Ava Romero
Golf scoring can be confusing, with a lot of terminology to get your head around. There are several ways to score a game of golf, with the most common being stroke play, where the player with the lowest total score wins. However, points-based systems like Stableford are also popular, especially in Australia. In Stableford, points are awarded on each hole, with the player with the highest number of points at the end of the round declared the winner. Handicaps are used in Stableford to level the playing field, with extra points awarded to less experienced golfers to make the game fairer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scoring format | Stroke play |
| Scoring method | Counting the total number of strokes taken to complete each hole and the entire round |
| Par | The number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to complete the hole in |
| Par score range | 3 (par-3) to 5 (par-5) |
| Total par for 18 holes | 72 strokes for a standard course |
| Birdie | A score of one stroke under par on a hole |
| Eagle | A score of two strokes under par |
| Bogey | A score of one stroke over par |
| Double Bogey | A score of two strokes over par |
| Triple Bogey | A score of three strokes over par |
| Handicap | 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 |
| Stableford scoring system | A points-based system where points are awarded on each hole depending on performance |
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What You'll Learn
Golf scoring terminology
Golf scoring employs a unique system that can be both straightforward and intricate. The most common scoring format is stroke play, where each player counts the total number of strokes taken to complete each hole and the entire round. Each hole on a golf course is assigned a "par" score, representing the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete the hole. Par can vary by hole and course, typically ranging from 3 (par-3) to 5 (par-5), with the total par for 18 holes usually being around 72 strokes for a standard course.
Golf scoring introduces colourful and somewhat mysterious terminology to describe performance relative to par. Achieving a score of one stroke under par on a hole is called a "birdie", while two strokes under par is an "eagle". The term 'birdie' is said to have come from 19th-century slang, where 'bird' referred to anyone or anything excellent. Conversely, a score of one stroke over par is a "bogey", and two strokes over par is a "double bogey". These terms add a layer of excitement and achievement to the scoring process, motivating players to strive for lower scores.
An "albatross" or "double eagle" is when a golfer scores three strokes under par on a single hole, which is a rare feat. A "condor" is an even rarer occurrence, where a golfer scores four strokes less than par on an individual hole. A "hole-in-one" or "ace" occurs when a golfer hits their first shot into the hole, completing it in just one stroke.
There are also other scoring systems in golf, such as the Stableford system, which uses a points system based on the number of strokes on each hole. Match play is another scoring format, where the score is determined by the number of holes a player has won, with the player with the lowest score at the end gaining one point and winning the hole.
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Handicap adjustments
Golf scoring can be confusing, especially with the many terms used to describe performance relative to par. 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 system allows players of varying skill levels to compete on an equal footing.
For example, a player with a handicap of 5 would receive a stroke on the 5 hardest holes, as noted by the course scorecard. If this player takes 5 shots on a hole with an index of 3 (the third-hardest hole), their "nett" score is 4 (5 shots minus the handicap stroke). In this case, the handicap adjustment allows the player to subtract a stroke from their gross score, improving their overall score for the hole.
The Stableford scoring system is a popular method for club golfers to record their scores. It uses a points-based system rather than counting the number of strokes. In this system, a player with a handicap of 0 (a scratch golfer) who scores a par on every hole will end up with 36 points (2 points per hole x 18 holes). The player with the highest points total at the end of the round wins.
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Stableford scoring system
Golf scoring can be confusing, with a lot of awkward terms and multiple scoring methods. The Stableford scoring system is one of the most fun alternative scoring formats in golf. It is a points-based system, where golfers score points based on the number of strokes taken at each hole. The system was developed by Frank Barney Gorton Stableford (1870–1959), a member of the Glamorganshire Golf Club in Wales, to deter golfers from giving up after just one or two bad holes. Stableford scoring has been in use since 1898, when it was first used informally at the Glamorganshire Golf Club, and was first used in competition in 1932 at Wallasey Golf Club in England.
