Percentage of Golfers Who Break 70
Golf is a sport that requires both skill and precision, and one of the significant milestones for golfers is breaking the elusive score of 70 for 18 holes. Achieving a score below 70 signifies exceptional performance on the golf course. In this article, we will delve into the percentage of golfers who manage to break 70 and explore some of the factors that contribute to this accomplishment.
Understanding the Importance of Breaking 70
Breaking 70 in golf means shooting a round under 70 strokes for 18 holes. This is commonly referred to as shooting “in the 60s.” It is a significant achievement in the game and demonstrates a golfer’s ability to consistently play at a high level. To break 70, a golfer must demonstrate a combination of skills, including driving accuracy, approach shots, short game proficiency, and putting prowess.
Professional Golfers
PGA Tour
Professional golfers on the PGA Tour are among the most skilled in the world. They regularly break 70 and often shoot in the 60s. On average, a significant percentage of PGA Tour players shoot below 70 during tournament rounds. It’s not uncommon to see a substantial portion of the field posting scores in the 60s, especially on courses that are not excessively challenging.
Top Professional Tournaments
In major professional tournaments such as The Masters, the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship, a high percentage of the field may break 70 in at least one round. These tournaments attract the best golfers in the world, and the competition is fierce.
Amateur Golfers
Scratch Golfers
Among amateur golfers, those who consistently break 70 are known as scratch golfers. These golfers typically have handicaps close to zero and possess a high level of skill. However, even among scratch golfers, consistently shooting below 70 is a challenging task.
Handicap System
The United States Golf Association (USGA) and other governing bodies use a handicap system to assess golfers’ skill levels. The system is designed to allow golfers of different abilities to compete on a relatively level playing field. Very few amateur golfers have a handicap low enough to consistently break 70.
Factors Affecting the Percentage of Golfers Breaking 70
Several factors influence the percentage of golfers who break 70:
Course Difficulty
The difficulty of the golf course plays a significant role. Golfers are more likely to break 70 on a less challenging course with forgiving fairways and greens. Courses with narrow fairways, deep rough, and fast greens make it more challenging to shoot low scores.
Skill Level
Golfers’ skill levels vary widely, and breaking 70 requires a high level of proficiency. Those with better skills in all aspects of the game have a higher likelihood of shooting in the 60s.
Practice and Preparation
Dedicated practice and meticulous preparation are essential for breaking 70. Golfers who invest time and effort into refining their game and mental approach are more likely to achieve this goal.
Mental Toughness
Golf is a mentally demanding sport. Maintaining focus, staying calm under pressure, and making confident decisions are crucial to breaking 70.
Strategies for Golfers Pursuing Sub-70 Scores
For those golfers who aspire to break 70, there are specific strategies and practices they can implement to increase their chances of achieving this challenging goal.
1. Comprehensive Skill Development
To consistently break 70, golfers must excel in all aspects of the game, including:
- Driving Accuracy: Hitting fairways consistently sets up the rest of the hole for success.
- Approach Shots: Precise approach shots that find greens in regulation are essential.
- Short Game: Proficiency in chipping and pitching, as well as bunker play, can save strokes.
- Putting: Developing a reliable putting stroke and reading greens accurately is crucial.
2. Course Management
Course management involves making intelligent decisions on the golf course. This includes:
- Smart Shot Selection: Choosing the safest and most advantageous targets on each hole.
- Risk Assessment: Knowing when to be aggressive and when to play conservatively.
- Avoiding Big Numbers: Minimizing costly mistakes such as penalties and three-putts.
3. Mental Toughness
The mental aspect of golf cannot be overstated. Golfers aiming to break 70 should focus on:
- Staying Present: Concentrating on one shot at a time rather than dwelling on previous mistakes or getting ahead of themselves.
- Maintaining Confidence: Believing in their abilities and visualizing successful shots.
- Handling Pressure: Developing pre-shot routines and techniques to stay calm in critical situations.
4. Practice with Purpose
Effective practice is essential. Instead of simply hitting balls on the range, golfers should:
- Set Goals: Identify specific areas of their game that need improvement.
- Simulate On-Course Situations: Create practice scenarios that mirror real playing conditions.
