On a regular basis I peruse the site monitoring features I have set up for Average Golfer. Many people that find my site are looking for amateur golfer averages, be it score, handicap, club distances and the like. I compiled and averaged some information from a lot of different sources to boil it down into something useful. Everyone wants to know how their stats compare to the "norm". Keep in mind there is no norm, especially in regard to how far you hit a particular club. The only thing that matters is that YOU know far YOU hit each club. I'll take a hole in one with a 6 iron over a playing partner's errant 9 iron any day. There's too many variables that can't be accounted for between individuals. Age, height, weight, athletic ability, how long you've been playing, all make up your swing and affinity for the game, and as a result, your scores. It's almost worthless to compare your game to anyone's. The shape of your game is determined by how well you score and what course you're playing. It really is you against the course and it's condition when you played it. Nevertheless, here's some "rough" numbers because so many of you have been asking.
The average handicap for men and women is coincidentally 15.2 for both.**(Please see comments for a correction to this statistic). Weird irony I suppose. The average score for all amateur golfers is over 100. Why the difference? People that maintain a legitimate handicap are much more avid golfers, hence they play more and are more successful at the game. Keep in mind that your handicap is not an indicator of what you usually score. It's an indication of what you're CAPABLE of scoring. Think of it as what you may score on one of your better days.
Average distances for amateur golfers that maintain handicaps.........
Average driver distance, men......200-260 yards.
Average driver distance, women......150-200 yards.
Average 6 iron, men......130-160 yards.
Average 6-iron, women......70-130 yards.
Average pitching wedge, men......80-120 yards.
Average pitching wedge, women......50-80 yards.
I know everyone plays with or knows someone that doesn't fall into these numbers. They're averages, properly measured and reported. When asked on the tee box how far our drive went, most of us overestimate by 20-40 yards. Yes, it's true!
Some useful playing stats....................
A scratch golfer hits an average of 12 greens in regulation, 81% of the fairways, has 29.0 putts, 3.2 birdies per round and 11.8 pars per round.
A golfer that averages a score of 85 hits 5 greens in regulation, 46% of fairways, has 33.7 total putts, 0.8 birdies per round, and 6.6 pars.
A golfer that averages a score of 100 hits 0 greens in regulation, 11% of fairways, has 38.3 putts, 0 birdies, and 1.3 pars.
So the biggest differences are greens in regulation, fairways and putts. In other words, everything! The easiest shots to shave off your score are found in the short game. Chipping, pitching, and putting don't require tremendous swing speed or physical ability. Plus, they can be practiced in your back yard or living room. Having a reliable tee shot that lands in the fairway is important as well. Finding the short grass off the tee is much more important than distance, especially for high handicappers.
I hope this satisfies the average golfer's need for numbers. Hit the range or the course and improve yours!
Til' next,
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Average Golfer Statistics.
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the averages you displayed above are great. could you tell me where you found this info. i would like detailed averages for a range of handicaps. including up and douws per round for the different levels of players. could you help me find this info as i have spent a lot of time to trying to find this. thanks Simon
ReplyDeleteI used various sources including some of my own data compilation. It's tough to compare amateur statistics due to the variations in courses, ranges, or weather. Still, some valid stats can be arrived at.
ReplyDeleteHere's particularly good study....http://www.probablegolfinstruction.com/PGI%20Newsletter/news09-07-04.htm.
Thanks for the visit.
your scratch golfer stats don't add up. 29 putts per round is 11 2 putts and 7 1 putts (11 + 7 = 18 holes). If this player hits 12 greens and 2 putts 11 holes for par, 1 putts 1 hole for birdie, and then has 6 more 1 putt holes for par -- then this player would average 1 under par. Keep in mind that a 0 handicap doesn't mean you usually shoot even par -- like you said handicap is what you are capable of shooting. A scratch handicapper should usually shoot just over par with stats more like 10 greens and 30 putts.
