Ava Romero
Golf scoring can be confusing for beginners, but it's essential to understand if you want to take the game seriously. The aim of the game is simple: get the ball from tee to hole in as few strokes as possible. The scoring system, however, involves a unique language of its own, with colourful terminology to describe performance relative to par. Par is a central term in golf scoring, referring to the number of strokes it should take a skilled golfer to complete a hole. Each hole has a par value, which is based on its length, and the lower your score in relation to par, the better. Golf scoring formats vary, but stroke play is the predominant format, where every single stroke counts towards your total score. Match play, on the other hand, focuses on winning individual holes rather than counting total strokes. To enable fair competition among players of varying skill levels, golf scoring also utilises a handicap system, which represents a player's scoring potential and is calculated based on recent scores and course difficulty.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scoring terminology | "Birdie" (one stroke under par), "Eagle" (two strokes under par), "Bogey" (one stroke over par), "Double Bogey" (two strokes over par), "Mulligan" (re-do of the previous shot), "Albatross" (three strokes under par) |
| Scoring calculation | The number of strokes taken to get the ball from tee to hole; the fewer strokes, the better the score |
| Hole difficulty | Holes are ranked 1-18, with 1 being the hardest and 18 being the easiest |
| Par | A measure of the difficulty of each hole and the benchmark for performance; the number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to complete the hole in |
| Hole types | Par 3 (shortest holes), Par 4 (medium-length holes), Par 5 (longest holes), Par 6 (rare, but for men, these start at 691 yards and for women, they are 576+ yards) |
| Handicap | A numerical measure of a golfer's playing ability, calculated based on recent scores and adjusted for course difficulty; allows players of different skill levels to compete on an equal footing |
| Scoring formats | Stroke play (predominant format, counting total strokes), match play (focus on winning individual holes), Stableford (points-based system) |
| Score recording | Scorecards, golf scoring apps (e.g., Golfshot, 18Birdies, The Grint) |
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What You'll Learn
Golf scoring terminology
Golf scoring involves a unique set of terms to describe a player's performance relative to par. The central term in golf scoring is "par", which is a measure of the difficulty of each hole and serves as a benchmark for performance. Each hole on a golf course has a predetermined number of strokes that a skilled golfer is expected to complete, which is called par. Par 3s are the shortest holes, typically under 250 yards, and a golfer is expected to reach the green in one stroke and use two putts to complete the hole. Par 4s are medium-length holes, usually between 250 and 470 yards, and a golfer is expected to reach the green in two strokes and use two putts. Par 5s are the longest holes, often exceeding 470 yards, and players are expected to reach the green in three strokes and use two putts to finish.
When a golfer finishes a hole in fewer strokes than the par, their score is under par. A "birdie" is achieved when a golfer completes a hole in one stroke under par, while an "eagle" is a score of two strokes under par. An "albatross" is a rare feat, achieved when a player completes a hole in three strokes less than the par of the hole. Conversely, a "bogey" is when a golfer completes a hole one stroke over par, and a "double bogey" is two strokes over par. A "triple bogey" means a player has taken three strokes over par to complete a hole.
In addition to these terms, there are other rules and scenarios that can impact scoring. For example, if a golfer hits the ball out of bounds, defined by white lines or external fencing/walls, they incur a two-stroke penalty. A "mulligan" is a term for a redo of a shot, which is not allowed in competition but is common among casual golfers. Golf also has a handicap system, which allows players of different skill levels to compete on an equal footing. A handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer's ability, calculated based on recent scores and adjusted for course difficulty. The handicap is subtracted from the gross score (total shots) to calculate the nett score.
There are also different scoring formats used in golf. While stroke play is the predominant format, where the lowest total stroke count wins, golf also features match play, where scoring is based on holes won or lost rather than total strokes. Stableford is another scoring format, mainly used by club golfers, which uses a points system based on the number of strokes on each hole rather than counting the strokes themselves.
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The handicap system
Golf's handicap system is designed to level the playing field, allowing players of different skill levels to compete fairly against one another. A golf handicap or handicap index is a numerical score that measures a golfer's playing ability. In the United States, the United States Golf Association (USGA) oversees the calculation and evaluation of golf handicaps. The handicap system enables golfers of all abilities to play together and have a good time.
A golf handicap represents the number of strokes a player is expected to take above or below the course's par score. The higher the handicap, the more strokes a player is allowed to subtract from their actual score to determine their net score. A lower handicap indicates a more skilled golfer who is expected to have a lower net score. Handicaps are calculated using a variety of factors, including recent scores, the difficulty of the course, abnormal course conditions, and adjustments for consistently exceptional tournament play.
To establish a handicap, golfers must join a club and obtain a unique GHIN (Golf Handicap Information Network) number. They then need to post a minimum number of holes, typically a mix of 18-hole and 9-hole scores, in the World Handicap System (WHS). The WHS is a database application that re-calculates a golfer's Handicap Index on a daily basis. The Handicap Index is expressed as a number with one decimal point, such as 21.4.