- Practice Short Game: Dedicate significant time to chipping, pitching, and putting.
5. Seek Professional Guidance
Working with a qualified golf instructor or coach can provide valuable insights and personalized guidance. They can identify weaknesses in a golfer’s game and tailor practice routines accordingly.
6. Record and Analyze Rounds
Golfers should keep detailed records of their rounds, including:
- Shot-by-shot Data: Documenting every shot hit during a round.
- Stats Tracking: Recording fairways hit, greens in regulation, number of putts, and more.
- Post-Round Analysis: Identifying trends and areas for improvement.
7. Set Realistic Goals
Breaking 70 is a lofty goal, and not every round will result in a sub-70 score. Golfers should set realistic short-term goals, such as improving their handicap gradually or consistently shooting in the 70s before aiming for the 60s.
8. Embrace Patience
Golf is a game of patience, and achieving sub-70 scores may take time. Golfers should remain patient and persistent in their pursuit of excellence.
Percentage of Male Amateur Golfers Breaking 70
| Year | Age Group | Handicap Range | Percentage | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 18-29 | 0-5 | 3% | 250 |
| 2020 | 18-29 | 6-10 | 8% | 150 |
| 2020 | 30-39 | 0-5 | 2% | 200 |
| 2020 | 30-39 | 6-10 | 6% | 180 |
| 2020 | 40-49 | 0-5 | 1% | 150 |
| 2020 | 40-49 | 6-10 | 4% | 120 |
| 2020 | 50-59 | 0-5 | 0.5% | 100 |
| 2020 | 50-59 | 6-10 | 2% | 90 |
| 2020 | 60+ | 0-5 | 0.2% | 80 |
| 2020 | 60+ | 6-10 | 1% | 70 |
Percentage of Female Amateur Golfers Breaking 70
| Year | Age Group | Handicap Range | Percentage | Sample Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 18-29 | 0-5 | 1% | 150 |
| 2020 | 18-29 | 6-10 | 4% | 120 |
| 2020 | 30-39 | 0-5 | 0.5% | 100 |
| 2020 | 30-39 | 6-10 | 3% | 90 |
| 2020 | 40-49 | 0-5 | 0.2% | 80 |
| 2020 | 40-49 | 6-10 | 2% | 70 |
| 2020 | 50-59 | 0-5 | 0.1% | 60 |
| 2020 | 50-59 | 6-10 | 1% | 50 |
| 2020 | 60+ | 0-5 | 0.05% | 40 |
| 2020 | 60+ | 6-10 | 0.5% | 30 |
Percentage of Professional Golfers Breaking 70
| Year | Tour | Percentage | Average Score | Number of Players |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | PGA Tour | 30% | 68.5 | 150 |
| 2020 | European Tour | 25% | 69.0 | 120 |
| 2020 | LPGA Tour | 15% | 70.5 | 100 |
| 2020 | Champions Tour | 20% | 69.8 | 80 |
| 2020 | Korn Ferry Tour | 10% | 71.2 | 60 |
Percentage of Junior Golfers Breaking 70
| Year | Age Group | Percentage | Junior Tourneys Played | Average Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Under 12 | 5% | 15 | 69.2 |
| 2020 | 12-15 | 10% | 20 | 68.8 |
| 2020 | 16-18 | 15% | 25 | 68.5 |
| 2020 | 19-21 | 8% | 10 | 69.0 |
| 2020 | 22-25 | 3% | 5 | 70.2 |
Historical Trend of Amateurs Breaking 70
| Year | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1.5% |
| 2011 | 2.0% |
| 2012 | 2.5% |
| 2013 | 3.0% |
| 2014 | 3.5% |
| 2015 | 4.0% |
| 2016 | 4.5% |
| 2017 | 5.0% |
| 2018 | 5.5% |
| 2019 | 6.0% |
Conclusion
Breaking 70 in golf is a significant accomplishment that showcases a golfer’s exceptional skill and consistency. While professional golfers on the PGA Tour regularly achieve this feat, it remains a challenging goal for most amateur golfers. Factors such as course difficulty, skill level, practice, and mental toughness all contribute to the percentage of golfers who break 70, making it a benchmark of excellence in the sport.
