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Weekly Quiz!

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Good luck! 😀 

What Do Golfers Actually Shoot?

How often do you think you should break 90?
If you're a 10 handicap, your gut might say “pretty much every time.” Maybe you're disappointed when you shoot an 88 instead of 82.

But what if I told you a 10 index only breaks 80 in 4.7% of rounds and shoots in the 70s just once every 21 rounds?

Surprised? You're not alone.

I’ve spent a lot of time around golfers who feel like they're underperforming — when in reality, they're doing exactly what the data says they should be doing.

Let’s fix that.

Here's What the Data Shows

The table below shows the actual scoring distribution for golfers at different handicap levels, playing on what many would call their “typical” course:

• Par 72

• Course rating between 71.0 and 71.9

• Slope between 127 and 134

• Length: 6100 to 6550 yards

These are the kinds of courses many of us play every week.

Each column represents a handicap index. Each row shows the percentage of rounds that finished with that score.

We’re talking real posted rounds, on real courses, by real golfers — not hypotheticals.

 Quick Takeaways:

1. Shooting in the 70s? That’s elite territory.

• 0 Index: 89.9% of rounds are 79 or better

• 5 Index: Just 40.7% in the 70s

• 10 Index: Only 4.7% of rounds

• 15+ Index? Basically never

2. Breaking 90 isn’t a guarantee.

• 10 Index: Does it in 80.7% of rounds

• 15 Index: Just 33.9%

• 20 Index: Only 4.8%

3. Breaking 100 is still a milestone for many.

• 20 Index golfers only shoot under 100 in 67.4% of rounds. That means 1 out of every 3 rounds is triple digits — and that’s totally normal.

So What Does This Mean for You?

Far too many golfers get frustrated because they believe they’re “supposed” to shoot a certain number. But if the number in your head doesn’t match what golfers at your skill level actually shoot, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment — no matter how well you’re playing.

Here’s the truth: You don’t shoot your handicap. Not often. Your index is a reflection of your potential… the way you play on your best days. Not your average.

Let me say that again: Your handicap is not your average.

And that’s OK. In fact, that’s exactly how the system is built.

Adjust Your Expectations. Enjoy the Game.

• If you’re a 10 index and you shoot 85, you’re right in the heart of the bell curve.

• If you’re a 20 and you shoot 95, you just had one of your better rounds.

• And if you're a 5 and shoot 81? That's still inside your normal pattern.

Stop chasing ghosts. Start playing with perspective.

This game is hard, even for good players. But it becomes a lot more fun when your expectations are rooted in reality.

See you next week…

And here’s to embracing the numbers and the journey.

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  Have a great week!