Putting accounts for roughly 40% of all strokes in a round of golf, yet most amateur golfers spend the majority of their practice time on the driving range. Understanding what a good number of putts per round looks like for your skill level is the first step toward meaningful improvement.
Putting Averages by Handicap
Your expected putts per round varies significantly depending on your handicap. Here's a breakdown of typical putting averages:
| Handicap Range | Avg Putts/Round | Putts per GIR | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGA Tour Pro | 28-29 | 1.74 | Elite |
| Scratch (0) | 29-30 | 1.78 | Excellent |
| Low (1-9) | 30-32 | 1.83 | Very Good |
| Mid (10-18) | 32-35 | 1.92 | Good |
| High (19-28) | 35-38 | 2.05 | Average |
| Beginner (28+) | 38-42 | 2.20+ | Needs Work |
Why Total Putts Can Be Misleading
Total putts per round is a useful baseline, but it doesn't tell the full story. A golfer who misses every green and chips close will have fewer putts than someone who hits 14 greens but leaves themselves 40-foot birdie putts. That's why putts per GIR (Greens in Regulation) is considered a better measure of true putting ability.
If you're hitting more greens but your total putts aren't dropping, it likely means your approach shots are leaving you with longer first putts. Conversely, if your total putts seem low but you're rarely hitting greens, you're probably a good chipper rather than a great putter.
How to Lower Your Putts Per Round
1. Eliminate Three-Putts
Three-putts are the biggest stroke waster on the green. The average 15-handicapper three-putts about 3-4 times per round. Reducing that to once or twice saves 2-3 strokes instantly. Focus on lag putting — getting your first putt within 3 feet of the hole from long range.
2. Master Distance Control
Distance control matters more than line on putts over 10 feet. Practice hitting putts to specific distances (20 feet, 30 feet, 40 feet) without aiming at a hole. The goal is to roll every putt within a 3-foot circle of your target.
3. Develop a Pre-Putt Routine
Tour pros have a consistent routine that takes 20-30 seconds. Read the green, take one or two practice strokes to feel the distance, align your putter, and stroke. Consistency breeds confidence.
4. Read Greens from Below the Hole
The most useful green-reading angle is from below (behind) the hole looking back toward your ball. This view best reveals the slope and break. Combine it with a read from behind your ball for a complete picture.
5. Track Your Putting Stats
You can't improve what you don't measure. Use MyBirdieBoard to track putts per round, three-putts, and putting trends over time. Seeing the data helps you identify whether your putting is actually the problem — or if it's your approach shots leaving you in tough positions.
Quick Putting Drill: The 3-6-9 Ladder
Place tees at 3, 6, and 9 feet from the hole. Make 3 in a row from each distance before moving back. If you miss, start over at 3 feet. This builds confidence on the putts that matter most — over 50% of all putts on the PGA Tour are from inside 10 feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many putts per round is good?
For most amateur golfers, 30-32 putts per round is considered good. PGA Tour pros average around 29 putts. Beginners typically average 36-40 putts.
What is putts per GIR?
Putts per GIR measures your putting only on holes where you hit the green in regulation. It's a more accurate measure of putting skill because it removes chip-and-one-putt situations.
How can I reduce my putts per round?
Focus on lag putting to eliminate three-putts, practice distance control, develop a consistent pre-putt routine, and read greens from multiple angles. Tracking your stats helps pinpoint weaknesses.
Is 36 putts per round bad?
36 putts is average for a mid-to-high handicap golfer. Reducing to 32 putts would save you 4 strokes per round — a significant improvement.
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