Rules · Lesson
How Stableford Scoring Works
Part of our rules programs. Build a program with it
Stableford is a points game under Rule 21.1. You earn points on each hole against a fixed score, usually par plus your handicap strokes. A net par gets two points. A net birdie gets three. A net bogey gets one. Double bogey or worse gets zero. Highest total wins. The best part? Once you can't score a point, pick up and move on. It speeds play, and one bad hole doesn't ruin your day.
Step by step
- Know your handicap strokes on each hole.
- Net par is two points.
- One more per stroke better, one less per stroke worse.
- Pick up when you can't score.
- Highest total wins.
Why it works
Stableford gives each hole a fixed points value, so a bad hole costs you at most the two points a net par would have earned. Your score on each hole is measured against par adjusted by your handicap strokes, so players of different ability compete fairly. Because a hole cannot get worse than zero points, you can pick up once you cannot score and keep your rhythm.
Common mistakes
- Counting points against par instead of net par.Add your handicap strokes for that hole to par first, then compare your gross score to that number.
- Giving points for a net double bogey or worse.Remember that one stroke over net par is one point and two or more over is zero, so pick up once you cannot reach net bogey.
- Applying handicap strokes to the wrong holes.Check the stroke index on the scorecard and give yourself a stroke on every hole where your handicap is at or above that index number.
How you'll know it's working
- You can state your net par on any hole before you tee off.
- You write down a points total for each hole without stopping to work it out.
- You pick up on holes where you can no longer score, and your round is faster.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Play a round with a friend and write net par for each hole on the scorecard before you start.
Harder: Keep your own points total and your gross score at the same time, and try to beat your points total from the previous round.
Common questions
How many points do you get for a net par in Stableford?
A net par earns two points. A net birdie earns three, a net bogey earns one, and a net double bogey or worse earns zero.
When should you pick up in Stableford?
Pick up when you can no longer score a point on the hole, which means you cannot make net bogey or better. This speeds up play and does not cost you anything.
