Miles Bennett
Golf scoring is a simple concept that combines simplicity with depth, offering a rewarding challenge for players of all skill levels. Counting strokes is an essential part of the game, as it serves as the score or contributes to the scoring, depending on the type of golf format being played. While a swing is not always a stroke, a stroke is counted when a golfer plays a stroke to advance around the golf course. There are various ways to keep track of your score, from low-tech to high-tech solutions, and it is important to familiarize yourself with the layout and terminology of a scorecard to accurately track your performance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scoring method | Stroke play, match play, Stableford |
| Stroke definition | Any forward motion of the club counts as a stroke, except when a golfer stops their swing before contacting the ball or misses the ball during their downswing |
| Penalty strokes | Occur when a golfer violates the Rules of Golf; e.g. a lost ball, striking out, or hitting the ball into an unplayable area |
| Handicap strokes | Subtracted from a golfer's score under certain circumstances covered by the USGA Handicap System or other handicapping systems |
| Score calculation | The sum of the number of swings and penalty strokes; calculated for each hole, then totalled at the end |
| Ideal score | 72 strokes for 18 holes |
| Scorekeeping methods | Golf scorecards, tally counters, digital scorekeeping apps, or physical items like coins or beads |
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What You'll Learn
Counting strokes when the ball is lost or outside the playable area
If you hit your ball out of bounds or lose it, you have three minutes to search for it before it is deemed lost. If you are unable to find your ball within this time frame, your only option is to go back to the spot of your previous stroke and play under stroke and distance rules. This means that you will incur a penalty and have to replay your previous shot, essentially losing a turn. This can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially if you have already walked a fair distance from your previous shot location.
There is, however, an optional Local Rule that provides an alternative to stroke and distance relief. This Local Rule is recommended for casual play and not for competitions involving highly skilled players. If it is in effect, you have the option to take relief by incurring two penalty strokes. First, estimate the spot where your ball is lost or went out of bounds. Then, find the nearest fairway edge that is not nearer the hole than the estimated spot. You can drop a ball within two club-lengths of that fairway edge point, or anywhere between there and the estimated spot where your ball was lost or went out of bounds.
If you think your ball might be out of bounds or that you might not find it, you can save time by playing a provisional ball. Be sure to announce that you are playing a provisional ball before doing so. If you are unable to find your original ball or you find it out of bounds, your provisional ball becomes your ball in play under stroke and distance rules, and you avoid having to walk back to the spot of your previous stroke.
It's important to note that the rules regarding lost balls and balls out of bounds may vary depending on the specific golf course and local rules in effect. It is always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the local rules before starting a round of golf to avoid any confusion or penalties.
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Using a scorecard app
Golf scoring can be made easier by using a scorecard app. These apps are designed to simplify scorekeeping and provide additional features for golfers. There are several apps available that offer functionalities such as GPS mapping, score tracking, stat analysis, and social sharing capabilities.
One such app is 18Birdies, which helps golfers understand the concept of stroke play, handicaps, and accurate score recording. It also provides golfers with the pars for each hole, allowing them to plan their strategy for the course. The app includes a GPS feature to help golfers get distances, keep scores, track shots, and more.
Another popular app is mScorecard, which instantly calculates scores, handicaps, stableford points, side games, advanced round statistics, and distances for multiple players. It allows golfers to track strokes, putts, fairway hits, greens in regulation, up-and-downs, sand saves, and penalties for up to five players per round. The app also provides an aerial map of the course, allowing golfers to visualize distances to the green, bunkers, hazards, and other points of interest.
Golf Strokes Scorecard is another app that allows golfers to score a round of golf for up to four players. It enables golfers to add a stroke every time they hit so that they don't have to remember later. The app uses GPS to measure the distance of each stroke and does not require a phone as it is a standalone watch app.
PlayThru is a golf scorecard app that provides live leaderboards, allowing golfers to compare their scores and performance with others. It offers various features such as applying handicaps, custom point values, and different game formats like match play and stroke play.
