Golf is a challenging yet rewarding sport that can bring out the best in any player.
But how do you know what is considered a good golfer? Is it based on score or the ability to hit certain shots?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the answer to this question.
We’ll also discuss what makes a good golfer, how to improve your golf game, tips and strategies to reach your highest potential as a golfer, and more! Let’s dive in.
What is Considered a Good Golfer?
A good golfer is someone who has mastered the fundamentals of the game and taken the time to hone their skills. They can break 80 on a regular basis and hit quality shots.
We believe it is more about your skill vs a certain level of ball striking. They often don’t ask how, just how many. Score matters and if you can break 80, you are a good golfer!
To help them reach this level they have developed a consistent swing, know how to read the course, and have sufficient course management skills to make the right decisions on the course. They are able to score consistently and stay within their limit. Ultimately, a good golfer should be someone who enjoys the game and is able to play it well.
The answer to what is considered a good golfer is subjective, as everyone has different expectations and standards of play. Some people may view a good golfer as someone who scores in the 70s consistently, while others may view a good golfer as someone who shoots in the 80s. Ultimately, it comes down to what you consider a good score and what your goals are.
My Timeline To Be A “Good Golfer”
My golf journey is currently in the 31st year. I started playing at age 10 and now at 41 I have reached the scratch level once again. Below is my journey of where I broke certain benchmarks:
- Age 10: Started and Shot in the 100s
- Age 11-13: Played some junior leagues, only golfed about once a week in the summers
- Age 14-15: Started breaking 90 and shooting the occasional 9 hole round in the low 40s
- Age 16-18: Broke 80 on a regular basis and on occasion would shoot around par.
- Age 18-22: Shot my best score of all time, which was a 66 on a 6200 yard course, until I eclipse this at age 35. Played a lot of golf in this era and shot most rounds around par. Had a handicap of just above scratch.
- Age 22-32: Didn’t play as much golf in this stretch of 10 years. I could still shoot a round int he 70s pretty easily.
- Age 32-42: Got back into the game, bought a golf simulator at age 35 and have played my best golf yet.
What is a “Good Handicap” in Golf?
A handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer’s potential ability. It is used to determine a golfer’s expected score for a given round of golf. As a golfer’s handicap improves, so does their expected score. Generally speaking, a good handicap is considered to be a score of 18 or lower.
This means that a golfer’s expected score for any given round should be around 90 or better
Different courses and tournaments will have different standards for what is considered a good handicap. For example, a tournament may require a handicap of 10 or lower to be eligible for play. It is important to know the standards of the course or tournament you are playing in to ensure you are meeting the requirements.
What Makes a Good Golfer?
There are many factors that go into making a good golfer. The most important factor is practice.
A good golfer will have put in the time and effort to develop their game. They will have a consistent swing, know how to read the course, and be able to make the right decisions on the course. They will have developed their course management skills and be able to score consistently.
In addition to practice, a good golfer will also have the right attitude. They will be focused and determined, but also have the ability to stay relaxed and enjoy the game. They will understand the importance of playing within their limits and will not take unnecessary risks.
Survey: What Makes A Good Golfer
I questioned 20 of my golfing friends and asked them what they believe makes a good golfer. I received the following responses:
- It’s all about score (40%)
- Being able to strike the ball solid and far (37%)
- Being consistent from one round to the next (23%)
“Good Golfers” can control 3 key factors in the golf swing:
- Low Point Control: They can strike the ground in a similar spot on every swing. This imapcts the quality of their ball striking.
- Start Line and Curve Control: They get hit a high percentage of their shots on their intended start line with a predictable curve.
- Distance: They have enough swing speed to play the course. Distance matters in today’s game of golf!
We believe these are the true fundamentals of the game. Plenty of “good” golfers we know have different grips, stances, swing lengths and overall approaches to the game, but they can all control the 3 factors detailed above.
How to Improve Your Golf Game
If you want to become a better golfer, the first step is to work on your fundamentals – see 3 key factors above. You should also focus on developing a consistent swing and improving your course management skills. You should also work on your mental game, as this is often the difference between a good and great golfer.
Related: Best Mental Game Resources
Practice is key, as it is the best way to improve. You should take lessons from a qualified instructor and practice as much as you can. You should also make use of technology, such as a launch monitor, to help you track your progress and identify areas of improvement.
Utilizing the right drills can take your game to the next level.
Our top 3 recommended drills include:
The Mental Game of Golf
The mental game of golf is often overlooked, but it is just as important as the physical game.
A good golfer will be able to stay focused and maintain a positive attitude. They will also understand the importance of playing within their limits and not taking unnecessary risks.
In order to improve your mental game, you should practice visualization and positive self-talk. Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you focus on the task at hand and stay in the present moment. Positive self-talk can help you stay motivated and confident during the round.
Related: Play target focused golf (3 Keys)
Tips and Strategies to Reach Your Highest Potential as a Golfer
If you want to reach your highest potential as a golfer, there are a few tips and strategies you can follow.
First, focus on the basics. Work on developing a consistent swing (low point control, stock shot, speed training), improving your course management skills, and mastering the true fundamentals of the game. (see 3 drills above)
Second, practice as much as you can. The more you practice, the better your game will become.
Third, make use of technology. A launch monitor can help you track your progress and identify areas of improvement. We love the Skytrak and it has taken my game to the next level!
Related: How to use the Skytrak to improve!
Finally, stay focused and positive. This can help you stay relaxed and enjoy the game.
What is the Average Score of a Golfer?
The average score of a golfer depends on the level of the player. For recreational golfers, the average score is typically around 100. For more serious players, the average score is usually around 80. Professional golfers tend to have a score of around 70.
Related: Average golf score by age!
Taking Your Game to the Next Level
If you want to take your game to the next level, there are a few things you can do.
First, focus on developing a consistent swing. This will ensure you hit the ball with accuracy and consistency.
Second, work on your course management skills. This will help you make the right decisions on the course and score consistently.
Third, practice visualization and positive self-talk. This can help you stay focused and maintain a positive attitude.
Fourth, make use of technology. A launch monitor can help you track your progress and identify areas of improvement.
Fifth, take lessons from a qualified instructor. This can help you identify areas of improvement and improve your game.
Finally, become a great short game player. It is a major advantage and helps you break 80 quicker!
Fastest Route To Be A Good Golfer
My number one recommendation if you want to score your best as a mid level handicap is to develop a scratch level short game when it comes to saving par on greens that you miss in regulation. This is the greatest single shot reducer before you become a solid ball striker!
Conclusion
If you follow the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you can reach your highest potential as a golfer. Remember to focus on the basics, practice as much as you can, make use of technology, stay focused and positive, and take lessons from a qualified instructor. With dedication and hard work, you can become a good golfer and reach your goals.
What is considered a good golfer? It all comes down to what you consider a good score and what your goals are. A good handicap is considered to be a score of 18 or lower, while the average score of a golfer depends on the level of the player. Ultimately, a good golfer should be someone who enjoys the game and is able to play it well.
Take your game to the next level and consider our tips above! With dedication and hard work, you can become a good golfer and reach your highest potential.
