Last Updated on April 17, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
As I watched Scottie Scheffler grab his second green jacket, I couldn’t help but notice how many golfers were under par. I’ve played golf for about 30 years and have seen every Masters along the way. I remembered when hanging on to par was enough to do it.
Not anymore.
The average golf score of professional golfers is changing, and although it doesn’t happen overnight, there is no denying the fact that it’s going down.
As a former golf professional and teaching pro, this brings up lots of questions for me:
- Are amateur average scores going down, too?
- Is it that much harder to become a professional golfer, or has the game become easier?
- What role does equipment play in this?
Take a look at what I figured out as I answered these questions for myself.
PGA Tour Scoring Leader Average by Decade
When you first look at this chart I created, it’s a little scary.
In fact, you may suddenly support the golf ball rollback concept. However, when you look at the scoring average and how it’s changed from 1962 to 2022, it’s about a shot and a half different.
To make this table, I took the player with the lowest scoring average every year and combined that with others in the 10-year period to get an average for that timespan.
A shot and a half may not seem like a lot, but let’s face it: professional golf was incredibly difficult to begin with. It’s certainly no easier to become a successful professional, and that won’t change any time soon.
Masters Winning Score From 1964 to 2024
Since this thought process all started with the Masters winning score of -11 or 277, I also put together this table that shows the Masters winning score from 1994 to 2024. This one does not show a direct drop, as there have been many ups and downs throughout the years at Augusta.
However, 2020 did show us the lowest winning score to date.
It’s hard to evaluate a specific tournament because of factors such as course conditions and weather. In fact, the Masters is really one of the only good tournaments to consider because the same course is played each year.
You’ll see a high concentration of lower scores from the late 90s to the modern day, not too many over that 280 mark. The outlier is the 2007 Masters where gusty winds on the weekend made it hard for all players. (except Zach Johnson)
Are The Average Golf Scores of Professionals Changing?
Average golf scores of professional golfers are getting lower. It’s not happening fast but there are likely a few reasons behind it.
Technology – Not Just The Clubs
Golf technology has gotten a lot better. We have AI making drivers that are higher performing but we also have swing plates and launch monitors that analyze everything about our golf swings.
This technology can be an asset to some players. Here are a few of the major releases:
1979: TaylorMade Pittsburgh Persimmon (Metal Woods)
1980s: Graphite Shafts
1991: Callaway Big Bertha (Oversized Club Heads)
2000: Titleist Pro V1 (Solid Core Golf Balls)
Early 2000s: Launch Monitors
2004: TaylorMade r7 Quad (Adjustable Drivers)
Early 2000s: Hybrid Clubs
2014: Arccos (Performance Tracking Systems)
2010s: AI in Club Design
2020s: Simulated Golf and Virtual Coaching
Physical Fitness
Not only have golfers realized how important physical fitness is to succeed in the game of golf, but they’ve also learned how to apply golf-specific physical fitness to their routines. It’s not just about running and lifting but also about engaging the correct muscles to make you a better player.
Changes in Course Conditions
Golf course conditions are getting better. Methods are updated, machinery is more advanced and the professionals who care for the courses are more experience than they ever have been. When you are putting on greens that are as smooth as carpet, your chance of rolling the ball perfectly is significantly increased.
Better Coaching – More Data
We have much more data today than we did just a few years ago. If you want to know ideal spin rates or how important an extra mile per hour of cluhead speed is to your game, it’s quite easy to find it.
The best golf teaching professionals in the game are using this data. They are helping golfers of all abilities to lower their scores. Professionals included.
How About Amateurs?
It’s estimated that the average handicap index for male golfers has dropped about three strokes in the last 40 years.
It’s easier to get information about your game and have access to the best coaching out there. You can quickly look up a video of how to fix a slice and have answers within seconds.
In addition course conditions are improving and the distnace measuring devices have also helped make a significant impact. When you know you are 115 yards instead of 105 yards its much easier to choose the correct club.
My Own Journey To Lower My Average Golf Score
I’ve played golf since I was seven and even played in college and professionally for a bit. However, I find that it is easier than ever to shoot lower golf scores.
Interestingly, it’s not the equipment (although that helps) or the data (also helpful). It’s my own knowledge and course management. As you learn more about the game, you can lower your average score.
Even as you get older and start to lose some distance or power, your ability to navigate a golf course will still be getting better (or should be!).
So, in the end, maybe the 1.5 shot decrease over the last several decades has to do with golfers getting smart.
How has your average golf score changed through the years?
If you want to know more about average golf scores and average golf handicaps, take a look at a few of our other guides on this topic. . .
10 Steps To Lower Your Average Golf Score
What is the Average Score for 18 Holes of Golf?
Typical Handicap of a Club Member
