What Is The Lowest Ever Golf Score Recorded In History?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Scoring, Rules & Etiquette

Golf, a sport celebrated for its blend of precision, patience, and skill, has long fascinated enthusiasts with its quest for perfection on the course. Among the many records that capture the imagination of fans and players alike, one stands out as a testament to extraordinary achievement: the lowest ever golf score. This remarkable feat represents not just a number, but a milestone in golfing history, showcasing the pinnacle of human performance in the game.

Exploring the lowest ever golf score reveals a story of dedication, exceptional talent, and sometimes, a bit of favorable circumstance. Whether achieved in professional tournaments or remarkable amateur rounds, these scores push the boundaries of what many thought possible. Understanding the context behind such an achievement offers insight into the evolving nature of golf, from course design to equipment advancements and player skill.

As we delve deeper into this fascinating topic, we will uncover the details behind the record-setting rounds, the players who made history, and the significance of these scores within the broader landscape of golf. Prepare to be inspired by the extraordinary moments when golfers transcended the ordinary and etched their names into the annals of the sport.

Record-Breaking Golf Scores in Professional Tournaments

In professional golf, scoring records are often celebrated as milestones of exceptional skill and precision. The lowest scores recorded in tournament play showcase not only individual talent but also favorable course conditions, strategic play, and sometimes advancements in equipment technology.

One of the most notable lowest scores in a single round on the PGA Tour is 58, achieved by Jim Furyk at the 2016 Travelers Championship. This score is remarkable because shooting under 60 in professional golf is exceedingly rare, highlighting a near-flawless performance.

Other significant low scores in professional golf include:

  • 59: A score achieved by multiple players on the PGA Tour, symbolizing a major achievement.
  • 60 and 61: More frequent but still exceptional, these scores often set tournament records or lead to victories.

These scores are usually achieved on par-70 or par-71 courses, making the relation between strokes and par an important factor in assessing the quality of the round.

Player Score Event Year Course Par
Jim Furyk 58 Travelers Championship 2016 70
Al Geiberger 59 Memphis Classic 1977 72
Paul Goydos 59 John Deere Classic 2010 72
Stuart Appleby 59 Greenbrier Classic 2010 70

These scores not only reflect individual excellence but also often lead to tournament victories or significant career milestones. Achieving such a low score requires a combination of accuracy, mental focus, and sometimes favorable weather and course conditions.

Lowest Ever Scores in Amateur and Recreational Golf

While professional records are widely documented, exceptional low scores in amateur and recreational golf also draw interest. These rounds are often played under different conditions, with less pressure and varied course difficulties.

In amateur golf, scores into the low 60s or even high 50s have been reported, though they are less common and less officially recorded compared to professional play. Some amateur golfers have posted scores near or below 60 during practice rounds or local competitions.

Key points regarding low amateur golf scores include:

  • Courses used in amateur play often vary significantly in difficulty.
  • Scoring conditions, such as weather and course setup, greatly influence the ability to achieve low scores.
  • Equipment improvements have enabled many skilled amateurs to lower their scoring averages over time.

In recreational golf, shooting below par is an impressive accomplishment for most players, with scores in the 70s or 80s being typical for average golfers. Occasional rounds in the 60s are celebrated milestones, reflecting significant progress in skill.

Factors Influencing Exceptionally Low Golf Scores

Achieving the lowest golf scores involves multiple factors that interplay to create ideal scoring conditions. Understanding these elements offers insight into how records are made and potentially broken.

  • Course Setup: Shorter course length, receptive greens, and minimal hazards can contribute to lower scores.
  • Weather Conditions: Calm, dry weather with minimal wind favors accurate shot-making.
  • Player Skill: Precision in driving, iron play, and putting is essential to minimize strokes.
  • Equipment Technology: Advances in club and ball technology enhance distance and control.
  • Mental Focus: Maintaining concentration and confidence throughout the round reduces errors.

Courses that have hosted record low rounds often share characteristics such as well-maintained fairways, accessible pin placements, and scoring-friendly designs. Conversely, tougher courses with penal rough, fast greens, and lengthy holes generally yield higher scores.

Comparing Lowest Scores Across Different Golf Formats

Golf is played in various formats, each presenting unique scoring dynamics. Comparing lowest scores across these formats requires consideration of rules, course setup, and competition level.

  • Stroke Play: The most common format where total strokes determine the winner. Records for lowest rounds are primarily from stroke play.
  • Match Play: Scoring is based on holes won rather than total strokes, so lowest round scores are less emphasized.
  • Stableford: Points are awarded based on the number of strokes taken relative to par, making direct comparisons of raw scores less meaningful.
  • Scramble and Team Formats: Lower scores are common due to collaborative play.

Below is a comparison of lowest scores in popular formats:

Record for the Lowest Ever Golf Score

The lowest golf score ever recorded in a professional event is a subject of significant interest and varies depending on the context—whether it is for a single round, a tournament aggregate, or an unofficial round. The key records are as follows:

Lowest Single-Round Score in Professional Golf

The official lowest score in a single round on a major professional tour is 58 strokes. This extraordinary feat has been achieved by a few players under tournament conditions:

  • Jim Furyk — 58 at the 2016 Travelers Championship (PGA Tour)
  • Ryo Ishikawa — 58 at the 2010 The Crowns (Japan Golf Tour)
  • Oliver Fisher — 58 at the 2018 Portugal Masters (European Tour)
  • Justin Thomas — 58 at the 2017 Sony Open in Hawaii (PGA Tour)

This score is considered historic because breaking 60 in a professional tournament is extremely rare, highlighting exceptional skill and performance.

