A golf beginner should shoot about 3 over par per hole. So over an 18 hole Par 72, the beginner should shoot about 126 strokes. This may seem a lot and it is! It also depends if the beginner has had lessons or clinics or help on their swing and course management.
If a beginner shoots a double bogey round that would be 36 shots over par, which is considered very good. A triple bogey on every hole would be translated to 54 shots over par.
This will depend on a-lot of things like age, physical limitations, talent, technique, practice etc. Some people will shoot an amazing 18 over par for 18 holes. But most will be shoot between 36 and 54 shots over par.
It doesn’t matter what you shoot. As long as you had fun and want to get better and improve. I think it’s just about having fun! I guess you don’t have to get better to be honest.
Par 72
18 Holes
3 over per hole
(18×3+72) = 126 strokes.
The following is a table of typical 18-hole course with approx. Strokes per hole.
| Hole | Par | Shots to Green | Putts |
| 1 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| 2 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| 6 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| 7 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 8 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| 9 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| 10 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| 11 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| 12 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 13 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| 14 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| 15 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| 16 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 17 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| 18 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| TOTAL | 72 | 72 | 54 |
The following is table of typical 18 hole course with approx. Strokes per hole.
So to understand the above chart. We have to consider a few things.
- If you can get on the green in about 3 shots on every hole then you have a good chance.
- The goal is to have about Max. 3 putts on the green. The goal is one putt but the chances are less but its possible.
- When teeing off and on the fairway or in rough. The goal is to aim for the middle of the fairway and doesn’t matter where the hole is. The fairway is your road and will bring you to the green.
- Once, close to the green aim for the middle of the green and always aim at the flag. Or play to the fat of the green which is away from the flag but to the side of the green where there is more room.
How many holes should a beginner play?
Maybe start by playing a few holes even 3-6 holes is ok. 9 or 18 holes will take a-lot longer. Maybe try to find a tee time early in the morning or late in the evening where there are less golfers on the course.
Or when it’s raining or when it’s boiling hot! Makes your round more enjoyable. Play with a friend or someone who knows the game. There are a-lot of us who think we know the game so watch out.
Most green-fees are for 9 or 18 holes. If you are a member then it’s easier to play a few holes. Some facilities have 2-4 practice holes.
Do I need a scorecard for my first golf round?
For the first few times a beginner golfer should leave the scorecard at home. For the first few rounds it really doesn’t matter what you shoot. You are there to have fun and see if you like the game.
I understand the competitive side to a lot people will speak and say well I need to know where I stand or how many strokes I played the hole. But be patient, this will come. So don’t worry about it counting your strokes. To be honest, you may need more than 10 fingers to add them up if you count!
Or you maybe need a calculator! Some beginners buy a stroke counter but if you need that then you should practice more. If you can’t count in your strokes in your head then you have too many shots and should seek help from a local PGA professional.
Which clubs to play with?
I would recommend playing with a 7 iron. Normally most players begin with a 7 iron or so. When its different its fine. But the point is that we should have confidence and familiarity with that club. A solid 7 iron might fly 130-140 yards. So, when the hole 400 yards you have a good chance of reaching the hole in a few swings.
Yes, when your swing has improved we can use longer irons, hybrids & woods. But for the first few rounds a 7 irons or similar is fine. No need for longer irons. But if they are well practiced and you have confidence then off you go! I won’t hold you back.
So grab a bag and start with a 7 & 9 iron, sand-wedge and a putter. That will keep you going. Hopefully out of trouble. Also most clubs distance will be similar and you won’t notice much
Where can I improve my golf score the most?
Generally beginners don’t have good clubface ball contact and are lacking distance. So if beginners could improve these areas then would greater length off the tee which would in result help to lower scores. By improving these areas the beginners will improve the most.
A good short game will come in handy. Chipping, pitching and putting will improve your score a lot. So, if you have 2 hours a week to practice then please improve your tee shots and your short game.
And it sound boring but the best way to improve is just get out there and do it! Go play a few holes and have fun. We learn the most of the course and not always on the practice range.
Which tees should I play from?
Beginners should play from the front tees. Check with course Pro Shop or Starter to see which tees you are allowed to play from. If no one is there then play one of the nearest tee boxes closest to the hole. Many courses might have beginners tees.
You might think that you want to get your money’s worth by playing from the back tees but that’s a recipe for disaster. When you start to regularly get on the green in 2-3 shots on the Par 4 & 5’s then you are welcome to move further back.
How many golf balls do I need for my first round of golf?
Lots! I think about 4-8 balls! Depends on the course. Is there lots of water or trees or bushes? Purchase used balls at a good price. Inexpensive balls are fine till you improve. You don’t really need new balls. But if the price is right then why not.
Maximum number of strokes on a hole?
The maximum number of strokes per hole is about 2-3 shots over par for a beginner. So if you can’t hole out at about 3 over par on a hole then you need to pick up your ball. The will help your mental side as you don’t want to have 10 or 14 shots on a scorecard. This will speed up play and make everyone in your group happy.
What to have in golf bag for the first round?
You will need tees, balls, ball marker & pitch fork. Sunscreen and good sunglasses if needed and a sunhat or a baseball cap. Maybe, a healthy snack or an unhealthy.
Whatever works! Water is very important when the days are hot and even just over the long 18 holes. Always have waterproofs with you at all times. Buy a good quality one. I have forgotten my often and last summer was on a receiving end of a wet rain storm when I was playing.
I said the same thing as all golfers say Ah it won’t rain, look at the blue sky! Then 1 hour later it rained buckets from the heavens. I was drenched and no rain suit or umbrella! On a side note watch and please be careful with lightning storms.
The irons golf clubs and the lighting don’t really go together. And last but not least have the beer or a shot of whiskey with you when the days are long and cold. Or maybe you just had enough of losing too many golf balls. Or you are just waiting for the thunderstorm to pass under the designated lighting safe area.
Conclusion
If you play fast, have fun and your etiquette is good (repair pitch marks, replace divots, consideration of others and understand FORE) then you are ahead of the race! Play fast and have fun and your score will drop too.
The longer it takes out there, the more we think. The more we think the worst we play. It has to come from the unconscious autopilot. Like driving a car. Now go drive your car! Have fun.
Its a great game and enjoy it! Lifelong memories!