Golf is a game where it can be difficult to shoot better scores even at you age.
There are golfers that have been playing for 30 plus years that still struggle to break 90. Why is that? Because golf is a skill based game that takes time, dedication and the right practice and guidance to get better.
When we look at the average golf score by age below, you will notice there isn’t much improvement from one decade to the next for most golfers. They can get stuck right around that 90 average and play that way for an entire career.
But, we are here to help with tips in each age category to help you take your game to the next level!
Average Golf Score By Age
The average golf score is 91.35. According to the USGA, 28% of golfers have a golf handicap between 11 and 15, which means their average score is right around 90. This is based on golfers who record their golf handicap. There are close to a half million golfers who average in the low 90s for 18 holes.
| Age Range | Average Score |
| 20-30 | 89.7 |
| 30-40 | 91.7 |
| 40-50 | 91.5 |
| 50-60 | 91.0 |
| 60-70 | 91.0 |
| 70+ | 93.2 |
| Average | 91.35 |
Source: The Grint
The data above is based on golfers who submit scores for handicap purposes. There are golfers who are really good that might not keep a handicap and golfers that really struggle who might not enter a handicap. Chances are, there are more bad golfers who don’t enter scores vs really good golfers that don’t enter scores. This means the average golf score is probably actually higher than 91.35.
Main Takeaways From Data
- Golfers really never get better from one decade to the next.
- While there is a slight improvement in the 50s and 60s, it is very small.
Questions From Data
- Why don’t golfers get better?
- What can golfers do to get better?
My Journey: Average Golf Score by Age
| Age Range | Average Score |
| 10-15 | 95 |
| 15-20 | 82 |
| 20-30 | 78 |
| 30-40 | 76 |
| 40-50 | 73 |
Other Relevant Date: Average Driving Distance By Age
| Age Range (10 Year Gaps) | Driver Distance Average |
| 10-19 | 234.2 |
| 20-29 | 239.7 |
| 30-39 | 233.7 |
| 40-49 | 225.9 |
| 50-59 | 215.4 |
| 60-69 | 204.5 |
| 70 | 190.4 |
| Total Average | 220.54 |
Age Range 20-30
The average golf score for golfers between 20 and 30 years old is 89.7 on a par 72 golf course. This is based on the golfers who submit scores for handicap purposes.
Golfers in this age range have the highest driving distance average of their career. They can often be newer to the game, but have plenty of speed. Chances are they hit the driver all over the palace and struggle with approach shots and short game.
3 Tips To Improve:
- Keeping the driver in play (avoid the out of bounds penalty strokes)
- Work on developing a stock shot (provides for greater consistency)
- Spend 1 hour per week on chipping and putting
Age Range 30-40
The average golf score for golfers between 30 and 40 years old is 91.7 on a par 72 golf course. This is based on the golfers who submit scores for handicap purposes.
Golfers in this age range typically have a lot going on in life. They might be trying to balance family, work and many commitments during this new era of life. They still have decent distance off the tee, but have a higher average between now and 70 years old.
3 Tips To Improve:
- Finding a way to practice golf at home (golf simulator, chipping in the back yard, or speed training might help).
- Studying strategy and playing smart.
- Staying physically fit as it is easy to get away from you at this point in life.
Age Range 40-50
The average golf score for golfers between 40 and 50 years old is 91.5 on a par 72 golf course. This is based on the golfers who submit scores for handicap purposes.
Golfers in this age range are starting to lose distance, but might be playing more golf now. They still have quality distance and possibly more time.
3 Tips To Improve:
- Speed training, which will be important as they continue to age.
- Short game, which is also really important as one ages.
- Stock shot – vital to playing consistent golf.
Age Range 50-60
The average golf score for golfers between 60 and 70 years old is 91.0 on a par 72 golf course. This is based on the golfers who submit scores for handicap purposes.
We see an improvement over the previous two decades. Golfers certainly have more time and possibly could be retired from full time employment. They may also have additional money to spend on lessons, club fitting and country club memberships.
3 Tips To Improve:
- Speed Training – Speed starts to evaporate fast at this age, especially as the golfer nears 60 years of age.
- Short Game – Become a wizard around the greens while you still have some distance, but have plenty of time to practice.
- Physical Fitness – Don’t let your overall strength decline as your approach 60.
Age Range 60-70
The average golf score for golfers 70+ is 91.0 on a par 72 golf course. This is based on the golfers who submit scores for handicap purposes.
The golfers in this age range have truly impressed with maintaining the same average as before and even better than the 30-50 crowd.
3 Tips To Improve:
- Speed Training – The battle to stay over 200 yard driving distance is real!
- Short Game – Plenty of time and no excuse to let the short game fail.
- Physical Fitness – Continue to be able to walk 18 holes and maintain your strength. At this point, you want to avoid injury and play as much as possible without hurting.
Age Range 70+
The average golf score for golfers between 20 and 30 years old is 93.2 on a par 72 golf course. This is based on the golfers who submit scores for handicap purposes.
At this point, it is impressive that golfers are able to still score in the 90s. Many face declining strength and other health issues that keep a golfer from performing at his or her highest level. Enjoy the social scene!
3 Tips To Improve:
- Embrace each round and have a grateful heart.
- Visit Pebble Beach and other bucket list items
- Give back and help out a younger golfer learn and move the game!
Keys To My Improvement vs The Average Golf Scores
- Golf Simualtor setup in garage
- Speed Training
- Short Game Practice
- Stock Shot Development
- Keeping the driver in play
Tips To Improve: For All Ages
We believe there are 5 keys to playing quality golf. These include the following:
- Low Point Control: The golfer must control the low point and the club/ground contact to hit quality shots that travel far enough or travel the right distance. Check out our drill here on low point control!
- Stock Shot: Golfers must be able to start the ball on the intended start line and have a predictable curve. This can be accomplished by building a stock shot. . Check out our drill here on developing a stock shot.
- Speed: The golfer has to develop enough speed to have quality distance with the driver and other clubs. The good new is that speed is not static and can be improved. Check out SuperSpeed Golf Review here to learn more about improving your swing speed.
- Short Game: The scratch level golfers can save par 50% of the time. Much of the short game simply takes time and effort to reach this level. Regardless of athletic ability, power or speed the golfer can reach this level.
- Game Management: All golfers can better manage their game. Check out our game management tips on breaking 90!