Golf · Guide
Stableford scoring explained
Instead of counting every shot, you score points on each hole based on how you did against par after your handicap strokes. Most points wins. A bad hole costs you nothing more than zero.
The points
| Net score on the hole | Points |
|---|---|
| Double bogey or worse | 0 |
| Bogey | 1 |
| Par | 2 |
| Birdie | 3 |
| Eagle | 4 |
| Albatross | 5 |
"Net" means after taking off any handicap strokes you get on that hole.
Handicap strokes and stroke index
Every hole on the scorecard has a stroke index from 1 (hardest) to 18 (easiest). If your playing handicap is 10, you get one stroke on the holes with stroke index 1 to 10. If it is 20, you get one stroke on every hole and a second on stroke index 1 and 2.
An example
Playing handicap 18, so one stroke a hole. On a par 4 you take 5. Minus your stroke, that is a net 4: net par, 2 points. On the next par 4 you take 8: net 7, a triple bogey: 0 points. Pick up once you cannot score, as there is nothing to gain.
What is a good score?
36 points means two points a hole: you played exactly to your handicap. Above 36 is a good round; club competitions are often won with around 40.
Why clubs use it
Rounds are quicker because players pick up when a hole has gone, one disaster does not ruin the day, and players of every standard can compete on equal terms. For individual competitions, the World Handicap System recommends a 95% handicap allowance. See handicaps explained.
Quick answers
- How does Stableford scoring work?
- You score points on each hole based on your net score (after handicap strokes): net par is 2 points, net birdie 3, net bogey 1, and net double bogey or worse 0. Most points wins.
- What is a good Stableford score?
- 36 points means you played exactly to your handicap. Anything above 36 is a good day.
- What is stroke index in golf?
- A number from 1 to 18 on each hole of the card, ranking how hard it is. Handicap strokes are given on the lowest stroke-index holes first.
- What handicap allowance is used in Stableford?
- For individual Stableford competitions, the recommended allowance under the World Handicap System is 95% of your course handicap.