When I think of the average golfer, I picture someone who shoots in the 90s.
This is where my brain has always gone. Someone who can get through the mostly bogey course, hit some hard shots, make some pars and mix in enough mistakes to keep the round interesting.
According to new data from United States Golf Associationwe have a clear view of what it meant to be average in 2025. This data only includes golfers who carry a handicap index. So while it doesn’t include every recreational golfer, we can get a pretty good idea.
Who is the average male golfer?
The average male golfer has a handicap index of 14.0 and posts about 23 points per year. Most of those rounds are full 18-hole rounds. On average, it breaks down into approximately 19 rounds of 18 holes and four rounds of nine holes each year.
What does a 14.0 handicap usually shoot?
A golfer with a handicap index of 14.0 typically scores in the mid-80s on an average par-72 course, depending on the rating and slope. The average male USGA player often scores better than the 90’s player many people think of as average.
Who is the average female golfer?
The average female golfer has a 28.8 handicap index and posts about 19 points per year. On average, this breaks down to about 13 rounds of 18 holes and six rounds of nine holes per year.
What does a 28.8 handicap usually shoot for?
A handicap near 29 usually translates into scores in the high 90s to low 100s on most courses.
How often do golfers play?
Another important takeaway from the USGA report is how often golfers are actually posting scores.
Among players with a handicap index in 2025:
- 38.6 percent posted 20 or more points
- 13.9 percent posted 50 or more points
- Only 2.7 percent posted 100 or more points
If you’re posting 20 points in a year, you’re already considered more active than most.
Final thoughts
Looking at the numbers, the “average” may not be what you or I expected. How close is your game to average according to USGA standards?
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