.
To calculate your golf handicap, you need to keep track of your scores from at least five 18-hole rounds or ten 9-hole rounds. Using these scores, calculate your Adjusted Gross Score (AGS) by taking the average of the total number of games used. For example, if you use five 18-hole scores and the total is 442, your AGS would be 88.5, which you would round down to 88.
Next, calculate your handicap differential for each round using the formula: (Score - Course Rating) x 113 / Slope Rating. The course rating is a value assigned by the USGA to each hole, such as par 4 or par 3, and the slope rating is the difficulty of the course for an average golfer, which the course can provide.
Finally, calculate your handicap index by taking the average of the 10 best differentials from your last 20 rounds and multiplying by 0.96. To get your handicap for a specific course, multiply your handicap index by the course's slope rating and divide the result by the standard slope rate of 113, rounding up or down as needed.
It's important to note that golf handicaps are not static and should be adjusted regularly to reflect a player's current skill level. Additionally, when playing a new course, you may need to recalculate your handicap, as they are course-specific.
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How to keep score
Golf scoring can be a little complex, especially for beginners. However, the basics are quite simple and won't take too much time to learn.
Firstly, it's important to understand the concept of a "par". Each hole on a golf course is assigned a specific number of shots, or strokes, known as the "par". This is the number of strokes that a skilled golfer should require to complete that hole. The par for each hole will vary depending on its length and difficulty, with most holes being par 3, par 4, or par 5. Knowing the par for each hole is crucial for setting realistic expectations and planning your strategy.
Now that you understand "par", you can begin to keep score. Every time you swing a club with the intention of hitting the ball, that is counted as a stroke. Even if you swing and miss, it is still considered a stroke. However, if you take a practice swing and accidentally hit the ball, it doesn't count as a stroke. Each time you make a stroke, you count it, and once you get the ball into the hole, you tally up the number of strokes it took you and record it on your scorecard. For example, if it took you 6 strokes to get the ball into the hole, then your score for that hole is a 6. You should always keep your scorecard with you, as this will help you figure out your score for the entire game. Generally, you are in charge of keeping your opponent's score, and they are responsible for keeping yours.
At the end of the round, add together the scores for all 18 holes. This is your gross golf score. To calculate your net score, you subtract your course handicap from your gross score. A handicap takes into account your previous scores throughout the same previous round of golf, and you can play the game while keeping your handicap in mind. It is a measure of your potential ability and is used to adjust your final score.
Finally, it's important to know about penalties and how many extra points they will cost you. Remember, golf is a game of low scores, so for each penalty, your score will go up. For example, hitting your ball into the water means that you can no longer play that ball and will result in a 1-stroke penalty. You will then drop another ball in the designated location and play on. Hitting a ball out of bounds will result in a 2-stroke penalty, and you will re-hit your ball from the same original location.
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Rules that impact scoring
Golf scoring can be impacted by a variety of rules and scenarios. Here are some of the most common rules that can influence the scoring in a game of golf:
Out of Bounds (OB)
If a player hits the ball out of bounds, which is typically indicated by white lines, fencing, or walls on the course, they incur a two-stroke penalty. In this case, the player would need to re-tee and take their third shot.
Penalty Areas
Penalty areas, previously known as hazards, include areas such as lakes or other water bodies. If a player hits their ball into a penalty area, they are penalised with an additional stroke. The player would then drop the ball behind or to the side of the penalty area and add one stroke to their total score for that hole.
Lost Ball
In the event of a lost ball, players are given three minutes to search for it. If the ball cannot be located within this time frame, the player must play again from the previous spot, resulting in a penalty of one additional stroke.
Unplayable Lies
If a player's ball ends up in an unplayable position, such as next to an obstacle like a tree or cactus, they have the option to take an "unplayable lie". This allows the player to drop the ball in a different location, provided it is not closer to the hole. However, taking an unplayable lie incurs a one-stroke penalty, adding to the player's score for that hole.