ReplyDeletewhat if the player needs to scramble for bogey or worse? an extra stroke here and there between tee and green can add up. and 81% fairways hit is rather high, seeming that Graeme McDowell is leading the PGA in fairways hit at 72.54%
Deletehttp://www.pgatour.com/r/stats/info/?213
The shorter you hit, the easier it is to hit the fairway. I shoot mid 90's and have no trouble hitting 75% of the fairways with my 180 yd drives. Rarely get down in less than 3 or 4 from inside 50 ft. from the green.
DeleteThe numbers are to give the average golfer an indication of where they stand in the pantheon.
ReplyDeleteOne could hit 12 greens in reg., two putt them all for 24 putts. 5 more single putt greens equals 29. Then just chip in on any given hole. The resulting score could be anywhere from below par to infinity. Four two putts on par 5s could be for birdies, -4. All five one putts could be for birdies, -5. The chip in could be for birdie as well resulting in -10. Innumerable possibilities.
Putting stats are deceiving too in that a "putt" from 1" off the green isn't a putt. A golfer could chip in on every hole for double bogey, have 0 putts, and shoot 108.
Thank you for writing these articles! I just started hitting low 80's, and I love your simple approach to explain complex issues.
ReplyDeleteThanks!!!
Congrats on the improvement. Short game, short game, short game will have you in the 70s.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure where your stats come from regarding women's average handicap. If you refer to the USGA site, you'll see that less than 9% of women have a handicap of 15 or lower.
ReplyDeleteSee www.usga.org/handicapping/articles_resources/Women-s-USGA-Handicap-Indexes/
Mine came from......
ReplyDeletehttp://www.businessladiesgolf.com/eagle_handicaps.html
I viewed the USGA info and determine the mean to be about a 28. Certainly much higher than my source. Thanks for pointing that out.
In response to Anon from Feb 2009...
ReplyDeleteI think the USGA defines a scratch golfer as someone who CAN play to a course handicap of 0 on any rated course. It's a minor point, but in effect, that means shooting the course rating. Frequently, the course rating is different than par. I've played courses ratings that were 69 with par 71 and ratings of 75 with par 72. If a scratch golfer shoots the rating, that's a 6 stroke diff between those courses. Another error in your assessment is that in the case of a 0 handicap, they are the exception to the rule. When you take 96% of their average low 10, it's the same as 100% of the average (0). Also, realize that at that level, the deviation is probably pretty slim. In other words, I'd guess that their average differential over 20 rounds is probably frequently almost exactly their average of the best 10 of the last 20. Close enough, anyway, for rounding purposes. Finally, your math is very presumptuous. To say that his math doesn't add up is just wrong. You made it not add up, but what about: 12 GIR. GIR is on in 2 or less on a par 4. So, you claim 12 GIR, 11 2-putts and 7 one putts. Assuming no chip-ins for par or birdie... 3 of the one putts are for birdies (one par 4 and two par 3s). That's -3. That leaves 9 GIRs with 9 of the 11 two putts for par. That's 12 holes accounted for. The other two 2 putts must be for bogey. that's 14 holes accounted for and -1. Of the remaining 4 one putts, you can assume 3 were missed GIRs and the player got up and down (maybe even a sandy par). Still at -1. The other one putt maybe included penalties or errant tee shots. In any event, if it was a bogey, you're back to even par. If it was a double, you're at +1. That's 12 pars, 3 birdies, 12 GIR, just like the stats show...
Thanks so much for the clarfication!!! I am a relatively new golfer and find that golf is a very difficult sport. Most golfers never brag about getting a 108! That number is only 2 over par. Only 2 over perfect. It is daunting to think that 2 over perfect is not great.
ReplyDeletethanks i was wondering if i was average or better
ReplyDeleteThis is a great article. It's too bad people have nothing better to do than nitpick your details and recheck your math. The ones arguing don't seem to be average golfers so perhaps they should find stats elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteThanks. It's tough to find reliable statistics on amateurs. If I had the time I'd head to my local muni with a rangefinder and compile them myself.
ReplyDeleteSome people like to nitpick, which is expected. There's a fairly broad range here, so it lends itself to scrutiny.
Thanks for the visit.
Interesting...I have probably been focusing too hard on my driving. Interesting to think that controlling the ball in the short game is a better way to lower my score than trying to blast the ball down the fairway....
