Golf is a game of skill, patience, and consistency—but when you’re just starting out, the biggest question on your mind is probably: what’s a good golf score for beginners?
Whether you’re swinging a club for the first time or trying to improve your weekend game, knowing what to aim for can help you set realistic goals and enjoy your progress.
What Is Par in Golf?
To understand what counts as a good score, you first need to know what par is. Par is the number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to take to complete a hole. Most 18-hole courses have a par of 72.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Par 3: Short holes, expected in 3 shots
- Par 4: Medium-length holes, expected in 4 shots
- Par 5: Long holes, expected in 5 shots
So, a full round of 18 holes at par would be 72 strokes.
What’s an Average Golf Score for Beginners?
Most beginners won’t shoot anywhere close to par—and that’s totally normal.
- Beginner average (18 holes): 100–120 strokes
- Beginner average (9 holes): 50–60 strokes
Shooting below 100 on an 18-hole course is often considered a milestone for new golfers.
What’s a “Good” Golf Score for a Beginner?
A “good” score depends on your experience and consistency. Here’s a general benchmark:
| Skill Level | 18-Hole Score | 9-Hole Score |
|---|---|---|
| First-time Golfer | 110–130+ | 55–65+ |
| Beginner (few rounds) | 100–115 | 50–58 |
| Improving Beginner | 90–100 | 45–50 |
If you’re scoring under 100 after a few months of playing, you’re doing great.
Focus on Progress, Not Just the Numbers
Rather than obsessing over your total score, track improvements in:
- Fairways hit
- Greens in regulation
- Number of putts
- Penalty strokes
Golf is a mental game as much as a physical one. Celebrate small wins—like avoiding bunkers or sinking a long putt.
Tips to Lower Your Score
Want to improve faster? Try these:
- Take lessons early – Fix bad habits before they stick.
- Use beginner-friendly clubs – Cavity-back irons and higher-lofted drivers help.
- Practice your short game – Putting and chipping can save strokes.
- Play from the right tees – Don’t be afraid to use forward tees while learning.
- Keep your stats – Apps like 18Birdies or Golfshot can help track progress.
Final Thoughts
A good golf score for beginners isn’t about beating par—it’s about learning the game, enjoying the course, and gradually improving over time. If you’re staying under 110 and having fun, you’re already on the right track.
Keep playing, keep learning—and don’t forget to enjoy the walk between shots.