It's one of the most common questions golfers ask:
"Am I actually any good at golf?"
The answer depends on who you're comparing yourself to. Compared to a tour professional, almost nobody is good at golf. Compared to the average golfer, however, breaking 100 consistently already puts you ahead of many players.
The reality is that golf is a difficult game. Most golfers only play occasionally, don't practise much, and are trying to fit golf around work, family and life. So the standard of "good" is often much different from what people see on television.
What is a good golf handicap?
A handicap is one of the easiest ways to compare golfers because it measures scoring ability over time rather than one exceptional round.
As a general guide:
| Handicap | Standard |
|---|---|
| + Handicap | Elite Amateur |
| 0-5 | Excellent |
| 6-10 | Very Good |
| 11-18 | Good |
| 19-28 | Average Club Golfer |
| 29+ | Beginner or Developing Golfer |
A golfer playing off 15 might not think they're particularly good, but compared to the wider golfing population they're usually capable of hitting some excellent shots and putting together respectable scores. If you are not sure how the numbers are worked out in the first place, I have explained that in my guide to golf handicaps in New Zealand.
What is a good golf score?
Scores tell a similar story. While every course is different, these ranges provide a useful benchmark:
| Score (18 Holes) | Standard |
|---|---|
| Under 70 | Elite |
| 70-79 | Excellent |
| 80-89 | Good |
| 90-99 | Average |
| 100+ | Beginner |
Many golfers spend years trying to break 100, then 90, then eventually 80. Each milestone represents a significant improvement in consistency and course management, and I have written a guide for each stage, starting with how to break 100 in golf.
Is a 20 handicap good?
A 20 handicap golfer is generally considered an average club golfer.
They'll have strengths and weaknesses in their game, hit some excellent shots, and occasionally put together very good rounds. Most 20 handicappers are capable of shooting scores well below their handicap on a good day but may still struggle with consistency.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with being a 20 handicap. In fact, that's where many regular golfers spend most of their golfing lives.
Is a 10 handicap good?
Yes. A 10 handicap golfer is generally better than most golfers they play with.
To reach a 10 handicap, a player typically needs reasonably consistent ball striking, a reliable short game, good course management and the ability to avoid big mistakes.
Golfers at this level are usually capable of breaking 80 occasionally and regularly shooting in the low to mid 80s.
Is scratch golf good?
Absolutely. A scratch golfer plays to a handicap of zero and is among the best amateur golfers you'll encounter at most golf clubs.
Scratch golfers typically hit a high percentage of greens, rarely lose balls, have strong short games, understand course management and control their distances exceptionally well.
Only a small percentage of golfers ever reach scratch.
What percentage of golfers break 80?
Breaking 80 is a significant achievement, and most golfers never do it.
While exact numbers vary, golfers who can regularly shoot in the 70s are generally considered very good players and sit well above the average club golfer.
If you've broken 80, even once, you've achieved something many golfers spend years chasing.
The biggest difference between average and good golfers
Interestingly, it isn't usually distance. Many average golfers can hit a driver a long way.
The biggest difference is consistency. Good golfers tend to keep the ball in play, avoid penalty shots, understand their yardages, make fewer double bogeys and get up and down more often.
Knowing how far each club travels is one of the foundations of better scoring. If you're unsure about your distances, have a read of how far you should hit each golf club.
Can better equipment make you better?
Equipment won't turn a beginner into a scratch golfer, but it can make the game easier. Modern clubs are generally more forgiving, easier to launch and more consistent across the face.
A professional golf club fitting can help ensure your clubs match your swing and ability level, and if you would rather work on the swing itself, our golf lessons and coaching are usually the faster route.
The real answer
If you're enjoying golf, improving gradually and occasionally surprising yourself with a great shot, you're probably doing just fine.
Most golfers aren't trying to qualify for the PGA Tour. They're trying to hit more good shots, lose fewer balls, beat their mates and enjoy their time on the course. That's what makes golf great.
Rather than worrying about whether you're "good", focus on becoming a little better than you were last season. That's a goal every golfer can achieve.
FAQs
Is a 15 handicap golfer good?
Yes. A 15 handicap golfer is generally considered a solid club golfer and is capable of shooting good scores while still having room for improvement.
Is a 20 handicap golfer good?
A 20 handicap is around the average range for many regular golfers and represents a player who can enjoy the game and compete in club events.
What handicap is considered low?
Most golfers consider single-figure handicaps (9 and below) to be low handicaps.
Is breaking 90 good?
Yes. Golfers who regularly break 90 are generally better than the average recreational golfer.
Is breaking 80 good?
Very good. Breaking 80 requires consistency, strong course management and a reliable short game.
How hard is it to become a scratch golfer?
Very hard. Scratch golfers represent a small percentage of all golfers and typically have many years of experience and practice behind them.
Happy golfing,
Scott Pickett
PGA Professional
Founder – Golf 360
Mount Maunganui
