In golf, what constitutes a "good" score is highly relative. Factors like skill level, course difficulty, and personal goals all play a significant role. Here's a breakdown of how to evaluate golf scores:

Skill Level Considerations

• Beginner Golfer: For a novice, breaking 120 for 18 holes is a good starting point. Focusing on consistent contact and completing each hole is more important than the score itself at this stage.
• Average Golfer: Most recreational golfers shoot between 90 and 100. Breaking 90 is often seen as a significant milestone.
• Skilled Amateur: Low-handicap golfers consistently shoot in the 80s or even 70s. Breaking 80 is a marker of a highly proficient amateur.
• Professional Golfer: On professional tours, scores in the 60s are the norm, with many elite players averaging below par (72 for a typical course).

Course Difficulty Matters

• Course Rating: Each golf course has a rating that indicates its difficulty based on length, hazards, and other factors. A lower score on a difficult course is more impressive than a higher score on an easy course.
• Slope Rating: The slope rating adjusts the course rating for players of varying skill levels. Consider this when comparing scores across different courses.

Personal Goals vs. Averages

• Improvement as Success: Instead of comparing to averages, track your own progress. A "good" score is one that's better than your previous round, even by a few strokes.
• Enjoyment Factor: Ultimately, golf should be fun! If you're enjoying the game and improving, that's more important than aiming for a specific number.

General Guidelines

While highly subjective, here’s a very general idea of what score ranges might be considered "good" given different skill levels:

• Beginner: 100-120
• Average: 90-100
• Skilled: 70-90
• Professional: 60-70

References

• Golf Digest - What is a good golf score? 
• The Grint - What is a Good Golf Score? (And How to Improve Yours) 
• USGA - Course Rating and Slope Rating: 

Remember: Golf is a challenging sport. Focus on your individual improvement, enjoy the process, and celebrate your achievements along the way!