Stableford

Setup

Handicaps

Net Stableford uses handicap strokes. Modified Stableford often uses scratch scores.

Points

Total points after 18 holes. Can play straight up or with point spreads.

How to play Stableford

1. Score points based on each hole result relative to par
2. Double bogey or worse: 0 points
3. Bogey: 1 point
4. Par: 2 points
5. Birdie: 3 points
6. Eagle: 4 points, Albatross: 5 points
7. Pick up once you can't score points to save time

Standard stroke play order. Ready golf encouraged.

Scoring

Ties: Tied totals can use back 9, then back 6, then back 3, then hole 18 as tiebreakers

Highest point total after 18 holes

Strategy

• A blow-up hole only costs 2 points max - don't let it ruin your round
• Play aggressively for birdies - the upside (3 pts) beats the downside (1 pt for bogey)
• Pick up when you're out of the hole - saves time and energy
• Great format for beginners - bad holes don't compound

Example

• Mike12 HCP
• Dave18 HCP

Comparing Stableford vs traditional stroke play scoring.

What happens

1. Hole 1: Mike pars (2 pts), Dave bogeys (1 pt)
2. Hole 2: Mike birdies (3 pts), Dave double bogeys (0 pts)
3. Hole 3: Mike triples (0 pts), Dave pars (2 pts)
4. After 3 holes: Mike 5 pts, Dave 3 pts

In stroke play, Mike's triple would hurt more (+3 vs par). In Stableford, it only cost 2 points vs par.

Despite Mike's blow-up on hole 3, he's still ahead. Stableford rewards aggressive play and minimizes disasters.