Golf scoring is based on counting the number of strokes you take to get the ball into the hole. This is the most basic way to play and keep track of your game.
Golf can seem confusing at first. Many people wonder about the numbers and terms. This guide breaks down the basics of calculating golf scores. We will look at simple counting and then move to more complex ways to score. Grasping these rules helps everyone enjoy the game more.
The Absolute Basics: Strokes and Holes
Every time you swing your club, it counts as one stroke. This is true for tee shots, fairway shots, and putts. The goal is to use the fewest strokes possible on each hole.
What is Par?
Every golf hole has a standard number of strokes it should take to finish. This standard is called Par.
Holes are usually rated as:
- Par 3: You should take three strokes. This is usually a shorter hole.
- Par 4: You should take four strokes. This is a medium-length hole.
- Par 5: You should take five strokes. This is a long hole.
Most golf courses have 18 holes. A standard course usually has four Par 3s, ten Par 4s, and four Par 5s. The total Par for the course is often around 72.
Core Golf Terminology: Scoring Terms
When you finish a hole, your score relates to Par. Knowing these terms is key to golf scorekeeping basics.
| Term | Strokes Relative to Par | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Birdie | One under Par (-1) | You took one less stroke than Par. |
| Eagle | Two under Par (-2) | You took two less strokes than Par. |
| Par | Even (E) | You took the exact number of strokes set for the hole. |
| Bogey | One over Par (+1) | You took one more stroke than Par. |
| Double Bogey | Two over Par (+2) | You took two more strokes than Par. |
| Triple Bogey | Three over Par (+3) | You took three more strokes than Par. |
You add up the strokes for all 18 holes. This final number is your gross score for the round.
Different Ways to Play: Golf Scoring Formats
How you count those strokes depends on the golf scoring formats you choose for the day. The two main types of play are Stroke Play and Match Play.
Stroke Play vs Match Play
These are the two primary ways golfers compete. They use different methods for determining the winner.
Stroke Play vs Match Play
In Stroke play vs match play, the basic difference is what you count.
- Stroke Play: You count every single stroke taken across the entire round (18 holes). The player with the lowest total number of strokes wins. This is the format used for most professional tournaments.
- Match Play: You compete hole by hole. You only care if you beat your opponent on that specific hole.
Match Play Scoring Rules
Match play scoring rules focus on winning individual holes.
- If Player A takes 4 strokes on a Par 4, and Player B takes 5 strokes, Player A wins that hole one up.
- If both players take 4 strokes, the hole is “halved” (tied).
- The match ends when one player is leading by a number of holes that cannot be overcome by the remaining holes. For example, if you are one up with only one hole left, you win. If you are one up with two holes left, you must win the next hole to ensure victory (or the match continues).
Common Stroke Play Formats
When playing socially or in amateur events, you might use specialized stroke play scoring.
Best Ball Golf Scoring
Best ball golf scoring is very popular in team formats, usually involving two or four players per team.
In a “Two-Person Best Ball” format:
- Each player plays their own ball for the entire hole.
- After everyone finishes the hole, you look at the scores of both partners.
- You take the lowest score from your team as the team score for that hole.
- These best scores are tallied up for the round.
This format rewards strong players while giving weaker players a safety net.
Stableford Scoring Explained
Stableford scoring explained is a departure from traditional stroke counting. Instead of counting strokes, you earn points based on your score relative to Par on each hole. This system reduces the impact of one very bad hole.
Here is a common point system used in Stableford:
| Score Relative to Par | Points Earned |
|---|---|
| Double Bogey or Worse | 0 points |
| Bogey (+1) | 1 point |
| Par (E) | 2 points |
| Birdie (-1) | 3 points |
| Eagle (-2) | 4 points |
| Albatross (-3) | 5 points |
The winner is the player with the highest total Stableford points at the end of the round.
The Crucial Role of Handicaps
If you are new to golf, playing against a very good player seems impossible. This is where handicaps come in. Understanding golf handicaps levels the playing field.
What is a Golf Handicap?
A handicap is a number that shows how good a golfer is. A lower handicap means a better golfer. A beginner might have a handicap of 28, while a low-handicap player might have 4.
The handicap system adjusts your raw score (gross score) to create a net score.
Net Score = Gross Score – Handicap Allowance
If a course Par is 72, and a high-handicap player shoots 95 (Gross Score), but their handicap allowance is 20 strokes:
Net Score = 95 – 20 = 75.
This net score of 75 is then compared to others playing the same course.
How Handicaps Work on the Course
Not every hole gives you the same benefit from your handicap. Some holes are much harder than others. Golf courses assign a Stroke Index (or Handicap Rating) to each hole, usually numbered 1 to 18.
- Index 1: This is the hardest hole on the course.
