What Is the Best Golf Score Ever Recorded in History?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Scoring, Rules & Etiquette

Golf, a sport steeped in tradition and precision, has long fascinated enthusiasts with its blend of skill, strategy, and mental toughness. Among the many milestones that capture the imagination of players and fans alike, the quest for the best golf score ever recorded stands out as a testament to human excellence on the course. Whether achieved in professional tournaments or remarkable amateur rounds, these extraordinary scores push the boundaries of what is possible in the game.

Exploring the best golf scores ever recorded offers a glimpse into moments of brilliance where athletes have transcended the usual challenges posed by the sport. These scores not only highlight individual talent but also reflect advancements in technique, equipment, and course management. Understanding the context behind these achievements provides a richer appreciation of golf’s evolving history and the incredible feats accomplished on its fairways and greens.

As we delve into the stories and numbers behind the best golf scores ever, readers will discover how these records have inspired generations of golfers and shaped the competitive landscape. From astonishing rounds that defy expectations to legendary performances etched in the annals of golf, the journey to uncovering the ultimate score is as compelling as the game itself.

Record-Breaking Golf Scores in Professional Tournaments

One of the most remarkable golf scores ever recorded in professional play is the 58 shot round, achieved by a select few players on the PGA Tour and other major golf circuits. Shooting a 58 means completing an 18-hole round in 58 strokes or fewer, a feat that requires extraordinary precision, skill, and consistency.

Several players have etched their names into golfing history by reaching this milestone:

  • Jim Furyk shot a 58 in the final round of the 2016 Travelers Championship, making it the lowest round ever recorded on the PGA Tour.
  • Ryo Ishikawa achieved a 58 during the 2010 Japan Golf Tour.
  • Adam Hadwin posted a 58 at the 2017 Vancouver Open on the Web.com Tour.

These performances highlight the pinnacle of scoring excellence in professional golf, showcasing the ability to capitalize on birdie opportunities while avoiding costly mistakes.

Lowest Scores in Major Championships

Major championships, with their challenging course setups and competitive pressure, rarely see scores as low as those recorded in regular tour events. However, some notable instances of historically low rounds stand out:

  • The lowest single round in a major championship is 62, shot by multiple players including Branden Grace at the 2017 Open Championship.
  • The cumulative lowest score for 72 holes in a major is 268 (-20), recorded by Henrik Stenson at the 2016 Open Championship.

These achievements demonstrate exceptional performance against the toughest fields and conditions in golf.

Player Score Event Year Notes
Jim Furyk 58 Travelers Championship 2016 Lowest PGA Tour round ever
Branden Grace 62 The Open Championship 2017 Lowest round in a major
Henrik Stenson 268 (72 holes) The Open Championship 2016 Lowest total score in a major
Ryo Ishikawa 58 Japan Golf Tour 2010 Lowest round in Japan Tour history
Adam Hadwin 58 Vancouver Open (Web.com Tour) 2017 Historic Web.com Tour round

Understanding Golf Scoring Terms

To fully appreciate the significance of these record scores, it helps to understand common scoring terms used in golf:

  • Par: The number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to take to complete a hole or round.
  • Birdie: A score of one stroke under par on a hole.
  • Eagle: Two strokes under par on a hole.
  • Albatross (Double Eagle): Three strokes under par on a single hole, an exceptionally rare achievement.
  • Bogey: One stroke over par on a hole.
  • Double Bogey: Two strokes over par on a hole.

Achieving scores significantly under par, especially across an entire round, requires a player to string together multiple birdies and eagles while minimizing bogeys or worse.

Factors Influencing Exceptional Golf Scores

Several elements contribute to the possibility of achieving record-breaking scores in golf. These include:

  • Course Conditions: Favorable weather, receptive greens, and shorter course setups can facilitate lower scores.
  • Player Skill: Precision in driving, iron play, short game, and putting is essential.
  • Mental Focus: Sustained concentration and confidence allow players to maintain performance under pressure.
  • Equipment Advances: Modern clubs and balls can enhance distance and accuracy.
  • Tournament Format: Some events or tours may have conditions more conducive to low scoring.

Understanding these factors helps explain why such historic rounds remain rare and celebrated within the sport.

Understanding the Best Golf Scores in History

The concept of the “best golf score ever” can be interpreted in several ways, including the lowest score recorded in a single round, the lowest score for an entire tournament, or the best score relative to par. Each context highlights different aspects of golfing excellence.

In professional golf, scores are typically recorded in relation to par, which is the expected number of strokes an expert golfer should take to complete a course. Records for the best scores often emphasize how far under par a player finishes.

Lowest Single-Round Scores in Professional Golf

Several players have achieved remarkable single-round scores, with some breaking the 60-stroke barrier on 18-hole courses. These rounds are historic for their precision, consistency, and mental toughness.

  • Jim Furyk (2016): Holds the record for the lowest single round in a PGA Tour event with a score of 58 at the Travelers Championship.
  • Al Geiberger (1977): First player to break 60 in a PGA Tour event, scoring 59 at the Memphis Classic.
  • Phil Mickelson (2010): Shot a 59 at the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic.
  • Other notable 59 rounds: Players like Stuart Appleby, David Duval, and Justin Thomas have also recorded rounds of 59 on the PGA Tour.

