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There are several ways to score points in golf, with the Stableford scoring system being the most popular in the UK. Unlike in stroke play, where the player with the lowest score wins, the Stableford system awards points for the number of strokes taken on each hole in relation to par, with the goal being to have the highest score. The number of strokes a player receives on a hole depends on their handicap. For example, a player with a handicap of 5 will get one stroke on the five most difficult holes of the course. If one of the five toughest holes was a par-4, it would play as a par-5 for this golfer, meaning they'd receive par points if they shot a 5 on the hole.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scoring System | Stableford, Stroke Play |
| Stableford Scoring | Awards points for the number of strokes taken on each hole in relation to par |
| Stableford Points | The higher the score, the better; point values can be adjusted |
| Stableford Handicap | A player with a handicap of 5 gets a shot on the 5 hardest holes; a 20-handicap golfer gets one stroke for every hole, plus an extra stroke on the 2 most challenging holes |
| Modified Stableford | Awards more points for good scores than there are points lost for bogeys, promoting aggressive play |
| Modified Stableford Points | -3 points for double bogey or worse; 8 points for three strokes under |
| Stroke Play | The player with the fewest strokes wins |
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What You'll Learn
Stableford scoring
Stableford is a scoring system in golf that awards points based on the number of strokes taken on each hole, rather than counting the total number of strokes taken during a round. Unlike traditional stroke play, where the goal is to complete the course in the fewest strokes possible, Stableford scoring encourages players to accumulate points based on their performance on each hole. The number of points awarded per hole is determined by The R&A and the United States Golf Association.
The standard Stableford system can be altered to use different point levels, commonly referred to as a Modified Stableford system. This is a maximum score system, where the reward for scoring under par is higher than the penalty for scoring over par. The maximum score is two strokes over par; once a player has made their shot and is one stroke over par, they may concede, pick up the ball, take a double bogey, and proceed to the next hole without penalty. A Modified Stableford can be a good option for golfers with higher handicaps.
The number of points awarded on each hole is determined by comparing a player’s score to the par, with adjustments based on their handicap. For example, a player with a handicap of six is granted an extra shot on holes with a stroke index of one to six. This adjustment ensures a fair and enjoyable game for golfers of all skill levels. If you play exactly to your handicap, you should finish your round with 36 points, two points per hole.
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Par and handicaps
Par is the predetermined number of strokes a golfer should take to complete a hole or a course. For example, a par-4 hole is designed so that a golfer should be able to get the ball in the hole in four strokes. The term 'par' is believed to have originated in golf in the late 19th century, and it means equal to, or on par with, the expected number.
Handicaps, on the other hand, are a way to level the playing field for golfers of different skill levels. A handicap is a numerical value that indicates a golfer's ability. It is calculated using a formula that takes into account a certain number of their best scores from their most recent rounds. The higher the handicap, the more strokes a player is allowed to take while still scoring a 'par'. For example, a golfer with a handicap of 20 would get one stroke for every hole and an additional stroke for the two most challenging holes on an 18-hole course. So, if the most difficult hole was a par-4, it would play as a par-6 for this golfer, and they would achieve par points with a score of 6.
The concept of handicaps in golf is thought to have originated in the late 17th century, as evidenced in the diary of Thomas Kincaid, a student in Edinburgh, Scotland. However, the term 'handicap' was not used in golf until the late 19th century. During this period, the difference between the average of a golfer's best scores during a year and par became the standard method for calculating handicaps in England and Scotland.
Over time, various handicap systems have been developed, including the Stableford scoring system, which awards points based on the number of strokes taken in relation to par. This system encourages golfers to continue competing even after a poor start or a few bad holes. The USGA (United States Golf Association) also introduced a national handicap system in 1911, based on the British three-score average system. This system included a "par rating" that assessed the average good score of a scratch golfer on every course, making the handicap more portable.
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Modified Stableford
The Modified Stableford system employs adjusted point values, which can be set by the golfers or event organizers. This scoring system further incentivizes aggressive play by offering more points for good scores than there are points lost for bogeys. For example, in the 2019 Barracuda Championship, a PGA Tour event, the following point values were used:
- 3 points for a double bogey or worse (two strokes or more over par)
- 8 points for three strokes under par
- 5 points for two strokes under par
- 2 points for one stroke under par
- 0 points for the same number of strokes as par
- \-1 point for one stroke over par
The Modified Stableford format is often used in celebrity tournaments, such as the American Century Championship played at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Nevada since 2004, and the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions Celebrity Division, part of the LPGA season-opening event.
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Counting strokes
The player with the fewest strokes at the end of the game wins. It is important to keep track of your strokes and those of your opponents throughout the game. After each hole, record your score on a scorecard. At the end of the game, tally up your scores for each hole.
Golf courses typically have 18 holes, and your handicap can be determined after playing at least ten rounds on the same course. Your handicap is based on your previous scores on the same course and can give you an advantage by allowing you to take extra strokes on the most difficult holes. For example, a player with a handicap of five will get an extra stroke on the five hardest holes. If a hole is particularly challenging, players with higher handicaps may receive additional strokes.
The Stableford scoring system is a variation of stroke play that awards points based on the number of strokes taken per hole in relation to par. In this system, the goal is to have the highest score, rather than the lowest. For instance, if your net score is equal to par, you get two points; if you hit one over par (a bogey), you get one point. Modified Stableford is a variation that uses different point values to encourage aggressive play.
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Keeping score
However, there are other scoring systems that can be used. One of the most popular is the Stableford system, which awards points for the number of strokes taken on each hole in relation to par. Unlike standard stroke play, where the lowest score wins, the goal in Stableford is to have the highest score. The Stableford system was designed to keep golfers engaged and in the competition, even after a rough start or a few bad holes. For example, under standard Stableford scoring, you won't gain any points for a double bogey, but you can quickly catch up to competitors with a birdie or eagle. This incentivises players to go for more aggressive shots. The Stableford system can be modified to use different point levels, which is commonly done once per season on the PGA Tour in the Barracuda Championship.
Another scoring system is "Vs Par", which is similar to Stableford scoring in that you use the hole indexes to determine if you get a shot on a hole. However, there are only three possible outcomes for a hole: won, lost, or halved.
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Frequently asked questions
Stableford is a scoring system in golf that awards points for the number of strokes taken on each hole in relation to par. Unlike in stroke play, where the golfer with the lowest score wins, the goal in Stableford is to have the highest score.
Typically, you are responsible for keeping the score of your opponent, and they are responsible for keeping track of yours. You have to record your score on a scorecard after each hole. At the end of the game, tally up your scores. The person with the fewest strokes wins.
A handicap takes into account your previous scores throughout the same previous round of golf. You can play the game while keeping your handicap in mind, with the goal of doing better than you did previously.
