Last Updated on July 12, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
Average golf handicap has a lot of factors that you can consider. These include everything from the number of times you practice to how long you have played. Here’s a look at how the average golf handicap is impacted by age. How do you measure up?
Under 20 Years Old
Typical Handicap: Around 10-15 for males, 20-25 for females
You may think this number is a little low, considering not all young people are good at golf. However, you have to remember that quite a few competitive junior golfers are becoming involved in this sport.
Kids who play golf tend to like it and pick it up rather quickly. It’s different as people age, and they play eight times a year but still keep a handicap. Kids have time, they have strength, and they learn so quickly!
20-40 Years Old
Typical Handicap: 14 for males, 26 for females
In the 20-30 year range, the typical handicap is around 14. These golfers tend to shoot in the mid-80s. This age group includes a mixed bag of young professionals who grab junior memberships and work on their game until they can break 80.
You also see golfers playing for fun with friends and enjoying golf outings with a complete set of clubs they can use to shoot in the low 90s.
The great thing about this age range is the flexibility, speed capability, and overall consistency in the swing that can be developed.
40-50 Years Old
Typical Handicap: 18 for males and 29 for females
This age range tends to see slightly higher scores than the younger golfers. We notice a slowing down of the swing, a few more aches and pains, and a larger overall population of golfers.
As golfers age into the 40-50 year range, many of their children are older, and they have fewer weekend responsibilities (e.g., sports coaching!)., so they may grab an extra round or two of golf.
This brings in some new players to the mix, which can increase the average handicap rating. The 40-50-year-olds are also those who are thinking about retirement at some point, and they want to make sure they have a lifelong activity they love and can participate in.
50-60 Year’s Old
Typical Handicap: 20 for males, 30 for females
This may be when you have to trade in your steel shafts or extra stiff driver shafts and try something more flexible. It’s an interesting time because some golfers find they have more time to enjoy golf, but the game just isn’t the same.
I’ve found that the players in this age range that commit some time to the gym, get custom equipment and spend some hours with golf professionals will have a really good chance of maintaining those lower scores they had when they were younger.
60+ Years
Typical Handicap: 22-25 for men, 32-34 for women
When you hit the 60 to 65 year old mark it may be time to move up a tee, you could be seeing scores more in the lower 90s now instead of the mid 80s.
This age group has a tremendous opportunity to lower their scores by working on short game. The short game is not a matter of speed, power, and physical strength. It’s more about finesse, precision, feel, and mechanics.
Spend a little more time tracking scores, identifying the real weaknesses, and focusing on these to lower scores.
Additional Factors Influencing Handicap
In no way is age the main indicator of golf handicap. It is influenced by many other factors, including:
- Experience level (how many years you’ve played)
- Physical fitness
- How much time do you invest
- Equipment and technology
- Natural athletic ability
- Course conditions
- Amount of instruction
- And more!
Final Thoughts
Young golfers tend to generate more speed and take more consistent swings. Middle-aged golfers may get in a lot of rounds, but they start to lose some speed. Senior golfers notice a significant drop in speed, and unless there are changes in the short game, the average golf handicap goes up quite a bit.
