A recent report from Shot Scope shows that the United States leads the world with the lowest average handicap: 10.7, followed by Sweden (11.3) and Canada (11.7).

At first glance, these may seem like just numbers. But behind them lies an entire golf ecosystem — where infrastructure, training culture, and accessibility determine the overall standard of play.

1. The United States – A complete golf ecosystem and a “culture of competition”

It’s no surprise that the U.S. tops the list. The country boasts the largest network of golf courses and handicap management systems on the planet — over 16,000 golf courses, 25 million regular players, and hundreds of thousands of amateur tournaments every year.

In America, a handicap is more than a number — it’s a golfer’s identity card. From high school students and NCAA athletes to members of local clubs, maintaining an updated handicap is part of the country’s competitive culture.

Americans have a habit of playing competitively and measuring progress constantly. Every round is a test, every swing tracked by GPS devices or club sensors.

Technology plays a vital role. Systems like Shot Scope, Arccos, TrackMan, and USGA apps have ushered U.S. golf into the data age, allowing golfers to analyze clubhead speed, ball trajectory, and performance patterns.

As a result, even recreational golfers in America approach the game with discipline and competitiveness — leading to the world’s lowest average handicap.

2. Sweden – scientific thinking and europe’s model for golf education

With an average handicap of 11.3, Sweden is the only European nation close to the U.S. — and that’s no coincidence. Sweden has long implemented a comprehensive youth sports and education system, integrating golf from primary school to university. Golf here is viewed as a sport of intellect, not a luxury for the elite.

Since the 1990s, the Swedish Golf Federation has invested heavily in the National Golf Academy (Golfgymnasiet), where young athletes pursue both academics and intensive golf training.

Long, harsh winters that close golf courses for months have also pushed Swedes to embrace indoor training, simulators, putting labs, and launch monitors earlier than most nations.

This “data-driven” mindset has produced technically proficient, highly disciplined golfers — keeping Sweden among the world’s best, even under challenging conditions.

3. Canada and New Zealand – The strength of community golf

Canada (11.7) and New Zealand (12.3) share many similarities: relatively small populations, yet a deep-rooted community golf culture. In both countries, public courses are widely accessible, fees are affordable, and local golf associations play a strong developmental role.

Each province or region runs youth programs and vibrant amateur circuits, ensuring continuity from grassroots to competitive levels.

Crucially, golf is accessible to everyone. You don’t need to belong to a private club to play or improve. Regular amateur tournaments are open to all, fostering inclusiveness across generations.

As a result, golf has become a community sport rather than a status symbol — raising the overall quality and lowering average handicaps nationwide.

4. Japan and Spain – When golf is a symbol, not a competition

At the lower end of the table are Japan (16.0) and Spain (15.3) — two golf-rich nations with contrasting stories.

In Japan, golf was historically a status symbol tied to business culture rather than a widespread amateur pursuit. While Japanese golfers are known for etiquette and respect, few regularly play competitive rounds to maintain handicaps. Thus, despite world-class professionals like Hideki Matsuyama and Hinako Shibuno, the national average remains relatively high.

Spain, meanwhile, has produced legends like Seve Ballesteros and Sergio García, but grassroots golf is less common than in the U.K. or Ireland.
The climate is ideal and the courses are stunning, but uneven participation and limited local competitions have slowed progress in lowering average handicaps.

5. Vietnam – The gap and the opportunity

Vietnam currently lacks an official national handicap database, but estimates from local golf associations and courses suggest an average handicap of 18–25 — roughly 8–10 points higher than in developed golf nations.

The reasons are clear: lower playing frequency, fewer large-scale amateur tournaments, and the absence of a unified digital handicap system like the GHIN (U.S.) or EGA (Europe).

However, this also signals huge potential. With rapid infrastructure growth, structured youth programs such as From School to Green and the VGA Junior Tour, and stronger data systems on the horizon, Vietnam’s average handicap could significantly improve within the next five years.

6. The meaning behind the numbers

A low handicap reflects more than individual skill — it represents the maturity of a nation’s golf ecosystem, from education and technology to community engagement.

Leaders like the U.S. and Sweden demonstrate that personal achievement is built on collective systems — consistent competition, open access, and data transparency.

For Vietnam, the path may still be long, but it is promising. As golf becomes more accessible and handicap recording more transparent, the day Vietnam appears in the world rankings of golf performance will not be far away.