The average score U.S. golfers shoot during a round, according to the National Golf Foundation (NGF).
In their participation research studies, the NGF finds more than three-quarters of U.S. golfers (77%) keep score on a regular basis. The approximately 20 million golfers who do keep score tend to shoot in the mid-90s, with an average of 94. Breaking down the overall numbers a little further, the NGF reports the average 18-hole score for men is 93, while the average 18-hole score for women is 99.
However, the NGF is quick to note that there are some important caveats to golfer-reported scoring, all of which likely skew the actual average upwards. Chiefly, those players who do keep score are generally more skilled; almost one third of occasional golfers (1-7 rounds annually) don’t keep score and are likely less proficient players; and more than half of golfers suggest they take scoring liberties (mulligans, breakfast balls, gimmes, etc.).
