Nina Caldwell
Golf scoring can be a little complex, especially for beginners, and there are a lot of rules to learn if you want to take the game seriously. The most common way to play golf is stroke play, where golfers add up the number of strokes taken on each hole, logging this on a scorecard and adding up their total score after 18 holes. There are two types of stroke play formats: gross scoring, which doesn't take handicaps into account, and net scoring, which does. A handicap is a measure of a golfer's scoring potential, representing a slightly lower number than their average score per round. Handicaps allow golfers of different skill levels to compete on a more level playing field.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Users | Over 1 million |
| Type of Users | Men and women |
| Type of Platform | Website and mobile app |
| Features | Holding handicaps, results, and scores |
| Registration | Free |
| Accessibility | Available on any internet-enabled device |
| Purpose | Socialising, tracking performance, comparing against other registered players, and staying updated with competition results |
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How handicaps work
Golf handicaps are a way to rate a golfer's ability and enable players of different skill levels to compete against each other on a level playing field. A handicap is a measure of a golfer's playing ability under the World Handicap System, and it is used to level the playing field by giving the weaker player a certain number of extra shots. For example, a golfer with a handicap of 18 playing against someone with a handicap of 17 on the easiest hole on the course would have one stroke deducted, so if they shoot 4 and their opponent shoots 3, the hole is considered tied due to the handicap.
Handicaps are determined by a complex formula. A golfer can establish a handicap by entering a minimum of five scores, but only the lowest score is used to determine the handicap. Once 20 total scores are posted, the average of the eight lowest scores out of the last 20 rounds is used to determine the handicap. The USGA's GHIN app or website can be used to enter hole-by-hole scores, with the net double bogey being the maximum allowed on each hole.
The handicap system also takes into account the difficulty of the course, with each course given a rating to determine its relative difficulty. This is done by calculating a 'Bogey Rating' and a ''Course Rating', with the latter reflecting what a 'scratch golfer' (someone who typically scores par) is likely to score. The difference between these two ratings is called the 'Slope', which indicates the course's relative difficulty.
By having a legitimate handicap, golfers can compete in tournaments and wager with friends and family in a fair manner.
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Scoring formats
Golf scoring can be a little complex, especially for beginners, but it's important to understand how it works to improve your game and fully enjoy the sport. There are three main scoring formats: stroke play, match play, and the Stableford System.
Stroke Play
Stroke play is the most common scoring format in golf and is used by the PGA Tour for most events. It is considered one of the simplest formats. In stroke play, each golfer counts the total number of strokes taken to complete each hole and the entire round. After each hole, the golfer records the number of shots taken. At the end of the round, the golfer adds together the scores for all 18 holes to get their gross score.
There are two types of stroke play formats: gross and net scoring. Gross scoring does not involve a handicap and is preferred by more advanced golfers. Net scoring, on the other hand, takes the golfer's handicap into account. To calculate your net score, you subtract your handicap from your gross score.
Match Play
Match play is a different format where golfers can team up or play head-to-head against another golfer. In this format, scoring is based on holes won or lost rather than total strokes. Each hole is a separate contest, and the winner of a hole is the player who completes it in the fewest strokes. At the end of the round, the golfer or team that wins the most holes becomes the overall winner. Match play adds a strategic dimension as players focus on winning individual holes rather than just their total score for the round.
Stableford System
The Stableford System is a basic points-based system and is the most common scoring format in Australia. Instead of aiming for the lowest total or net score, golfers aim to accumulate the highest number of points in a round. Points are awarded on each hole, depending on the number of strokes taken. The Stableford System can accommodate handicaps by giving golfers additional strokes equal to their total handicap.
Handicaps
Golf utilizes a handicap system to adjust players' scores based on their ability, allowing players of varying skill levels to compete on an equal footing. A handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer's playing ability, calculated based on recent scores and adjusted according to the difficulty of the course. The handicap represents a slightly lower number than the golfer's average score per round and helps other players understand the range of scores the golfer is likely to achieve.
