Recreational Golfer (Average Score, Driving Distance, Tips)

Last Updated on January 23, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz

Have you ever heard the term recreational golfer and wondered whether or not this applies to you? As a former golf professional a +1 handicap, I can tell you I never fit into this recreational golfer category. I was indeed a beginner, with a high handicap, an average golfer, and then eventually, a professional. Yet, never a recreational golfer. Here’s why. 

What Is A Recreational Golfer? 

A recreational golfer is someone who plays golf just for fun. They enjoy the game, have a good time with friends, and don’t focus excessively on scoring. Recreational golfers may shoot 125 if they keep score and do not get stressed out about it. 

Being a recreational golfer means you may not even keep a handicap. In addition, it’s rare to sign up for tournaments outside of something like a charity outing. 

Most recreational golfers approach golf more as a game or activity than a sport or a project. 

Recreational Golfer vs. Average Golfer? (What’s The Difference?)

Amateur golfers and average golfers sometimes all get lumped into the same group of players. 

Recreational golfers really approach the game as more of an activity to occupy their time. An average golfer, on the other hand, looks to improve. They want to shoot certain scores; they may schedule a lesson or purchase a new driver because they desire to get better (or at least stay the same). 

With the recreational player, a round of golf a few times a year is enough. Topping a few shots is expected. Making some three putts is par for the course. 

Recreational golfers typically don’t spend a lot of time on the range. Their goals are not set very high, so practice time doesn’t make too much of a difference. 

Some recreational players are simulator-only golfers. They like Top Golf and rounds at the most pristine courses in America, all without leaving the simulator. 

For any golfer who’s made a bogey on 18 to shoot 80 or three putts after hitting a green in two. The recreational golfers may be on to something! Golf is frustrating and if you know how to enjoy it, more power to you. 

Average Score of Recreational Golfer 

Some recreational golfers are better athletes than others. That’s really where you see the scoring differences among these players. 

Since most recreational golfers aren’t really thinking about scoring or game improvement, most shoot over 100. 

However, some players invest a little more time. They also may have been athletes when they were younger, and they naturally excel in sports. 

Skill Level	Average Score	Description
Casual Beginner	>105	Just starting out, often struggles with basics and primarily plays for fun.
Enthusiastic Amateur	95-105	Has some experience and basic skills, plays occasionally with mixed results, and is still out there for fun.
Seasoned Recreational	85-95	Plays regularly and demonstrates improved consistency and grasp of golf tactics, still not overly concerned with becoming the next Rich Beem!

Average Driving Distance of Recreational Golfers 

Many recreational golfers are reluctant to update their drivers for fear they won’t use them enough before technology has changed. You’ll notice that overall distances, however, for recreational golfers, fall within the range of average to mid handicap players. 

You’ll see as you look through the chart of average distances for recreational golfers, most of this still comes down to swing speed. 

Swing Speed	Driver	7 Iron	Pitching Wedge
High	220-260 yards	140-170 yards	100-120 yards
Mid	190-220 yards	120-140 yards	80-100 yards
Low	160-190 yards	100-120 yards	60-80 yards

8 Most Common Mistakes of Recreational Golfers (And How To Fix Them) 

If you’ve successfully identified yourself as a recreational golfer, this next section may be a little like a biography. Here are some of the most common mistakes recreational golfers make. If you want to shave a few strokes, this would be the place to start. 

Hit It Far!! 

It’s much more fun to work on hitting golf balls 300 yards than it is to learn to make 6 foot putts. Recreational golfers tend to work on distance over all other aspects of their game. Spend a little time chipping and putting, and it will shave a lot of strokes. 

Grip It Anyway You Like 

The grip is the only connection with the club. Take some time to learn the proper grip. Also learn to strengthen and weaken grips to help with shot shape. 

John Daly Is My Hero 

If your backswing is coming past parallel, like your role model John Daly, it’s much too far. Trust me on this one, you are not adding distance; you’re just setting yourself up for shots that travel well left or right of your target. 