These apps can enhance the golfing experience by providing insights into your game, helping you stay organized on the course, and connecting you with other golfers.
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Counting strokes when the ball is missed
When it comes to counting strokes in golf, intent is a key factor. If a player intends to hit the ball and takes a swing but misses, it is counted as a stroke. This is true regardless of whether the player is in the teeing area, fairway, bunker, or any other defined area of the course. This scenario, known as a "whiff", can be embarrassing for golfers, but it's important to understand how it's treated under the Rules of Golf.
However, if a player stops their swing or alters it deliberately to avoid hitting the ball and does not cause the ball to move, it is not considered a stroke, and there is no penalty. Additionally, if a player accidentally knocks the ball off the tee without intending to take a stroke, there is no penalty, and they can re-tee.
It's important to distinguish between a ball that is in play and one that is on the tee box, as the rules differ slightly. If a player accidentally causes their ball to move during a practice swing when it is in play, it is considered a penalty, and the ball must be replaced to its original spot. This scenario falls under Rule 9.4. If the player chooses to play the ball from where it was moved instead, it incurs a two-stroke penalty or a loss-of-hole penalty in match play, as outlined in Rule 14.7.
In situations where a player believes their ball might be out of bounds or difficult to find, they can opt to play a provisional ball to save time. By announcing their intention to play a provisional ball, they can avoid having to walk back to the spot of their previous stroke if the original ball is lost or found to be out of bounds. In such cases, the provisional ball becomes the ball in play under stroke and distance rules.
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Counting strokes when the swing is stopped
If a golfer stops their swing before making contact with the ball, it does not count as a stroke. This is true even if the club passes over the ball, to the side of the ball, or if the golfer spins out and falls over while trying to stop the swing.
The Rules of Golf define a stroke as "the forward movement of the club made to strike the ball". The full definition clarifies that even if a golfer stops their swing in the downswing, or if they are unable to stop their swing and deliberately miss the ball, they have not made a stroke.
Additionally, it does not count as a stroke if a golfer is making a practice swing and accidentally hits the ball. However, the golfer is subject to a one-stroke penalty, depending on where they are when they make the mistake.
It is important to note that if a golfer completes their swing but intentionally misses the ball, that also does not count as a stroke. However, if a golfer swings and misses the ball accidentally, it does count as a stroke.
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Counting your score and the scores of three other players
Golf is typically played by four players, so you must count your score and the scores of the other three players. To calculate your score, add the number of times you swung the club (excluding bare-handed swings) to the number of penalty strokes. A penalty stroke is incurred when your ball is lost or goes out of bounds (OB). If your ball goes OB, you must hit it again from the original position, incurring a one-stroke penalty. A lost ball carries a two-stroke penalty, and you must play again from the previous spot.
You can use a scorecard to keep track of your score and the scores of the other players. On the scorecard, you will see an "In" and an "Out" column header. Tally the total number of strokes for the first 9 holes in the Out column, and the last 9 holes in the In column. Add these two numbers together to get your total strokes for the game. Each player should check the scores kept by their opponents to ensure accuracy.
There are also several apps that can help you keep track of your score and the scores of others. Apps like Golfshot, 18Birdies, and The Grint offer GPS mapping, score tracking, stat analysis, and social sharing capabilities. These apps can help you calculate handicaps in real-time and compare performance metrics with other players.
Additionally, there are some low-tech methods for keeping score. For example, you can transfer golf tees from one pocket to another after each stroke. You can also use a clicker counter or a digital tally counter to keep a cumulative score for the whole round.
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Frequently asked questions
Count every stroke you make with the intention of hitting the ball.
If you lose a ball, you will be penalised with one additional stroke.
A swing is not always a stroke. If a golfer stops their swing before hitting the ball, it is not a stroke. However, missing the ball after completing a swing counts as a stroke.
You can use physical objects like coins or tees and transfer them from one pocket to another after each stroke. You can also use a clicker counter, a digital tally counter, or a scorecard app.
