In Stableford, each hole earns points rather than simply adding every stroke. A net par is normally worth two points, a net birdie three and a net bogey one. Once no point can be scored, you can pick up and keep play moving.
Stableford is popular because one difficult hole has less effect on the total than it does in ordinary stroke play. Your handicap strokes help determine the net score used for the points.
The standard points scale
- More than one over the target score: 0 points.
- One over: 1 point.
- Target score or net par: 2 points.
- One under: 3 points.
- Two under: 4 points.
- Three under: 5 points.
Competitions can set different conditions, so always check the local terms of the competition.
How handicap strokes are used
Your Playing Handicap is allocated across the holes using the Stroke Index. If you receive one stroke on a hole and score a gross 5, the net score for Stableford is 4.
The allocation becomes clearer in What does Stroke Index mean?.
A simple example
- 01
On a par 4 where you receive one stroke, a gross 5 becomes a net 4: normally 2 points.
- 02
A gross 4 becomes a net 3: normally 3 points.
- 03
If you can no longer score a point, pick up to protect the pace of play.
The essential point
Stableford rewards useful hole-by-hole scores while limiting the damage from a disaster hole. Count the net result first, then convert it into points.
Sources
The following official or specialist sources were used to verify this independently written guide.
- The R&A – official guidance Source used to verify the rules or factual information in this guide.
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