Miles Bennett
Golf scoring can be a little complex, with various scoring formats and rules that impact scoring. The most common scoring system is 'Stroke Play', where each stroke a golfer makes is counted and totalled up at the end of the round. The overall aim of the game is to get the lowest score, and the winner of the most holes wins the round. However, there are other scoring systems, such as Stableford, which awards points for the number of strokes taken on each hole in relation to par. Unlike in stroke play, your goal in Stableford scoring is to have the highest score. There are also different formats, such as match play, where players team up and compete against other teams.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scoring System | Stroke Play, Stableford, Match Play |
| Stroke Play | Counting the number of strokes |
| Stableford | Using a points system based on the number of strokes on each hole |
| Match Play | Teaming up and playing against another team |
| Par | Predetermined number of strokes for a scratch (zero handicap) golfer to complete a hole |
| Par 3 | Shortest hole requiring one shot to hit the green |
| Par 4 | Medium-length hole |
| Par 5 | Longer hole |
| Bogey | When a player completes a hole in one stroke more than par |
| Birdie | When a player completes a hole in one stroke less than par |
| Eagle | When a player completes a hole in two strokes less than par |
| Albatross | When a player completes a hole in three strokes less than par |
| Handicap | Scoring potential, representing a slightly lower number than the average score per round |
| Out of Bounds | Two-shot penalty |
| Penalty Areas | One-shot penalty |
| Lost Ball | Replaying from the previous spot |
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What You'll Learn
'Stroke Play' scoring
Stroke play, also known as medal play, is the most common scoring system in golf. It is used in most professional golf tournaments across the PGA Tour. In stroke play, each stroke a golfer makes is counted and totalled up at the end of the round. The player with the lowest total number of strokes wins.
In stroke play, the winner of the most holes wins the round instead of totalling the total score at the end of the round. Each time you hit the ball on the course counts as a stroke, and the overall name of the game is to get the lowest score. This means that throughout an 18-hole golf match, you can make or beat par on various difficulties of holes. Par serves as the benchmark score for each hole on a golf course. It represents the number of strokes in which an expert player should complete the hole. Generally, par is set based on the length and difficulty of the hole, with par 3 for shorter holes, par 4 for medium-length holes, and par 5 for longer holes. As a result, players strive to match or better par on every hole to maintain a good score.
In handicap competitions, players would subtract their handicaps from the total (gross) score to generate their net scores, and the player with the lowest net score is the winner. Scores may be reported in relation to par for easy comparison with other golfers' scores. For example, a player whose score is three strokes over par after a given hole would appear as "plus 3" on the scoreboard.
There are penalty strokes in stroke play. For instance, if a player hits an out-of-bounds shot, they must shoot an additional shot, thus adding a stroke to their score. Similarly, if a player cannot find their ball in play, they should return to the previous position and re-hit, thus adding an additional stroke to their score.
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Par and its variations
Par is the predetermined number of strokes that a proficient golfer, or a "scratch" or "zero handicap" golfer, should make to complete a hole or a round of multiple holes. It is a benchmark score that golfers strive to match or beat and is based on the length and difficulty of the hole. Generally, par is set at 3 for shorter holes, 4 for medium-length holes, and 5 for longer holes. Par-5 holes, for example, are the longest and require significant power, skill, and luck.
The term "par" is thought to have originated from the stock exchange, where it described the expected value of stocks. The term was later adopted for golf by writer A. H. Doleman before The Open Championship at Prestwick in 1870.
Scores relative to par have their own terminology. A score equal to the par of the hole is simply called a "par". A score of one stroke fewer than par (one under par, -1) is called a "birdie", while a score of two strokes fewer than par (two under par, -2) is called an "eagle". A "condor", a rare feat, is achieved when a golfer scores four strokes under par on a specific hole, or a hole-in-one on a par-5 hole. Conversely, a score of one stroke more than par (+1) is called a "bogey", a “double bogey” is two strokes more than par (+2), and a “triple bogey” is three strokes more than par (+3).