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. Consider that you'll hit driver typically on 14 of 18 holes. Most people average about 40% of their strokes with the putter.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with hitting driver 14 times. Many golfers, particularly those that are below the average (15) handicap, have learned not to hit driver every time just because it's a par 4 or 5. Many golfer's refuse to learn this, and it will always hold them back. I can hit a rescue club 200-205 yards onto fairway 9 times out of 10. I can hit driver 250-260 and hit fairway 5 times out of ten. I guarantee I will score better by having a 6 iron to the green from the fairway, than by having wedge distance from behind a tree.
DeleteFor the average golfer, you will probably benefit from hitting driver 9-10 times per round, and taking the pressure off by hitting an iron/rescue/fairway wood on the tight or short holes. Think about the cost(less accuracy), versus the benefit(extra distance). Sometimes it's worth it, sometimes it's not. Consciously decide on each tee-box, and you're halfway to managing your own game. Good players (watch the pros) plot their way round the course, many high handicappers beat a ball around for four hours and count what happens. We may never swing like a pro, but there's no reason not to think like them.
Thanks for your figures this has helped greatly. I have just started playing again after many year and even after professional lessons did not achieve my targets. After reading this I will stop beating myself up for my 110's and relax and enjoy the game more. How know's maybe I will post better rounds
ReplyDeleteRegards
Rob
The quickest way to reduce your scores is to practice from 100 yards in and putting.
ReplyDeleteThanks - this is great and sounds about right. I just played and scored a 90 and find that I am not getting into the 80's thanks to 3 putts and my short game. I'm a typical male and focus on my driving , which is stupid but I cant help myself!
ReplyDeleteAlex said,
ReplyDeleteSome interesting comments on this page. ive been playing for a year now, and had many rounds of golf in the past 12 months. for me i would consider the best advice to a new golfer would be do not get too bogged down by technical swing information, sure have a lesson, do the bascis correctly but then find your swing, your style and become comfortable with it. i watch a lot of professional golf and there are numerous variations out there, not one can be copied 100% but you can certainly get hints. most of all keep your rhythm, allow the club to flow, and never try to hit the ball hard - invest in a good putter and practise with it. then game will improve im certain, its worked for me
I am baffled by this... I am a woman and always considered myself a mediocre golfer... I rarely play and always break 100. I hit my drives around 200, hit my wedge 100 yds. and my 6-iron 150 yds.. I guess I should feel more confident about my game. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow! If you regularly drive 200 as a woman you can definitively consider yourself a high end amateur.
DeleteAverage drive for men 200-260? Thats like saying the average score is between 80-90.
ReplyDeleteIts not stupid to concentrate on driving, it doesnt matter if you can putt if all your putts are for bogey.
ReplyDeletethanks for the stats, do you know if there are any stats that are relative to the number of rounds played per year?
ReplyDeleteIn other words if I play an average of 12 rounds of golf a year could I expect that my average score would be 97 or if I played 52 rounds a year my average score would be 87?
104 rounds per year = 77?
Gee, never seen anything on that. Great question though. I know in my own game it improves with frequent play. I suspect that's true for most people. When I was a member at the club I play most I played about 75 rounds/yr. and my handicap was a 13. Now I play about a third of that and play to an 18. Keep in mind I'm not getting any younger either!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit!
These are some interesting stats. The over-estimation of driver distance is a comical and all too common occurrence.
ReplyDeleteIf asked, many players will say they hit their driver around 250-260, when in reality they've never hit a ball over 225 in their life, without a hurricane at their back.
Enjoyed the article, thanks.
You also managed to generate some serious banter! Love It!
Yeah, you're right Brett, comical. Hell, I've done it myself!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit...
very good. thank u. EXACTLY what i wanted to find out in my quest, to the letter. i doth my cap
ReplyDeleteVery good article, like you said there is an unprecedented amount of variations in gir's and putts and all that.. but i do find you stats to be right on target. I play all through high school and i shot around a 15 handicap at best after several years of experience.. but i set my clubs down for 3 years and just picked up a new set about a month ago playing about twice a week and im already back down to about 10-15 handicap (havent played enough rounds on 1 course yet) but maybe im just older and wiser now but i found the key to my game was playing regularly (kinda hard in the winter) and as you said, start on the green putting for about 20mins then move out to 100yrds and hit 10-20 balls from DIFFERENT locations, you never wanna practice the exact same shot more than 3-4 times.. then move back 150,200,250 and so on and you will see your game scores plummeting towards the 70's ... thanks for the great article!