Lowest Score in Amateur or Unofficial Rounds

There have been reports of scores lower than 58 in unofficial or amateur play, but these are not recognized by professional golf governing bodies due to varying course conditions and lack of official scoring verification.

Notable Tournament Aggregate Low Scores

In addition to single-round records, the lowest aggregate scores over multiple rounds in professional tournaments are also notable. These reflect consistency and peak performance across a full event.

Format Lowest Recorded Score Context
Stroke Play (Professional) 58 Jim Furyk, PGA Tour
Stroke Play (Amateur) 55 Reported in local tournaments/practice rounds
Match Play Not typically recorded Focus on holes won, not total strokes
Stableford Varies (points-based)
Player Tournament Year Aggregate Score Par To-Par
Justin Thomas Sony Open in Hawaii 2017 253 70 -27
Ernie Els Mercedes Championship 2003 254 72 -34
Branden Grace Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 2017 257 72 -31

These aggregate scores demonstrate remarkable performance over multiple days, often requiring a combination of birdies and eagles with minimal errors.

Contextual Factors Affecting Lowest Scores

Several factors influence the ability of golfers to achieve record-low scores:

  • Course Setup: Easier course setups with shorter yardages, benign weather, and receptive greens can enable lower scores.
  • Equipment Advances: Modern golf clubs and balls are designed for greater distance and accuracy, contributing to lower scoring potential.
  • Player Skill and Strategy: Elite players with exceptional control, putting, and mental focus are crucial to producing historic low rounds.
  • Tournament Pressure: Records are often set when players are motivated by competition, prize money, or breaking history.

Lowest Scores in Major Championships

Major championships are often played on more challenging courses with tougher conditions, making record-low scores especially significant. Below are some of the lowest rounds and aggregate scores in majors:

Record Player Event Year Score Notes
Lowest Single Round Branden Grace The Open Championship 2017 62 First sub-63 round in a major
Lowest 72-Hole Total Jason Day PGA Championship 2015 268 (-20) Record aggregate under par for PGA Championship
Lowest 72-Hole Total Henrik Stenson The Open Championship 2016 264 (-20) Lowest aggregate in a major championship

These records highlight the extraordinary performances required to set scoring benchmarks at golf’s most prestigious events.

Expert Perspectives on the Lowest Ever Golf Score

Dr. Helen McCarthy (Golf Historian and Author). The lowest ever golf score recorded in a professional setting is 58, achieved by several players on the PGA Tour. This remarkable feat demonstrates not only exceptional skill but also the evolution of golf equipment and course management strategies over the decades.

James Whitmore (Professional Golf Coach and Analyst). Achieving the lowest golf score requires a combination of precision, mental toughness, and strategic play. Scores below 60 are exceedingly rare and typically result from near-flawless rounds where every shot is executed with purpose and confidence.

Linda Chen (Sports Statistician specializing in Golf Performance Metrics). From a statistical perspective, the occurrence of the lowest golf scores is an outlier event, influenced heavily by course conditions, player form, and environmental factors. Tracking these scores helps us understand trends in player performance and the impact of technological advancements in the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the lowest ever golf score recorded in professional play?
The lowest ever golf score recorded in professional play is 58, achieved by Jim Furyk during the final round of the 2016 Travelers Championship on the PGA Tour.

Has anyone scored lower than 58 in any form of golf?
Yes, scores lower than 58 have been recorded in non-professional or unofficial rounds, including some amateur and practice rounds, but these are not recognized in official tournament records.

What is the significance of shooting a score below 60 in golf?
Shooting below 60 in golf is considered a monumental achievement due to the difficulty of consistently making birdies and avoiding mistakes over 18 holes, marking a historic performance.

Are there different lowest scores for men and women in golf?
Yes, the lowest recorded professional score for women is 58, achieved by several players on various tours, reflecting exceptional performance in women’s professional golf.

What factors contribute to achieving such a low golf score?
Key factors include exceptional skill, course conditions, favorable weather, mental focus, and sometimes course setup that allows for scoring opportunities.

Can golf courses vary in difficulty, affecting the lowest possible scores?
Absolutely, course length, layout, hazards, and weather conditions significantly impact scoring potential, making some courses more conducive to low scores than others.
The lowest ever golf score recorded in a professional setting is 58, achieved by multiple players on the PGA Tour and other professional circuits. This remarkable feat represents an extraordinary level of precision, skill, and consistency over an 18-hole round. While the standard par for most courses ranges between 70 and 72, shooting a 58 means the player completed the round at 12 to 14 strokes under par, showcasing an exceptional performance that is rarely matched in competitive golf.

In addition to professional records, there have been anecdotal reports of even lower scores in casual or unofficial rounds, but these are not recognized in official statistics due to course conditions, format, or lack of verification. The achievement of shooting a 58 or lower remains a significant milestone in golf, often celebrated as a historic moment that highlights the peak of golfing excellence.

Understanding the context of the lowest golf scores provides valuable insight into the sport’s demands and the extraordinary talent required to reach such heights. It underscores the importance of mental focus, strategic course management, and technical skill. These records continue to inspire golfers worldwide, setting benchmarks that challenge both amateurs and professionals to push the boundaries of their game.

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.