What division should I be in?

What division should I play?

This is the age-old question for many many players. Mostly it is asked by those that are new to tournament play, but sometimes it is asked by players that have tournament experience who are looking for validation and re-assurance. This page is intended to guide players in their division choice. Other information regarding divisions, player ratings, and the official guidelines for PDGA-sanctioned play can be found on the PDGA website. First, some key definitions:

SSA = Statistical Scoring Average. This number represents the score that a "scratch" level player would shoot on an average basis.

1000 Rating = "Scratch" golfer. A player with a 1000 rating is considered to be a scratch golfer. All of the top players in the world have ratings between 1000 and 1040. Most players have a rating somewhere below 1000.

The tables below represent the estimated range of scores expected in each division on each particular course. These estimations are based upon the range of ratings that define each division. The tables can be used in one of two ways.

If you know your rating, you can get a rough idea of what kind of a score you may shoot at a particular course.
If you know what you average at a particular course, you can figure out what division is best for you.

The formula best recommended for #2 is to take what you believe to be your average score on the course and add 2 strokes (for the added "pressure" of tournament play vs casual play).

"Open" divisions (all ages)

Course	Rough SSA	Pro Scores (960+ rating)	Adv Scores (910-960)	Int Scores (860-910)	Rec Scores (below 860)
Beaverbrook	43	41-47	47-51	51-54	55 and up
Dragan Field	48	45-50	51-56	57-61	62 and up
Enman Field Beauty	51	50-58	59-64	64-69	70 and up
Enman Field Beast	52	51-59	59-64	64-69	70 and up

"Masters" divisions (40 and older)

Course	Rough SSA	Pro Scores (915+ rating)	Adv Scores (below 915)
Beaverbrook	43	44-49	49 and up
Dragan Field	48	49-53	54 and up
Enman Field Beauty	51	54-60	61 and up
Enman Field Beast	52	55-61	62 and up

If you feel like you're on the bubble between two divisions, don't hesitate to try out the lower division if you feel uneasy. But chances are, you will find that that playing the higher of the two might be more worthwhile. In the end though, it is up to you as an individual to decide where you want to play, at least to start. Good luck.