ReplyDeleteGreens average, the new handicap and scoring system for golf, is the best way for weekend golfers to measure their abilities. The greens average is based on the concept of modified GIR (mGIR) whih also credits one for being close to the green in regulation without being in a hazard
ReplyDeletewhich is a loophole of GIR that makes mGIR more accurate. Greens average does subtract for 3-putting or worse on any greens hit or any shots close to the greens in regulation.
The stats you are discussing are very interesting and enlightening. I have been told that only about 15% of US golfers have a handicap. Where can I find information on the other 85%? I would really like a good characterization of the average recreational golfer (pls send to david@pouncesports.com)
ReplyDeleteWhat is the difference between A, B, C, & D players as it relates to handicaps ? example is A player is par player and B players is 5-10 handicap ????
ReplyDeleteGreens Average, an alternate scoring and handicap system for golf, is a better way to measure one's ability and not their potential which is what the current stroke play system measures. Greens average meaures how often one is near or on the greens in regulation(modified greens in regulation) with a 1/2 point penalty for 3-putting or worse on any green you are near or hit in regutlation. Greens average is for golfers who only play 1-2 times aweek or less, women,seniors and juniors. Greens average can prevent the loss of golfers who are punished by the stroke play system and result in losing many golfers and finanacial loss for many private and public golf courses.
ReplyDeleteI Play off 13 and hardly hit a drive over 210 and I play at a course over 6700 yards... it is ALL about the short game, put me withing 100 yards and I will get down in 2 80% of the time... "My average drive is 357483030 Yards..." total rubbish...
ReplyDeleteYea, everyone overestimates their drives. Short game is key. However, if you're getting down in 2 strokes 80% of the time from 100 yds. in, you should be on Tour.
ReplyDeleteNot really Average Golfer. I have the same issue I can get up and down the majority of the time I'm within 100 yards. The issue is that I am not a long hitter so my up and down is for pars and bogeys most the time.
ReplyDeleteNo way does an average scratch golfer hit 81% of fairways, the best on tour don't hit that much
ReplyDeleteYou gotta realize these are scratch golfers on muni courses with 80yd. wide fairways. Still, may be skewed. These are survey results.
ReplyDeleteMy buddies and I were discussing our handicaps vs. average scores when one of them discovered your blog. Great job...keep it going.
ReplyDeleteMick
Thanks Mick! Numbers aren't perfect, but most folks need some idea of how others hit clubs. Can't hit a target if you don't know where itis.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. I started golfing 3 years ago with box set from Dicks. I play maybe 10 times in those 3 years until last year. Finally starting to hi my irons well enough to get them in the air. I went to look at a new driver today at Dicks and was surprised at the lack of distance I was hitting when trying out a Callaway Diablo. longest hit according to the monitor was 227, with most in the teens. Very revealing. Thanks for a great Post
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words. You're hitting your driver an average distance for an amateur. More important are your irons, especially approach shots. It's key that you know how far you hit each club. Then you hit the correct club and nail more greens in regulation which brings your scores down in a hurry.
ReplyDeleteKeep it up! It's a great game.
A good way to get your distances is to use a GPS for golf, I use it to get the distance between shots great for 150mts or less into greens. I am 69 play and off 12. I practice twice a week on chipping and putting mainly 1\2 hour before playing..
ReplyDeleteGreat article...great comments. I'm a single digit handicapper, but don't keep my stats anymore except my final score. An older, wiser, and much more accomplished golfer reminded me that "the most important shot in golf is the one you are about to hit"!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words. I don't keep stats either, althoigh I reckon they helped get me to my solid 14!
