Is Shooting -22 in Golf Good? Understanding Elite Tournament Scores
A score of -22 in golf is exceptionally good, representing 22 strokes under par for the tournament. To put this in perspective, it means a golfer has performed significantly better than the expected score for the course, showing remarkable skill and consistency.
Professional tournaments where players reach -22 or better are relatively rare. When it happens, it typically occurs on courses with favorable playing conditions or during events where scoring conditions are optimal. For example, Cameron Smith's victory at the 2022 Tournament of Champions with -34 shows that while -22 is impressive, even lower scores are possible.
Let me break down what -22 means in different tournament contexts:
• For a four-round tournament: Averaging 5.5 strokes under par per round • For a three-round tournament: Averaging about 7.3 strokes under par per round • For a two-round tournament: Averaging 11 strokes under par per round
Professional golfers consider -22 to be an excellent score that would typically put them in contention for victory at most tournaments. However, the significance of -22 can vary depending on:
• Course difficulty • Weather conditions • Tournament setup • Field strength • Course par rating
To achieve -22, a golfer needs to consistently make birdies and occasionally eagles while avoiding bogeys. This requires:
• Accurate driving • Precise approach shots • Strong putting • Excellent course management • Mental fortitude
For amateur golfers, reaching -22 would be an extraordinary achievement that very few could accomplish. Most amateur players would consider breaking par for a single round to be a significant accomplishment, let alone reaching -22 over multiple rounds.
In conclusion, -22 is not just good – it's exceptional. At the professional level, it's a score that frequently contends for tournament victories, while for amateurs, it represents a nearly impossible level of performance that showcases mastery of the game.