No Pre Shot Routine or Warm-up 

Recreational golfers are known for running up to the tee and swinging away at the ball. If you can avoid this, it will be well worth it! 

Having a pre shot routine, even if it just includes a practice swing and an alignment, leads to more consistent shots. Golf is more fun when you’re not losing golf balls, so it’s worth establishing some simple pre-shot routine. 

Wooden Golf Shafts 

This is a big of an exaggeration. However, it’s time to upgrade if you play with clubs from a garage sale 15 years ago. Modern equipment changes fast. It’s also expensive, so you don’t need to break the bank, but throw in a few clubs that make the game easier. 

Frustration and Negativity Creeping Up

Remember that as a recreational golfer, you are out there to have fun. 

Don’t set the standards too high. Golfers who shoot low scores spend a lot of time working on their game, practicing, and getting better. 

Poor Decision Making 

You know that 250 yard shot over the water to the pin will not happen. Yet you hit it anyway. Why do recreational golfers do this to themselves? 

Choose the shot you will hit at least 5/10 times. It’s not the shot; you will hit 1/1,000,000 times. 

Not Taking A Few Lessons To Get Started 

Even if your goal is to stay a recreational golfer for the rest of your life, taking a few lessons to get your game started is incredibly beneficial. Even if you get involved with a group clinic, it’s well worth your time. 

Gear That Recreational Golfers REALLY Should Be Using 

Golf is expensive, and the clothing, equipment, and gear can make it necessary to get a part-time job. Here’s a list of a few things that are actually worth the money for recreational golfers. 

Puma Men’s Fusion Evo Golf Shoes 

If you are still playing golf in sneakers, consider these Puma Fusion Evo golf shoes. They are affordable, usually less than $60, and come in various colors. My husband and my son have these shoes and can’t get enough of them. 

Palm Golf Hat 

As far as golf accessories are concerned, you have tons of options. The key is to look stylish and have something you can wear off the course. The Palm hats are our favorite as they are comfortable and look great, and we wear them on and off the course. 

Palm Golf Polo 

Same thing goes for the golf clothing. Pick a modern and fun design like this Palm Golf Polo so you can also wear it to your next summer BBQ. Recreational golfers don’t need an entire golf wardrobe; they pick versatile pieces to save money. 

Kirkland Golf Balls 

I’ve done a lot of reviews of the Kirkland golf balls, and to give you the honest truth, I still play them from time to time. They aren’t Pro V1s, but they are certainly better than any Top Flite I’ve ever played. 

If you didn’t already know, you can buy Kirkland on Amazon even if you don’t have a Costco membership. You pay a few dollars more, but the Kirkland is still one of the better-priced balls. 

WeatherSof Gloves 

If you don’t play a lot of golf, your chances of developing a blister are high. The WeatherSof is more of a value option from FootJoy; it’s a little thicker than standard. However, that actually makes it an excellent fit for the recreational player. Plus, they’re cheap. 

Stix Equipment 

When I first tested the Stix golf equipment, I was impressed by the overall feel and design. You can check out a full review here. However, Stix just released some lower-priced options that I would seriously consider if your entire set needs an upgrade. 

Towel Clip 

Don’t have a golf towel? Don’t worry, you don’t need one. This towel clip turns any towel you have into a magnetic one that sticks right to your golf cart. I was tired of having golf towels fall off my bag, but the Stripebird Magnetic Towel Clip solved it. 

Club Scrub 

If you are a recreational golfer who doesn’t stay up to date with trends in the game, I’ll fill you in on a little something you should know. That wire brush attached to your golf bag can go in the trash. The Club Scrub helps you clean golf balls and clubs on the course without ever getting your hands dirty. Most importantly, it does no damage to the clubs. 

Final Thoughts 

Hopefully, this recreational golfer guide helped you find some tips and interesting information. Being a recreational golfer is supposed to be fun. When you start keeping score and purchase one of those fancy portable launch monitors, you’ve officially joined the rank of average golfer or even avid golfer!