ReplyDeleteFor these fools that nit pick this article get a life. You guys are a joke. Maybe you guys are better at math then you are at golf
ReplyDeleteI once read that after 3 yrs of golf the average golfer has reached his potential! I'd rather hit a drive 210 down the middle than 275 left or right behind a tree or out of bounds. Swing like a gorilla off the tee and your ball will end up closer to the zoo than the fairway. I started taking a 2/3 backswing with a baseball grip off the tee and with my woods and found they go straighter and even farther!
ReplyDeleteKid in our club takes a 2/3 backswing and he hits it 300 to 365 with a narrow stance.
Wanna score better...learn how to chip!
You're on the money. However, weekend warriors won't ever practice the short game because they find it boring.
ReplyDeleteGreat info ~~ The short game . I've seen scratch golfers pitch with only the 7 iron meaning they don't go in bunkers etc. The key to a short game is feel no matter what club is in ur hand. So where is ur money best spent towards a lower score excluding lessons, the range and more course play ? The Golf Ball !!!
ReplyDeleteIf every golfer kept the correct score per USGA rules the average would be 120+ .
ReplyDeleteTrue. That's why I stopped playing in local handicap tournaments.
ReplyDeleteI'm 18, and I played about 30 times last year, and will play 30 times this year for good measure. I shot 110+ at the beginning of last year(men's tee's) And at the end of last year I shot a 94 from those same tee's. At the beginning of this year I was shooting 105-110 from the tips, now I'm down to 100 from the tips. I know I'm a better golfer than I score...but I three putt all day. Straight iron play and someone who < 2 putts can be successful! My drives are inconsistent but it isn't what's preventing me from breaking 90... For the skeptics, Yes if you hit like a girl and putt from the tee's it will hurt your game. But so will 3 putting.
ReplyDeleteDan, learn how to chip and you will turn your 3 putts into 1 or 2 putts. Then you will shoot 90 or better easily! Golf is easy, people just make it hard!
ReplyDeleteWe should all be identifying our weaknesses and improving these. For example, I can make all kinds of wonderful shots such as long straight drives, high spinning approaches that stop on a dime, soft flops and long puts, but I don't have consistency. This doesn't stop me from aspiring to do these things with every shot though. Usually when I play a round I lose, but I almost always have the longest drive of the day and the iron shot that lands right near the hole. I hate losing but I know that soon I will be smashing my foes because I aspire to greater things. Mediocrity is for chumps.
ReplyDeleteLove reading the stats...some apply to me and some don't...we all have strentghs and weaknesses in this crazy game. I agree with the driving thing as I have mapped and worked with Skycaddie for a couple of years. Most men think it's 270, when in reality...220-225. For you doubters, try drive a ball the length of two full football fields, or get a range finder and see exactly how long it went...be ready for a surprise, and no, the finder is not out of wack.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with some of the comments about pounding drives. My response is that there are a ton of long hitters, the woods are full of them. I play with and against a lot of big hitters ( I'm 235-250 )and still end up with my low to mid 80 scores as pitching and putting is where you score.
One thing I never get, People will spend $400-$500 on a driver to get maybe 5 yards. This club is used 14 times a game max. On the other hand, $40 on a putter that is used averagely 36+ times a game. I will always recommend to people to spend some bucks on a really good flat stick...it is so worth it.
Go try out some of the more expensive putters..Cameron, Bettinnardi, etc. that cost a few hundred bucks and you will see what I mean...3 putting becomes a rarity.
Last but not least, have fun with this frustrating game, and when you get really mad at yourself and want to throw a club, stop and rememmber, you're not that good...the PGA and LPGA, now they're good.
Replies welcome
Yea, ego gets in the way. I do however sometimes play with people that don't get out that much, so when they do they're happier hitting one 250 yd. drive than breaking 100. If you're not going pro enjoyment of the game should be goal #1.
ReplyDeleteknow of any stats that break down handicaps by age as well as gender?
ReplyDeleteThe average women's handicap is 28.9. Men's is adjusted from my original post to 16.1. http://golftips.golfsmith.com/average-golf-handicap-america-2455.html
ReplyDeleteI have no stats for age although it's safe to assume it rises as one grows older.