- Index 18: This is the easiest hole on the course.
If you have a 20 handicap:
- You get one handicap stroke on every hole (since 20 is greater than 18).
- You get a second handicap stroke on the two hardest holes (Index 1 and Index 2).
This means on Hole #1 (Index 1), you subtract 2 strokes from your gross score for that hole. On a Par 4, if you shoot a 6 (Double Bogey), your net score for that hole becomes 4 (Par).
Fathoming the Rules of Golf Scoring
Accurate scoring relies on following the Rules of golf scoring. These rules ensure fair play.
The Consequence of Untrue Scores
It is vital to record strokes honestly. The Rules of golf scoring state that if you sign a scorecard with a lower score than you actually shot, you are disqualified (DQ’d). Always verify your score with your marker (the person checking your card) before signing.
Penalties and Extra Strokes
Sometimes, you must add penalty strokes to your actual count. These penalties increase your gross score.
Common penalties include:
- Out of Bounds (OB): If your ball goes outside the white stakes, you take a one-stroke penalty and must replay the shot from where you hit it before (Stroke and Distance).
- Water Hazards: If you take relief from a penalty area (yellow or red stakes), you usually take a one-stroke penalty.
- Grounding your club: Touching the sand in a bunker or the ground near your ball before your stroke (in certain situations) can incur a penalty.
When calculating golf scores, these penalty strokes must be added to the strokes actually taken.
Recording Scores Correctly
For stroke play, you must record the total number of strokes taken on each hole, including penalties.
| Hole Number | Par | Strokes Taken (Gross) | Penalties | Total Strokes | Player 1 Score | Player 2 Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 4 (Birdie) |
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| 3 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| TOTALS | 12 | 16 | 1 | 17 | 17 | 16 |
In this example, Player 1 shot 17 strokes total. Player 2 shot 16 strokes total. Player 2 wins this mini-competition based on gross scores.
Advanced Concepts in Golf Scoring
Once the basics are solid, you can explore other formats used in group play.
Scramble Format Scoring
The Scramble is very popular in charity events. All players on the team hit a drive. The team then chooses the best drive. Everyone plays their next shot from that spot. This continues until the ball is holed.
- Scoring: Usually, the team counts only one score per hole.
- Handicap Adjustment: Since all players benefit from the best shots, the team score is usually adjusted heavily. A common rule is to use 25% to 35% of the team’s combined course handicaps.
Shamble Scoring
The Shamble is a mix between Stroke Play and Scramble.
- Everyone hits a tee shot.
- The team selects the best tee shot.
- From that spot, every player plays their own ball until it goes in the hole.
- The team then uses the best net score from the balls holed out.
This format speeds up play because you avoid hitting multiple bad drives, but it still rewards individual skill after the tee shot.
Practical Steps for Golf Scorekeeping Basics
Good scorekeeping keeps the game moving and prevents arguments later.
- Keep Track During Play: Always count strokes immediately after your ball stops moving. Do not wait until you reach the green.
- Confirm with Marker: Before leaving the green, ask your assigned marker (the person responsible for checking your card) to confirm your total strokes for that hole.
- Record Immediately: Write the confirmed score down on the scorecard right away.
- Total Accurately: When you finish the 18th hole, tally up the gross scores carefully.
- Apply Adjustments: If playing with handicaps, calculate the net score based on the agreed-upon system (e.g., Stableford points or handicap strokes applied).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a “gross” score in golf?
A gross score is the actual total number of strokes you took to complete the course or hole, including any penalty strokes. It is your raw score before any handicap adjustments.
Can I pick up my ball if I am having a terrible hole?
Yes, in stroke play, you can pick up your ball if you decide you cannot possibly beat your expected net score. This is called “conceding the hole.” However, if you concede the hole in stroke play, you must record the maximum score allowed for that hole according to the competition rules of golf scoring. This maximum score is usually double par (e.g., 8 on a Par 4) or a set maximum defined by the tournament committee.
How do I calculate my handicap if I am new?
To get an official handicap, you usually need to submit scores from three or more rounds played on recognized courses. The system takes your best few scores, calculates the score relative to the course rating, and averages them out. Understanding golf handicaps is best done by using the official handicap system (like the World Handicap System or WHS) provided by your local golf association.
What is the difference between Stroke Play and Match Play scoring?
In Stroke Play, the total number of strokes over 18 holes determines the winner (lowest total wins). In Match Play, you win or lose based on how many individual holes you win against your opponent (whoever wins the most holes wins the match).
Is Stableford scoring the same as Net score?
No. A Net score is derived by subtracting your handicap allowance from your Gross score in traditional stroke play. Stableford scoring converts strokes into points earned based on performance relative to Par, regardless of the final stroke total.