Golf's Stableford scoring system rewards golfers with points on a hole-by-hole basis for shooting certain scores. The lower your score, the more points you receive, and the golfer with the most points wins.
The Stableford system is a popular format at golf clubs and for charity outings. The system tends to benefit higher-handicap players because a very high score on a hole is not penalized with negative points. Below, you will learn how to calculate a Stableford score.
How to Calculate a Stableford Score
Step 1
First you need to know your course handicap.
Use your USGA handicap index to get the conversion to the course handicap. Ask the golf professional if you need help.
Step 2
Once you have the course handicap you need to figure out your adjusted par.
If your handicap is 18, then you will add 1 stroke to par each hole to get your adjusted par. Say you are a 10 handicap, then you will add 1 stroke to par on the 10 hardest handicap holes to get your adjusted par.
Step 3
Before you start the round, write your adjusted par on the scorecard to prevent later confusion. After every hole fill in your gross (non-adjusted) score and any points you may have earned in the box below your score.
Step 4
Decide on the point system. Typically the value system that is followed is: 0 points - 2 strokes or more over adjusted par; 1 point - 1 stroke over adjusted par; 2 points - your adjusted par; 3 points - 1 stroke under your adjusted par; 4 points - 2 strokes under your adjusted par; 5 points - 3 strokes under your adjusted par.