You might be able to gather some stats from the howdidido system?
ReplyDeleteFrustrating game Golf...had 4 great pars last time I played but still shot 112. I seem to be way more consistent hitting my TM Burner 3-wood 200 + yards so I think I will stick with that off the tee and see what happens now that other aspects of my game (short game)have improved.
ReplyDeleteI had 6 months of being unemployed and hit balls for 2-3 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. I keep a usga handicap and hang around an 8-9 index where two years ago I was always in the mid-90s. The practice that really helped was hitting clubs I wasn't comfortable with instead of just trying to crush 8 irons. Some days on the range I would hit nothing but 3 iron and try to hit different shapes and trajectories. It improved my rhythm and ball striking tremendously. So for me anyways, to get better I had to dedicate myself to it and practice A LOT.
ReplyDeleteI've been keeping my stats for about 2 years now and my overall is:
ReplyDeleteFairway = 56.82%
GIR = 52.38%
score = 75.63
putting = 30.94
bird = 2.4
par = 9.09
bogie 5.17
double = 1.11
During the timeframe I went from maybe a 6 handicap to about a 2 handicap. My index of 3.4 is based on only tournament scores through Pepsi tour and I don't have an official handicap anymore since playing for money.
Tour fairways are 25 yards wide average fairways are 50 we re asking about average golfers not tour pros are we not?
ReplyDeleteI'll be 70 next year and play twice a week. Have gotten my handicap down below 14 by recording on my phone what I did on every hole, then typing it up later and making special note of any horrible decisions that cost me two or three strokes, hoping to avoid such fiascos in the future. And my fiasco count is dropping. I keep experimenting, on the course and on the range, and trying to remember what modifications produce a better feeling shot. I'm not just out there for the beauty of the courses, nor for the companionship, both of which tend to be excellent in the club I'm in. I'm trying to play as well as I possibly can, I belt out controlled draws 240 and more, and I'm waiting for the rounds in the 70s. Had one last month. A nice habit to form, if one can.
ReplyDeleteNice work! That's how you do it. So, in 15 years I have a controlled draw to look forward to?
ReplyDeleteThis is great!
ReplyDeleteNice article. I am a senior golfer. Each of my clubs has 3 distances. #1 is the distance I could hit them "back in the day". #2 is the distance I think I can hit them. #3 is the distance I actually hit each club. That is the distance I have written on a little laminated card that I check on each shot to remind me what club I should really use for the distance I want.
ReplyDeleteIt helps.
I check most shots with my GPS and need to adjust my list every few years as I continue to get older.
Enjoy the game, it is supposed to be fun and if you do not reach each green in regulation move up a set of Tees.
I took up golf six months ago so I could go out and hit with my 89 year old father in law. I am 71 and in decent shape. Dad was a low handicap club player in his younger days and still was able to shoot his age at 75,
DeleteI have no stats and only play nine holes at a time right now. The original post and commens I find very helpful. Today I had a 51, including a couple of pars... Rest was bogey and double bogey as well as quad bogey (bunkers are tough sometimes).
I have the only 89 year old caddy/coach in the country! He is teaching me course management and helping me work on short shot --- he calls them "money shots".
My approach is simple... Have a good time! I do not plan to make a living on the game, just have fun and be as good as I can while playing with Dad.
My average is right around 80 and I hit 250 yards with my driver, 190 with my 6 iron, and 150 with my PW.
ReplyDeleteIn the 1990s North Korean leader, Kim Jong il, then 50 (or 53) years old, set a golfing standard that will assuredly never be surpassed. It occurred at the grand opening of the Pyongyang Golf Complex, which contains North Korea's only 18-hole golf course.
ReplyDeleteAfter picking up a golf club that day for the very first time in his life, the Dear Leader of the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea fired a 38-under-par round of 34 at Pyongyang. According to the 17 security guards who observed the performance, the score included an amazing 11 aces. Naturally, the event was dutifully reported to the North Korean masses by the state news agency.
Alex Ovechkin did have an ace the first round he ever played.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2006/10/03/ovechkin-golf.html