The Stableford scoring system is the opposite of traditional scoring methods, where the aim is to have the lowest score. Instead, golfers using the Stableford system aim to have the highest score. The number of points awarded on each hole is determined by comparing the number of strokes taken to a fixed score, usually par, which is then adjusted in relation to the player's handicap. Once players have taken two strokes more than the adjusted fixed score, they may abandon the hole and move on to the next as it is then not possible to score any points on that hole. This means that it is still possible to be competitive even with a few bad holes. At the end of the round, the number of points scored on each hole is totalled to give a final score, with the winner being the player with the highest point total.
The Stableford scoring system is not often used in professional tournaments but is the most friendly method for club golfers to record their scores. The benefits of the Stableford system are that you can make a mistake on a hole and you will just not score any points, rather than recording all strokes as in stroke play, meaning you can remain competitive even with a few bad holes. A good score for a Stableford round will depend on a player's handicap, but scores of 25 and above are quite good.
The 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, after which the player may concede, pick up the ball, take a double bogey, and proceed to the next hole without penalty. The Modified Stableford system has been used in several PGA Tour events, including The International in Colorado, the Barracuda Championship, the Reno-Tahoe Open, the ANZ Championship, and the Royal Caribbean Classic.
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Match play
There are different formats in match play, including singles matches, fourball betterball, foursomes, greensomes, and doubles. In singles matches, two opponents play against each other over a designated number of holes, usually 18 or 36. Match play is considered the original and purest form of golf, providing a direct contest between players on a level playing field. It is a strategic game, where the leading player's performance influences the trailing player's strategy.
The rules of match play differ significantly from stroke play. In match play, the general penalty for rules breaches is the loss of a hole, rather than stroke play's penalty of two strokes. Conceding a hole or match to an opponent can be done at any time, and once offered, it cannot be withdrawn or declined. Interestingly, a player can choose to disregard an opponent's rules breach, but both players will be disqualified if they agree to deliberately ignore a known breach or penalty.
Another difference between match play and stroke play is the concept of "ready golf". In stroke play, players can play out of turn to improve the pace of the game, but this does not apply to match play. In match play, playing in turn is tactically important as a player's next shot may be influenced by their opponent's shot. While there is no penalty for playing out of turn, an opponent can request that the stroke be cancelled and replayed.
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Par scores
The term "par" in golf refers to the number of strokes it should ideally take for a skilled golfer to complete a hole. It is derived from the Latin word meaning "equal" or "equality". Each of the 18 holes on a standard course has a designated par, typically ranging from par-3 to par-5, with the total par for the entire course usually being around 72 strokes. The par value for each hole is determined based on its length and difficulty.
There are three main types of holes, each with its own par value: Par 3, Par 4, and Par 5. Par 3 holes are typically shorter, requiring golfers to reach the green in one stroke and then make two putts to complete the hole. These holes range from 100 to 250 yards and focus on testing the golfer's accuracy and putting skills. Par 4 holes, on the other hand, are of medium length, where golfers aim to reach the green in two strokes and finish with two putts. These holes offer a balance of challenge and strategy and can vary in length, with some measuring over 500 yards.
Par 5 holes are the longest and are designed for golfers to reach the green in three strokes, although professional golfers may aim for two strokes to increase the excitement. These holes emphasize the importance of strategy and power. While par-6 holes are rare, they are typically over 670 yards for men and 570 yards for women. Golf courses may also feature par-7 holes, but these are not recognized by the United States Golf Association.
Golfers' scores are compared to the par score of each hole, and there is a unique terminology associated with how a golfer performs relative to par. For example, a score of one stroke under par is called a "birdie," while two strokes under par is an "eagle." Conversely, a score of one stroke over par is a "bogey," two strokes over par is a "double bogey," and so on. These terms add a layer of excitement and tradition to the scoring process, motivating players to strive for lower scores.
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Frequently asked questions
Par is the target score for a hole. It represents the number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to need to complete the hole.
A birdie is when a player completes a hole in one stroke less than the par given to the hole.
A bogey is when a player completes a hole in one stroke more than the par given to the hole.
The Stableford scoring system is a points-based system where golfers aim to accumulate the highest number of points in a round. Points are awarded based on how well a golfer performs on each hole.