Other Scoring Terms
Golf scoring introduces colourful terminology to describe performance relative to par. "Par" is the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete a hole, and it varies by hole and course. Achieving a score of one stroke under par is called a "birdie," while one stroke over par is a "bogey." These terms add a layer of excitement and tradition to the scoring process.
Additionally, a common golf term is the "mulligan," which is a redo of the previous shot. This is not allowed in competition but is common among everyday golfers.
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Par and bogey
In golf, "par" is the predetermined number of strokes that a proficient golfer (scratch or zero handicap) should require to complete a hole, a round (the sum of the pars of the played holes), or a tournament (the sum of the pars of each round). Holes are generally assigned par values between three and five, including a regulation number of strokes to reach the green, based on the average distance a proficient golfer hits the ball, and two putts. Par-3 holes will usually be under 260 yards (240 m) from the tee to the green, par-4 holes will be 240–490 yards (220–450 m), and par-5 holes will be 450–710 yards (410–650 m).
"Bogey" is when a golfer scores one stroke over par. For example, a golfer would be scoring a bogey if they took five strokes on a par-4 hole. While a bogey is a bad result for a low-handicap or professional golfer, newer and less-skilled golfers are often satisfied with only needing one more stroke than par to complete a hole. Completing four bogey-free rounds in professional tournament play is rare.
The term "bogey" was first used in England at the end of the 19th century as the first stroke system. In 1890, Hugh Rotherham, the secretary of the Coventry Golf Club, conceived the idea of standardising the number of shots at each hole that a good golfer should take, which he called the "ground score." The term "par" was first used in Britain before "bogey," but the modern rating system is based on "par."
HowDidiDo, the largest golfer network in Europe and the world, provides golfers with the latest competition results, news, and stats. It also allows golfers to monitor their performance, connect with other golfers, and track their stats across multiple clubs.
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Stableford scoring
Stableford is a scoring system used in golf that was invented by Frank Barney Gorton Stableford (1870–1959). It has been in use since 1898 and was designed to deter golfers from giving up after a bad hole.
The Stableford scoring system assigns points based on the number of strokes taken at each hole. Unlike traditional scoring methods, the aim is to accumulate the most points, rather than having the lowest score. The number of points awarded on each hole is determined by comparing the number of strokes taken to a fixed score, usually par. This fixed score is adjusted in relation to the player's handicap.
For example, a common Stableford point value would be one point for a bogey, two for a par, and so on. If a player takes two strokes more than the adjusted fixed score, they may abandon the hole and move on to the next, as it is no longer possible to score points on that hole. At the end of the round, the points from each hole are totalled to give a final score, with the winner being the player with the highest point total.
The Stableford scoring system can be modified to use different point levels, known as the Modified Stableford system. This system has been used in various professional tournaments, including on the PGA Tour and the LPGA season. The Modified Stableford system takes into account the strength of the field and assigns point values accordingly.
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Golf terminology
Handicap – This is a measure of a golfer's ability, potential, and skill. It is used to calculate a net score and is based on the number of strokes over or under par that a golfer is expected to achieve on a particular course.
Results and Scores – Golfers can track their results and scores using platforms like HowDidiDo, which provides statistics and performance monitoring. This allows golfers to compare their performance against other registered players and identify areas for improvement.
Competition – Golf is often played in tournaments or competitions, where players aim to achieve the lowest score or beat a set score or target. These competitions can vary in format, with individual or team-based play, and different scoring systems employed.
Clubs – Golf clubs are the venues or organisations that golfers are members of. These clubs often subscribe to services like HowDidiDo, allowing their members to access various features and connect with other golfers.
Social Features – HowDidiDo and similar platforms offer social features, enabling golfers to connect with friends, follow their updates, and interact with other players on their timeline. This creates a sense of community and allows golfers to share their experiences and progress.
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Frequently asked questions
HowDidiDo is the largest golfer network in Europe and the world, holding over 23 million rounds of golf along with the handicaps, results and scores of 1,300,000 men and women.
Registration is required to check handicap lists or competition results. This free service is available to any golf club that uses the market-leading CLUB2000 software from Club Systems International.
You can monitor your performance and compare yourself against other registered players, socialise and connect with your friends, and access your account from any internet-enabled device.