The Stableford scoring system, created by Dr. Frank Barney Gorton Stableford in the late 1800s, awards points based on the number of strokes taken on each hole in relation to par. Unlike stroke play, where golfers aim for the lowest score, the Stableford system rewards golfers with the highest score. This system encourages golfers to take more aggressive shots and remain engaged in the competition even after a poor start or a few bad holes.
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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 specified by The R&A and the United States Golf Association.
The Stableford scoring system was developed by Frank Barney Gorton Stableford (1870–1959), to deter golfers from giving up on their round after just one or two bad holes. It was first used informally at the Glamorganshire Golf Club, Penarth, Wales, in 1898, and first used in competition at Wallasey Golf Club in Wallasey, England, in 1932. Stableford scoring can have the added benefit of speeding up the pace of play, as once it is no longer possible to score a point, players can move on to the next hole.
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 5-handicap golfer would get one stroke on the five most difficult holes of the course, increasing the "par" for these five holes by one stroke. 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. A 22-handicap golfer, on the other hand, would receive two extra strokes, making it a par-6 for them. This adjustment ensures a fair and enjoyable game for golfers of all skill levels.
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Match play
Golf scoring can be calculated in various ways, with the most common system being stroke play. Match play is another scoring system that is used in golf.
In match play, golfers can employ a slightly different strategy as the scoring is different. The situation in the match and the outcome of each shot already played on a hole will both be considered. Match play encourages more aggressive play, especially at the professional level, where a par is not usually good enough to win a hole. Since a very poor result for a hole is no worse than a slightly-below-average result when playing against an opponent with an average score, it often makes sense to accept the higher risk connected with aggressive tactics.
Concessions are allowed in match play, meaning you can concede a hole, a stroke, or even the entire match to your opponent. For example, if your opponent has a short putt remaining, you can choose to concede the putt instead of waiting for them to finish. Conceded putts are a common practice as they help save time and acknowledge the likelihood of your opponent making the putt. However, once a concession is made, it cannot be withdrawn.
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Golf handicaps
Handicaps are calculated using the average score over par. On an 18-hole golf course, each hole is rated from 1 to 18, with 18 being the hardest and 1 being the easiest. A golfer with a handicap of 5, for example, will get a shot on the five hardest holes. If one of these holes is usually completed in four strokes (par-4), it would play as a par-5 for this golfer, meaning they would receive par points if they shot a 5.
Handicaps can also be used in conjunction with different scoring formats, such as Stableford, which awards points for the number of strokes taken on each hole in relation to par. In this format, golfers aim for the highest score, as opposed to stroke play, where the lowest score wins. The Stableford system was designed to keep golfers engaged and in the competition, even after a poor start or a few bad holes.
Golfers with beginner handicaps typically average a score in the 90s or 100s, while mid-level handicappers average in the 80s or 90s. Lower handicap golfers will shoot in the 70s or 80s.
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Frequently asked questions
Stableford is a scoring system that awards points based on the number of strokes taken on each hole in relation to par. Unlike stroke play, where the lowest score wins, the goal in Stableford is to achieve the highest score.
Par is the predetermined number of strokes that a scratch (zero handicap) golfer should play a hole in. In Stableford, you get points for achieving par or better. The exact points awarded can vary depending on the competition, but generally, achieving par earns you points.
Handicaps are scoring potentials that represent a slightly lower number than your average score per round. They help golfers of different skill levels compete on any course. In Stableford, handicaps may result in receiving extra strokes on the most challenging holes, increasing your chance of scoring points.
A "birdie" is when a player completes a hole in one stroke fewer than par. In Stableford, birdies can help you quickly catch up to competitors, incentivizing more aggressive play.
In match play, you team up and compete against other players or teams. Each team wins holes, and at the end of the round, the team with the most holes won wins the match. This format adds excitement as a team can only lose by one shot, regardless of the stroke differential.
