Trying to pin down the average golf score for a 14-year-old can feel like chasing a moving target. The truth is, there isn't one simple number. This article will break down what typical scores look like for different types of junior players, from those just starting out to serious tournament competitors. More importantly, we'll shift the focus from a single number to the practical steps you can take to foster improvement and keep the game fun.
Unlike a math test, a golf score is influenced by dozens of variables. Asking for an "average" score is like asking for the average speed of a car without knowing if it's on a highway or in a school zone. For a 14-year-old golfer, the context is everything. How long have they been playing? Do they practice once a week or five times a week? Are they playing for the school team or just having a casual round with a parent?
It's completely natural to want a benchmark to see how you or your junior golfer stacks up. But getting too hung up on comparing scores to a fictional "average" can be discouraging. The goal isn't to be "average," it's to get a little better than you were yesterday. With that in mind, let’s look at some realistic scoring ranges to give you a clearer picture.
To get a more useful answer, let's categorize 14-year-old golfers into three common groups. Find the one that best describes you or your child, but remember, these are just general guides, not rigid expectations.
This is the player who's relatively new to the game or plays a handful of times in the summer with family and friends. Their equipment might be a hand-me-down set, and they probably haven't had formal instruction. For this golfer, the main objective is enjoying the walk, hitting a few satisfying shots, and learning the basic rules and etiquette.
At this stage, the scorecard is the least important part of the game. A score of 120 means they average a 6 or 7 on every hole - totally normal for someone learningswing mechanics, course navigation, and the short game all at once. The focus should be on celebrating the small wins: a pure iron shot, a drive that finds the fairway, or a putt that drops from five feet. This is the foundation of a lifelong love for golf, built on positive experiences, not pressure to perform.
This player has moved beyond the purely recreational phase. They likely play on their middle school or high school's JV team, practice at least once or twice a week, and might have taken a few lessons. Their big goal is often to break 100―a huge milestone for any golfer. Later, they might start eyeing 90.
Scores in this range show a developing understanding of the game. This 14-year-old probably hits some great shots but struggles with consistency. A beautiful drive might be followed by a topped fairway wood. They lose most of their strokes to "blow-up holes" caused by poor decisions, penalties (out of bounds, water balls), or troubles around the green (taking 3 or 4 shots to get down from 30 yards).
The path to improvement here is less about a perfect swing and more about damage control. Learning to manage the course, avoid the big mistakes, and building a reliable short game will rapidly bring scores down from the low 100s into the 90s.
This is the serious junior golfer. They play multiple times a week, have a structured practice routine, and likely work with a golf coach. They compete in local and regional tournaments, like those run by the AJGA (American Junior Golf Association), US Kids Golf, or state golf associations. For these players, a score in the 80s might be an "off day," and their goal is to consistently shoot in the 70s.
What separates this player from the others? It's not just ball-striking. It’s a combination of three things:
The "average" for this small segment of 14-year-olds is dramatically lower because playing tournament golf requires a whole different skill set that extends far beyond just swinging the club.
Now that you have a frame of reference, let's put it aside. The best measure of progress isn't how you compare to others, it's how you compare to yourself last month. Your only comtest is your previous score. Focusing on the right things is how you’ll see those scores drop, regardless of where you're starting from.
More than 60% of all golf shots are taken from within 100 yards of the hole. If you want to see the fastest drop in your score, spend the majority of your practice time on and around the practice green. You don't need complex drills. Just try these:
Teenagers, especially strong 14-year-old boys, often want to hit driver on every par 4 and 5, and fire at every single pin. Learning to play smart is what turns a 95 into an 85. Smart golf is "boring" golf, and it works.
Mindlessly hitting a large bucket of balls at the range won't make you much better. Every practice session should have objective. Instead of just "hitting your driver," try this game:
At 14, your body is still growing and changing. Trying to perfectly copy the swing of a PGA Tour pro is a recipe for frustration. The golf swing is a rotational action powered by your body - it's an athletic motion, not a rigid set of positions. Work on a balanced setup and a smooth tempo that allows your torso to turn back and then unwind through the ball. The goal is to build a swing that is repeatable for you, one that you can count on when you're on the course.
As we've seen, the average score for a 14-year-old golfer really depends on their commitment and experience, ranging from over 110 for casual players to the 70s for top-tier competitors. Instead of getting fixated on one number, the best approach is to focus on a smarter process of improvement by prioritizing short game, course management, and purposeful practice.
Navigating these improvements is simpler when you have clear, expert guidance. With Caddie AI, we want to give you that expert in your pocket, 24/7. When you’re on the course, you can ask for a smart strategy on a tricky hole and get an instant plan. If you find a tough lie in the rough, snap a photo and the AI can analyze it and tell you the best way to play the shot. This kind of real-time advice removes the guesswork, allowing you to play with more confidence and make smarter decisions that save you strokes.
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