The formula for calculating a golf handicap can vary depending on the specific golf association's rules, but the general idea is similar across different systems. A simplified version of the USGA Handicap System involves calculating the Handicap Differential for each round, choosing the lowest differentials, and then calculating the average of these differentials.
Golf scoring apps have also emerged to simplify the process of calculating and tracking handicaps, providing golfers with additional insights into their performance.
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Match play vs stroke play
Golf scoring can be a little confusing at first, but it's essential to understand how it works if you want to play the game. The two most common scoring formats in golf are stroke play and match play.
Stroke Play
In stroke play, the predominant format, the winner is determined by the total number of strokes played throughout the round. Every single stroke counts towards your final score, and the player with the fewest strokes at the end wins. This format is played under the Rules of Golf, and violations lead to penalties. For example, a two-stroke penalty. In stroke play, you are allowed to play ready golf and make a stroke from closer to the hole than your opponent. You also do not need to wait for your opponent to tee off first at the beginning of a hole.
Match Play
In match play, the focus is on winning individual holes against your opponent. Each hole is a separate contest, and the winner of each hole earns a point. The player with the most points at the end of the round is the winner. If the players are tied, the match is usually considered halved. Match play encourages more aggressive and strategic play, as players focus on winning individual holes rather than minimising their overall stroke count. Concessions are allowed in match play, meaning you can concede a hole or a stroke to your opponent. Handicapping is also used in match play to level the playing field, allowing less consistent players to compete against more experienced golfers. Match play competitions are one-on-one contests, and the game can end as soon as a player is ahead by more holes than there are holes left to play.
Scoring
Golf scoring introduces colourful terminology to describe performance relative to par. For example, achieving a score of one stroke under par on a hole is called a "birdie", while a score of one stroke over par is a "bogey". These terms add a layer of excitement and tradition to the scoring process. To ensure accuracy and integrity, players are responsible for recording their scores on each hole and verifying their final score at the end of the round.
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How to keep score
Golf scoring can be a little complex, especially for beginners, but it's important to understand the process to track your progress and improvement over time.
Firstly, it's important to understand the term 'par'. On every course, each hole is assigned a specific number of shots, known as the par. The ultimate goal of a golfer is to come at or under par. However, beginners may take time to develop the skills to achieve this, so golf uses a handicap system that adjusts players' scores based on their ability. 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.
There are three main formats for golf scoring: stroke play, match play, and the Stableford System. In stroke play, the predominant format, each stroke for every hole played is counted. If you are playing alone, you can keep track of your own score. However, it is common for one person to keep score for the entire group, writing down each player's score on the scorecard provided by the golf course. In match play, scoring is based on holes won or lost, rather than total strokes. Each hole is a separate contest, with the winner being the player who completes it in the fewest strokes.
Golf scorecards are used to track scores during a round. They list each hole on the course, along with its assigned par value, and the golfer's score for each hole. Scorecards may also include spaces for recording strokes taken on each hole, calculating total scores, and applying handicap adjustments. It is important to familiarise yourself with the layout and terminology of a scorecard for accurate scoring.
Some key terms to be aware of include:
- Birdie: a score of one stroke under par on a hole
- Eagle: two strokes under par
- Bogey: one stroke over par
- Double bogey: two strokes over par
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Stableford scoring
Stableford is an alternative scoring system used in the sport of golf. It was invented by Frank Barney Gorton Stableford (1870–1959) to discourage golfers from giving up after a bad hole. Stableford scoring is a point-based system. Instead of counting the total number of strokes for a round of golf, players convert their score on each hole into Stableford points. The better a player performs, the more points they receive.
The Stableford system is designed to be enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. Unlike traditional stroke play, the objective is to score as many points as possible over 18 holes. If a player performs exactly according to their handicap, they should finish their round with 36 points, or two points per hole. The Stableford scoring system simplifies golf by rewarding points based on performance on each hole. It encourages players of all skill levels to enjoy the game without the stress of counting every stroke.
The number of points awarded per hole is specified by The R&A and the United States Golf Association. This linear scoring version of Stableford is mathematically equivalent to traditional stroke play but with the maximum score for each hole capped at a double bogey. The standard Stableford system can be altered to use different point levels, commonly referred to as a Modified Stableford system. In a Modified Stableford, a bogey can be worth two points if the tournament committee decides that suits the needs of the field.
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Frequently asked questions
The aim is to navigate each hole in as few strokes as possible. The term “par” is central to golf scoring. It is a measure of the difficulty of each hole and serves as the benchmark for performance. Par 3s are the shortest holes, Par 4s are medium-length, and Par 5s are the longest.
In golf, achieving a score of one stroke under par on a hole is called a "birdie," while two strokes under par is an "eagle." Conversely, a score of one stroke over par is a "bogey," and two strokes over par is a "double bogey."
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 being played. The handicap allows players of varying skill levels to compete on an equal footing. The player with the lower handicap is expected to have a higher likelihood of scoring closer to par.
