If you thought match play, stroke play, scramble, and best ball are the only formats golfers can play, then you are mistaken.
One of the most interactive and fun alternative golf formats is the Stableford scoring system. It is not like the normal scoring in golf, which adds some fun to it.
While it may not be as popular as match play (like the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup), Stableford is more fun.
According to this format, the goal is not to have the lowest score. Here, you focus on having the highest score, but that does not mean the goal is card doubles and triples.
What it does is follow an adapted scoring system that gives a score to birdies, eagles, pars, and bogeys, among others.
The unique thing about the Stableford scoring format is that it encourages play, which makes it fun for spectators and players.
So, in such an event, you won’t be seeing guys laying up or hitting from the middle of the green frequently.
What they do instead is that they constantly bomb it and attack flagsticks in the hope that they will make more eagles and birdies.
Surprisingly, the Stableford is the only other format (aside from match and stroke) that the PGA Tour uses.
In fact, some top golfers in the world use this system in the Barracuda Championship.
So, if you are interested in knowing more about this unique scoring system, then read on. We will discuss everything about Stableford scoring, including how it works. Let’s get started.
What Is Stableford Scoring?
As you may already know, stroke play rewards low scores.
So, if, at the end of each hole, your score remains zero or less, then you are doing really well.
Contrastingly, the Stableford scoring system rewards you for doing the opposite.
What it means is that you will be aiming at having a high score at the end of each hole. But as noted earlier, this doesn’t mean that you want to bogey intentionally.
In any case, the winner is the golfer with the highest total at the end.
What is unique about the Stableford scoring format is that you are awarded points depending on how many strokes over or under you are.
Generally, there is a ceiling on how low your score should be at each hole.
The good thing is that even if you have a shocker, the system won’t punish you with a terrible score.
As you can see, the Stableford scoring doesn’t reward golfers for playing conservatively.
That is why players feel encouraged to strive for those miraculous shots. Also, games tend to be quicker than other formats because there isn’t much to lose.
History of the Stableford Scoring System
One of the most surprising things is that the Stableford scoring system has been around for more than a century.
The creator, Dr. Frank Barnley Gorton Stableford, first introduced this system in the late 19th century.
He believed that the system has the best interest of golfers. That is why he often called it the Patron Saint of Club Golfers.
What necessitated him to develop the system is that he noted that most golfers were giving up too fast when they had a bad start.
So, he tried to rectify this problem by developing something that will keep them going and finish the round. For instance, if you had a disaster hole, it won’t ruin the fun.
In terms of real application, the Stableford scoring system was first used at a tournament in 1932 at the Wallasey Golf Club. Today, it is popular in all corners of the world.
Stableford Scoring System: How Does It Work?
As we mentioned at the start of this article, the goal of the Stableford scoring system is to score the most points. So, every score to par is equivalent to a set number of points that is predetermined with your group.
The beauty of this arrangement is that it incentivizes risk-taking, as the reward is greater and there isn’t a huge penalty for big numbers.
For instance, here is how the R&A breaks down in the Stableford system:
- Four strokes under (very slim chances): 6 points
- Three strokes under (albatross/aka double eagle or hole in one): 5 points
- Two strokes under: 4 points
- One stroke under (birdie): 3 points
- Even par: 2 points
- One stroke over (bogey): 1 point
- Anything above two strokes over, you will get 0 points.
Handicap Can Factor Into the Scoring
Just like in stroke play, Stableford scoring can be handicapped as well.
It means that golfers of different playing abilities can compete favorably in a Stableford, even on an equal basis. The reason is that their handicaps will be figured into each hole.
For instance, if a golfer is determined to have a handicap stroke index of 10 for a given course and is receiving 100 percent of the 10 handicap, playing the hole in four strokes on a par 4 rated as the number 8 handicap would be treated as a net birdie 3.
This is because one stroke would be subtracted. But with the Stableford scoring format, the player would be awarded 3 points for a net birdie.
A scratch golfer who made a gross par on the hole would get 2 points.
How to Win a Stableford Competition
Unlike the conventional stroke play scoring system, the main goal of the Stableford scoring system is to score as many points as you can over 18 holes.
So, if you play exactly to your handicap, there are chances that you can finish your round with 36 points, or two points per hole.
What Is a Modified Stableford?
For professional tournaments, there is a tweaked version of Stableford called ‘Modified Stableford.’
This version encourages more aggressive play. If you are keen on how it works, here is what the score system looks like:
- Three strokes under: 8 points
- Two strokes under: 5 points
- One stroke under: 2 points
- Par: 0 points
- One stroke over: -1 point
- Two or more strokes over: -3 points
The Benefits of Using the Stableford Scoring Format
There are several reasons why players would want to use Stableford scoring over other formats. Here are the biggest incentives:
- There is a safety net: The reason why the system was invented was to create a safety net for disgruntled players. So, if you are halfway through a round and all of a sudden you spend six shots in the sand, it will not ruin your game. Note that there is a minimum score per hole no matter how many shots you take. It means that the average Stableford score for a tough hole is better than in stroke play.
- It is fun: Yes, Stableford offers regular players some excitement and encouragement. It won’t matter whether you are just keen on seeing golf in a different way or you have already mastered stroke play and are looking for a new challenge. Stableford will be fun for you.
- Positive play is rewarded: Given that there is a limit on self-inflicted damage, players are incentivized to play ambiguously. There isn’t much to lose.
- Open to everyone: Friends with low handicaps are not always easy to play with, especially if you are not on the same level. The same goes for tougher golf courses. But the good thing is that Stableford scoring is the greatest equalizer. In fact, anyone can win a round.
How to Excel with Stableford Scoring
While playing well at Stableford scoring still requires the technical skills that you would apply in a stroke play, there are a few things that you can do differently.
Here are some of the things that you need to keep in mind if you want to excel at this system:
- Know your handicap adjustments: as explained earlier, some holes will adjust your score depending on your handicap as well as the hole’s scoring index. So, you should have an idea of which holes are friendly; this will enable you to take some strategic risks.
- Play with purpose: Just like in other scoring formats, you should always be strategic and have focus as you play. While you can still get on with consistently bad shot selection, Stableford will reward positive play. This also means that you can try those riskier shots.
- Enjoy it: Finally, you should approach each game with enthusiasm. Don’t forget the reason why we play golf. It is not always about winning. The good thing is that Stableford scoring is a great variation on the classic game. So, take it with some good humor and enjoy yourself on the course.
Wrap-Up
The Stableford scoring format can be a lot of fun to play with for players of all levels.
Whether you are in a casual round with your friends, keen on finding a fuss about this scoring system, or even looking for a new challenge, there are positive things to say about Stableford.
This scoring system simplifies golf by rewarding you with scores based on your performance on each hole.
So, in a way, it encourages players to enjoy the game and worry less about each shot, as in the case with stroke play, where they have to count every stroke.
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