What Is a Good Golf Score for 9 Holes?

9-holes is the perfect game for beginners. The shorter format saves time and is less physically demanding than the standard 18-hole game. 

If you’re new to the 9-hole format, you may be wondering, what’s a good score to aim for?

Golf scores are a great way to measure progress. Think of it like a measuring stick. While golf is a competition game, you also want to outdo your previous score and continually shoot lower over time. 

In this guide, we detail a good score for 9 holes and practical tips for achieving it. 

What is an Average Golf Score for 9-Holes?

According to data compiled by the USGA, the average score for amateur golfers on par 72 courses is 90. 

This score represents every 18 holes player, meaning that if you score a bogey on each hole, you’re close to an average golfer. 

A bogey is considered one stroke above par, so if you sank a 5-par hole in six shots, you’d receive a bogey. 

That said, the average score in a shorter 9-hole course is about 45. Since the holes are shorter, it’s much easier to hit a hole-in-one, something every golfer dreams about. 

What is a Bad Golf Score for 9-Holes?

A bad score for 9-holes is generally in the high 50s, making you a candidate for a high-handicap golfer. In general, most golfers can net even par to a +3 par for any given round. Anything higher is considered a bad score. 

Of course, a bad score varies depending on the course’s difficulty and the golfer’s skill level. 

What’s a Good Beginner’s Golf Score for 9-Holes?

Generally, 55 or under is a good beginner’s golf score for 9 holes. Many beginners may struggle to even break 60. 

However, intermediate players should score 42 or under, and advanced golfers should receive a score of 34 or below. 

Is Breaking 40 Considered a Good Golf Score for 9-Holes?

Generally, breaking 40 is considered a good score for 9 holes. Many advanced and pro-level golfers hit under 40, but that’s an excellent achievement for casual and amateur golfers. For reference, breaking 40 would mean averaging a touch over 4 strokes per hole. 

Is It Good To Break 50 in a Golf Score for 9 Holes?

Yes, breaking 50 is great for most recreational golfers. If you can break 50, that’s often a sign that you’re moving to the intermediate stage. 

This would mean you’re averaging slightly over 5 strokes per hole. If you’ve struggled to break 50’s in the past but have broken through and now consistently hit the 50s, it’s typically a sign of skill progression. 

Practical Tips to Achieve a Good 9-Hole Golf Score

Many beginners choose to play 9-holes versus 18-holes. It’s shorter and far less physically demanding than the standard 18-hole game. 

If you want to take your 9-hole game to the next level, follow our practical tips to improve your scores. 

Memorize Your Club Distances 

Nowadays, many golf rangefinders or apps can track the distances you’ve hit with each club. With the popularity of golf-specific apps, it’s easier than ever to measure distances and track your scores over time. 

57% of golfers use apps to post their scores, and 46% use them as a course guide or measuring distances. 

These apps will provide an exact distance to the flag, so you know where you are in relation to the pin. From there, you can take a strategic approach to select the right club and gameplan your holes ahead of time. 

Spend More Time Practicing Your Short Game 

9-holes is a shorter format, and over half of your round will be around the green; your strokes will be won and lost while chipping or putting. 

There are many ways to improve your short game; the specific tips will depend on your current deficiencies. Here are several ways to improve your chipping: 

• Be in the proper posture: Great posture involves hinging forward from the hips and letting your arms hang. 
• Develop your feel: When gripping the club, your wrists should be relaxed and soft. Get a feel for necessary wrist action on your shots. 
• Master distance control: Practice hitting to set markers or targets to get a good feel for different yardages. 
• Read the greens: This means analyzing the slope and putting the surface to determine how the ball will roll toward the hole. For example, fast greens roll easily, so overshooting is common, while sloping greens are uphill, so they may require greater force. 

There are plenty of ways to practice your short game. It’s essential to master the fundamentals and analyze your weak points to tailor your practice around that. 

Develop a Routine For All Your Shots 

Pre-shot routines can help golfers loosen up their hands and arms. 

As a beginner, this can establish consistency so that you can predictably hit shots. Ultimately, a pre-shot routine works to help you get into the right frame of mind before taking your shot. 

Here are a few steps you can take in your routine: 

1. Assess the situation: Determine the distance and assess the conditions. What is the target line, and what factors are at play here? (rain, uphill, etc.) 
2. Prepare for your shot: This is where you align your feet and body to the target line while also aiming the clubface at the intended target. 
3. Take a few practice swings: Practice swings can help you get a feel for the club’s weight and reinforce a smooth and controlled motion. 
4. Execute the shot: Take your stance and initiate the swing. Trust in your preparation and allow it to flow naturally.

All great athletes have a routine, so develop a routine that helps you consistently produce great swings. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we’ve compiled a related FAQ section about the average score for a 9-hole course. 

What Is Usually Par for a 9-Hole Course?

Most golf courses have a par rating of 36 for 9 holes. The par is the number of strokes a professional golfer would take to finish the entire course. This depends on the course and slope rating. These ratings indicate the difficulty, which affects what’s par for the 9-hole course. 

What Is the Average Score for 9 Holes of Golf for a Woman?

The average score for 9 holes for a woman is 54. Many recreational female golfers fall within a range between 45 to 60 strokes. What constitutes a good golf score will vary depending on many factors, such as the course difficulty, slope factor, and the individual’s skill level. 

Final Thoughts

As a golfer, you can focus on reaching your personal best by improving your scores over time. 

One of the best ways to improve is to have the right gear and apparel. Wearing golf-specific apparel is functional, providing more breathability and flexibility to your game and giving you the air of confidence you need to crush it on the course.

Stitch Golf has got you covered for any golf needs, including golf gear and apparel. Shop today for stylish golf apparel to level up your game!