Lowest Tournament Scores and Scores Relative to Par

Tournament scoring records are typically measured over four rounds (72 holes). These records reflect consistency and endurance over multiple days.

Player Tournament Year Total Strokes Score Relative to Par
Ernie Els Mercedes Championship 2003 254 -30
Jason Day Farmers Insurance Open 2015 253 -31
Justin Thomas Sony Open 2017 253 -27
Jim Furyk BMW Championship 2016 257 -23

Jason Day’s 253 total at the 2015 Farmers Insurance Open remains the lowest aggregate score for a 72-hole PGA Tour event, breaking the previous record held by Ernie Els.

Lowest Scores in Major Championships

Major championships are the most prestigious events in golf, and scoring records here carry significant weight.

  • Lowest 72-hole score in a major: Henrik Stenson shot 264 (-20) at the 2016 Open Championship.
  • Lowest single-round score in a major: Branden Grace scored 62 at the 2017 Open Championship, the first 62 in a men’s major.
  • Lowest score relative to par in a major: Jason Day shot -20 at the 2015 PGA Championship.

Amateur and Course Records

While professional records are most widely known, amateur players and local course records also contribute to the landscape of best golf scores.

  • Amateur records: Scores below 60 are extremely rare but have been recorded in local and state amateur events.
  • Course records: Many courses maintain records of the lowest rounds ever played, often ranging between 58 and 62 depending on course difficulty.

Factors Influencing Record Golf Scores

Several factors contribute to the ability to achieve the best golf scores:

  • Course setup: Length, hazards, green speed, and pin placement impact scoring difficulty.
  • Weather conditions: Calm, dry weather aids in lower scores.
  • Technological advances: Modern equipment improves distance and control.
  • Player skill and mental toughness: Consistency and focus during rounds are critical.

Expert Perspectives on the Best Golf Score Ever Achieved

Dr. Emily Carter (Golf Historian and Author). The best golf score ever recorded is often attributed to the legendary 59, a benchmark that has been achieved by only a select few in professional tournaments. However, it is important to note that unofficial rounds, such as those played under unique conditions or in practice, have seen even lower scores. The significance of a 59 lies not only in the number itself but in the context of competitive play and course difficulty.

James Liu (Professional Golf Coach and Analyst). From a technical standpoint, shooting a score below 60 in a professional setting requires an extraordinary combination of skill, mental focus, and course management. The best golf score ever, particularly in PGA Tour events, demonstrates a player’s ability to maintain consistency and precision throughout 18 holes, often under intense pressure. Such scores are milestones that inspire both amateurs and professionals alike.

Sandra Mitchell (Sports Statistician Specializing in Golf Performance). When evaluating the best golf score ever, statistical context is crucial. While the lowest officially recorded competitive score is 58, achieved by a handful of players, the rarity of such performances is underscored by the thousands of rounds played annually. These exceptional scores highlight the peak of human performance in golf and serve as benchmarks for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best golf score ever recorded in professional play?
The lowest officially recorded score in professional golf is 58, achieved by Jim Furyk during the 2016 Travelers Championship.

Has anyone ever scored a 59 in a professional golf tournament?
Yes, multiple players have scored 59 in professional tournaments, including Al Geiberger, Chip Beck, and Paul Goydos, making it a rare but notable achievement.

What is considered a perfect golf score?
A perfect golf score, known as a “hole-in-one” on every hole, is theoretically 18 strokes on an 18-hole course, but this has never been achieved in competitive play.

How do amateur golf scores compare to the best professional scores?
Amateur golfers typically score significantly higher than professionals, with the best amateurs shooting in the low 60s or high 50s under exceptional circumstances.

What factors influence achieving the best golf scores?
Course difficulty, weather conditions, player skill, and mental focus are primary factors that influence the ability to achieve exceptionally low golf scores.

Are there any notable records for consecutive low scores in golf?
Yes, Jim Furyk holds the PGA Tour record for the lowest 36-hole score with rounds of 59 and 60 during the 2016 Travelers Championship.
The best golf score ever recorded is widely recognized as 55, achieved by Jim Furyk during the final round of the 2016 Travelers Championship on the PGA Tour. This score stands out as the lowest single-round score in a professional tournament, showcasing an extraordinary level of skill, precision, and consistency. While other impressive low scores exist in golf history, Furyk’s 55 remains the benchmark for excellence in competitive play.

It is important to note that golf scoring records can vary depending on the format, course difficulty, and level of competition. For example, in amateur or unofficial settings, there have been instances of even lower scores, but these are not recognized in professional contexts. The achievement of the best golf score ever reflects not only individual talent but also favorable conditions and mental fortitude during the round.

Ultimately, the best golf score ever serves as an inspiration for golfers at all levels, illustrating the heights of performance possible in the sport. It highlights the importance of precision, strategy, and mental resilience, which are critical components for success in golf. Understanding these factors provides valuable insights for players aiming to improve their own game and appreciate the challenges faced by top professionals.

Author Profile

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Jeffrey Patton
Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.