How Many Pars And Birdies Should You Make in a Round of Golf

Scorecards are compiled in a wide variety of ways - it's only the number at the end of the day that truly matters - but there are trends and benchmarks that we should all work towards.

The Golfshake Score Tracker is an invaluable resource for keeping a record of your game and how your rounds and stats compare to the thousands of other golfers who use the service each week.

Avoiding disasters is the most effective way of lowering your handicap, but making pars is always a solid confidence boost during a round - it gives you a fillip and helps to build momentum during your day.

But how many should you make in your next round of golf? 

We have collated the averages for golfers across different handicap categories.

See how you compare to them!

Pars Per Round - Handicap Categories

• Handicaps 1-5: 10.87
• Handicaps 5-10: 8.78
• Handicaps 10-15: 6.96
• Handicaps 15-20: 5.04
• Handicaps 20-25: 3.69
• Handicaps 25-28: 2.75
• The Average Golfer (15 Handicap): 6.12

If you're averaging 11 pars a round, then you're among the strongest players in the Golfshake Community, with roughly six pars being the target for those with a 15 handicap.

But what about birdies - which can offer a highlight to even the most frustrating of rounds? On the PGA Tour in 2024, Scottie Scheffler averages 4.98 a round with Nelly Korda on the LPGA Tour standing at 4.22.

But if you're a handicap golfer, how many birdies can - and should - you expect to make in a round?

Birdies Per Round - Handicap Categories

• Handicaps 1-5: 2.96
• Handicaps 5-10: 1.75
• Handicaps 10-15: 1.26
• Handicaps 15-20: 0.82
• Handicaps 20-25: 0.54
• Handicaps 25-28: 0.37
• The Average Golfer (15 Handicap): 0.99

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

According to those statistics, only those with handicaps below 15 can realistically expect to have one birdie in a round. The rest of us have to make do with relative scraps, which should only make the birdies you do make something to be cherished even more.

Improving your numbers for both categories could take you to the next level - and the best way to keep track of that is through the Golfshake Score Tracker!

Related Content

Do You Score Well Enough on Par 3s

Do You Hit Enough Fairways And Greens in Regulation

Are You a Better Putter Than You Think

What's Stopping You From Reaching Single Figures

Are You Better Than The Average Golfer