Figuring out what a good golf score actually is might be one of the most common questions in the sport. The answer isn't a single magic number, but instead a moving target that depends entirely on your own skill, experience, and personal goals. This article will break down what a good score looks like for every type of golfer - from the brand-new beginner to the seasoned amateur - and give you a clear roadmap for how to start shooting lower scores yourself.
Before we can define a "good" score, we need a baseline. In golf, that baseline is par. Par is the predetermined number of strokes a highly skilled golfer (think a scratch golfer or a professional) is expected to take to complete a hole, and by extension, the entire course.
Most 18-hole courses have a par between 70 and 72. This is calculated by adding up the par for each of the 18 holes:
If the par for a course is 72 and you shoot a 72, you’ve shot “even par." If you shoot 82, you are “10 over par.” The closer you are to par, the better your score is relative to that standard. But let’s be honest: for the vast majority of people who play golf for fun, shooting even par isn't the goal. The real definition of a "good" score is much more personal.
The best way to evaluate your score is to compare it to your own abilities and the common milestones that golfers strive to reach. Here’s what a "good" day on the course looks like for different players.
If you're just starting, forget about par. Seriously. Your main goal is to learn the basics, make consistent contact with the ball, and simply *finish* 18 holes. If you're new, a truly good score is one where you don’t lose your temper or all of your golf balls.
A fantastic target for a beginner is to strive to break 120. Shooting 119 on a par-72 course means you averaged 6.6 strokes per hole, or roughly "double bogey-and-a-half" golf. This shows that you're minimizing the huge blow-up holes (the 9s and 10s on the scorecard) and moving the ball down the fairway.
What it feels like:
Getting under 120 is cause for celebration. It’s the proof that you’re moving in the right direction.
Once you are consistently shooting under 120, the next great mountain to climb looms into view: breaking 100. Shooting a 99 is a monumental achievement for many recreational golfers, and it officially signals that you've moved past the beginner stage.
A score in the 90s means you’re averaging about a bogey-and-a-half per hole (around 5.5 strokes on a par 4). For example, on a par 4, you might take three shots to get on the green and two-putt for a 5 (a bogey), or hit it into some trouble off the tee, take four shots to get on, and two-putt for a 6 (a double bogey). To break 100, you have to eliminate most of the 'other' category - the dreaded triple bogeys or worse.
What it looks like:
A score in the 90s is universally respected among casual golfers. It proves you have a solid grasp of the game.
This is where things start getting serious. If you can break 90, you are officially a "good" golfer. No questions asked. Statistically, only about 25% of golfers can consistently break 90. Shooting an 89 puts you in the upper echelon of amateur players.
A score in the 80s means you are averaging closer to a bogey per hole. You're playing "bogey golf." This requires a completely different level of consistency. You can't afford many double bogeys, and you need to sprinkle in a handful of pars to offset the inevitable bogeys.
How to get there:
Breaking 90 is a sign that you understand your own game and have the skills to manage your way around the golf course intelligently.
Breaking 80 is the dream for almost every serious golfer. If you shoot a 79, you are in a very small minority - less than 5% of golfers ever reach this level. This means you are playing close to par, requiring an incredibly well-rounded game.
Players who shoot in the 70s are no longer just avoiding double bogeys, they are actively making pars and birdies. A typical round for a player trying to break 80 might feature 10-12 pars, a birdie or two, and a handful of bogeys. One bad hole (a double bogey) can be the difference between a 79 and an 81. It demands focus on every single shot.
Your game at this level:
If you're shooting in the 70s, you're not just playing golf, you are competing with the course on its own terms.
A final score on a scorecard doesn’t tell the whole story. Several other factors determine whether your score was truly "good" for that day.
An 85 on a very difficult golf course with a high Slope Rating (like Bethpage Black or Pebble Beach) is a far better performance than an 82 on your easy local municipal course. A course with narrow fairways, thick rough, fast greens, and lots of hazards is designed to be challenging. Always consider the quality of your score relative to the challenge of the course.
Were you playing in 25 mph winds? Was it raining? Did the greens just get aerated? Conditions dramatically affect scoring. A windy, cold day can easily add 5-10 strokes to your score, so adjusting your expectations is important. A score of 95 in a brutal wind might feel even better than a 90 on a calm, sunny day.
At the end of the day, golf is a game you play against yourself. The most meaningful definition of a "good score" is one that shows progress. Did you shoot your personal best? Did you finally break 100 after months of trying? Did you beat your score from last week? These personal victories are what a "good" score is all about. Celebrate your improvement, no matter how small, because that’s what will keep you coming back for more.
In summary, a “good” golf score is entirely relative. It's not a single number but a milestone on your personal golfing journey, whether that's breaking 120, 100, 90, or 80. Your score is best measured against the course's difficulty, the day's conditions, and most importantly, your own previous bests.
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