The real
numbers
Scoring benchmarks by handicap, rounded from millions of logged amateur shots (Shot Scope, Arccos). These are the same reference numbers your coach benchmarks you against — take the free assessment to see where your game sits.
26%
of greens hit in regulation by a 15-handicap — under 5 greens a round, and that's normal
Greens in regulation by handicap →
34.8
putts per round for the average 15-handicap — about 5 more than scratch, almost all from pace
Putts per round by handicap →
every 10.4 holes
a 15-handicap three-putts — roughly 1.7 wasted strokes per round from pace alone
Three-putts by handicap →
~7 vs 0.7
doubles-or-worse per round: 20-handicap vs scratch. Big numbers ARE the handicap.
Doubles or worse by handicap →
25%
of up-and-downs converted by a 15-handicap — moving to 40% is worth 1–2 strokes most rounds
Up-and-down conversion by handicap →
1 in 4
rounds where even a 10-handicap racks up 3+ penalty strokes (Arccos data)
Penalty strokes by handicap →