Handicap System
Golf utilises a handicap system to facilitate fair competition among players of varying skill levels. A handicap is a numerical representation of a golfer's playing ability, calculated based on recent scores and adjusted for course difficulty. Lower handicaps indicate better players, with a scratch golfer (handicap of 0.0) being able to shoot par consistently. The handicap system allows players to compete on an even playing field, with handicaps applied to stroke play scoring.
Stroke Play and Match Play
The most common scoring format in golf is stroke play, where players count the total number of strokes taken to complete each hole and the entire round. In stroke play, the goal is to have the lowest total score. On the other hand, match play focuses on winning individual holes rather than the overall score. In match play, each hole is a separate contest, and the winner is determined by the player who completes the hole in the fewest strokes.
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Golf scoring terminology
Par: "Par" is a fundamental term in golf scoring. It refers to the number of strokes an expert or skilled golfer is expected to need to complete the play of a single hole on a golf course. Each hole on a golf course is assigned a "par" value, which typically ranges from three (par-3) to five (par-5). The total par for 18 holes on a standard course is usually around 72 strokes. Understanding "par" is essential because other scoring terms are defined in relation to it.
Birdie: A "Birdie" is a score of one stroke under par on a single hole. For example, if a golfer completes a par-4 hole in three strokes, they have achieved a birdie. The term adds excitement to the game, as it celebrates a score better than par.
Eagle: An "Eagle" is a score of two strokes under par on a single hole. For instance, a golfer achieves an eagle if they complete a par-4 hole in two strokes. Like a birdie, an eagle is a positive term that recognises a golfer's achievement.
Bogey: A "Bogey" is a score of one stroke over par on a single hole. For example, a golfer scores a bogey if they take five strokes to complete a par-4 hole. While it may be considered a bad result for experienced golfers, newer golfers often aim for bogeys as a milestone.
Double Bogey: A "Double Bogey" is a score of two strokes over par on a single hole. For instance, if a golfer takes six strokes to complete a par-4 hole, they have scored a double bogey.
Albatross/Double Eagle: An "Albatross," also known as a "Double Eagle," is a rare achievement in golf. It occurs when a golfer scores three strokes under par on a single hole. For example, on a par-5 hole, an albatross would be achieved by getting the ball in the hole in just two shots. The term "albatross" is more commonly used in the US and Canada, while "double eagle" is preferred in other parts of the world.
Other Terms: There are several other golf scoring terms worth knowing. A Condor is a score of four strokes under par on a single hole, which is extremely rare. A Hole-in-One or Ace occurs when a golfer hits the ball into the hole with their first shot, completing the hole in just one stroke. Additionally, terms like under par and over par describe a golfer's score relative to par, indicating if they have taken fewer or more strokes than expected.
Handicap: Understanding handicaps is crucial in golf scoring. A handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer's playing ability, calculated based on recent scores and course difficulty. It allows players of different skill levels to compete on an equal footing. The lower the handicap, the better the player. Handicaps are considered when calculating net scores, providing a more accurate representation of a golfer's performance.
Golf scoring can be complex, but these terms provide a foundation for understanding the game and tracking your progress on the course. Familiarity with golf scoring terminology will help you interpret scorecards, use scoring apps, and strategically analyse your performance.
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Frequently asked questions
For beginners, any score under 100 is impressive. Most beginners struggle to make less than a double bogey on each hole, which would be 18 over par and a score of 108. A good first goal for beginners is to break 100.
Average golfers tend to shoot in the low 90s, making a bogey on almost every hole. Sometimes they will have a double bogey or a par, but the average is typically around a bogey, which is 18 over par and a score of 90. Many average golfers aim to break 80.
Advanced players are low-handicap golfers who can shoot in the 70s. When these players have a bad day, they may shoot 80 or 82, but most scores are in the mid-70s. These golfers are called single-digit handicaps. They par most of their holes and sometimes have a bogey or two.
