Golf, unlike many sports, offers a range of scoring methods, each with its own unique approach. Whether you’re new to the game or simply looking to understand how the scoring works, this guide will break down the different methods you’ll encounter on the course.
Stroke Play (Medal Play)
Stroke play is the most common and traditional method of scoring in golf. In stroke play, the goal is to complete the course in the fewest possible strokes. Each stroke counts as one point, and the player with the lowest total score at the end of the round (usually 18 holes) wins. This format is used in most professional tournaments, including major championships like The Masters and the U.S. Open.
- Example: If you take 4 strokes on a par-4 hole, your score for that hole is 4. At the end of the round, you tally up your strokes from all holes, and the lowest score wins.
Match Play
Match play is a head-to-head format where the score is determined by the number of holes won rather than the total number of strokes. Each hole is a separate contest, and the player who takes fewer strokes on a hole wins that hole. The match continues until one player is ahead by more holes than are remaining to be played.
- Example: If Player A scores a 4 on a hole and Player B scores a 5, Player A wins the hole and goes “1-up.” If the match ends with Player A leading by 2 holes with 1 hole to go, Player A wins “2 & 1.”
Stableford
The Stableford system assigns points based on the number of strokes taken in relation to par on each hole. The goal is to accumulate the most points rather than the fewest strokes. Positive points are awarded for good performance, and negative points can be given for poor performance. A typical scoring system might look like this:
- Double bogey or worse: 0 points
- Bogey: 1 point
- Par: 2 points
- Birdie: 3 points
- Eagle: 4 points
- Albatross (Double Eagle): 5 points
This format encourages aggressive play since players are rewarded for better-than-par performance but aren’t as heavily penalised for poor holes.
Skins Game
In a Skins game, each hole has a set value, known as a “skin.” The player who wins the hole outright (by having the lowest score on that hole) wins the skin. If two or more players tie, the skin carries over to the next hole. The player with the most skins at the end of the round wins.
- Example: If each hole is worth £10 and Player A wins the first hole, they earn £10. If no one wins the next hole outright, the skin rolls over, making the third hole worth £20.
Four-Ball (Better Ball)
In Four-Ball, teams of two compete against each other. Each player plays their own ball, and the lower score between the two teammates counts as the team’s score for that hole. This format is common in team competitions like the Ryder Cup.
- Example: If Player A scores a 4 and Player B scores a 5 on a hole, the team’s score for that hole is 4.
Foursomes (Alternate Shot)
In Foursomes, two-player teams compete, but instead of each player playing their own ball, teammates take turns hitting the same ball. One player hits the tee shot, the other hits the second shot, and so on. The team with the fewest strokes on each hole wins that hole.
- Example: Player A tees off, Player B hits the second shot, and they continue alternating until the ball is holed.
Scramble
A scramble is a popular format in charity and amateur tournaments. In a scramble, each player on the team hits a shot, and the team chooses the best shot. All players then hit from that spot, and this process repeats until the ball is holed. The team’s score is based on the number of strokes it takes to finish the hole.
- Example: If Player A’s drive is the best, the whole team plays their next shot from that spot.
Bogey/Par Competitions
In this format, players compete against the course rather than against other players. Each hole is played as a separate match against the course, and the player either wins (+1), ties (0), or loses (-1) the hole based on how they perform relative to par. The goal is to have the best cumulative score at the end of the round.
Par Points
Par Points is a variation similar to Stableford but simpler. Points are awarded as follows:
- Bogey: 1 point
- Par: 2 points
- Birdie: 3 points
- Eagle: 4 points
The player with the highest points at the end wins.
Conclusion
Golf offers a variety of scoring systems to suit different styles of play, whether you prefer the traditional stroke play or a more strategic match play format. Understanding these systems will not only improve your knowledge of the game but also help you choose the right format for your next round.
If you’re just starting, it’s a good idea to try out different scoring methods to see which one you enjoy most. Whether you’re playing for fun or competing in a tournament, the diversity in golf scoring ensures that there’s a format for every player.
For more details on golf scoring methods, you can explore sources like the USGA’s Rules of Golf or guides from PGA Tour and other golf-specific platforms.
