Rule 21: Other forms of play: Stableford and more
What this is about
This rule explains several fun forms of play in golf, besides regular stroke play. You score differently here than just counting strokes, often using a points system.
What you need to do
In the popular format Stableford, you earn points for each hole, depending on your score relative to par (the expected score for good players).
- Par (the 'target score') gives you 2 points.
- One stroke less than par (a 'birdie') earns you 3 points.
- Two strokes less (an 'eagle') gives you 4 points.
- One stroke more than par (a 'bogey') is worth 1 point.
- At two strokes or more over par, or if you don't finish the hole, you get 0 points. In that case you may pick up your ball to keep the pace of play going.
Note: for certain serious mistakes, such as playing a wrong ball, you get 0 points for that specific hole. Other serious breaches can even lead to disqualification from the competition.
Common mistake
Many beginners think that in Stableford you always have to hole out, even if you've already played a lot of strokes. In fact, the whole point is to pick up your ball as soon as you can no longer score points on that hole. This saves time and keeps the game moving.
Example
You're playing a par-3 hole. After your fifth stroke, the ball still isn't in the hole. Since a double bogey (two strokes over par) already gives you zero points, you can pick up your ball. You don't need to keep playing, because your score for that hole stays at zero points.
Practise this rule with real exam questions in the free app.
21.1 Stableford
21.1a Overview
Stableford is a form of stroke play in which points are awarded per hole based on the number of strokes taken compared to a fixed target score (usually par).
21.1b Scoring
The scoring works as follows:
- More than one stroke over target score or no score: 0 points
- One stroke over target score: 1 point
- Target score achieved: 2 points
- One stroke under target score: 3 points
- Two strokes under target score: 4 points
- Three strokes under target score: 5 points
- Four or more strokes under target score: 6 points (or more)
The player with the most points wins.
21.1c Penalties
Certain breaches that would lead to disqualification in regular stroke play result in zero points for that hole in Stableford instead of disqualification.
21.1d When the round ends
The round ends when the player holes out on the last hole or decides not to hole out on the last hole.
21.2 Maximum score
21.2a Overview
In maximum score, the Committee sets a maximum number of strokes per hole (for example double par, a fixed number, or net double bogey). When a player reaches this maximum, they stop and record the maximum as their score.
21.2b Scoring
You record the actual number of strokes or the maximum, whichever is lower. If you don't hole out, the maximum is recorded.
21.3 Par/bogey
21.3a Overview
Par/bogey is a form of stroke play where each hole is scored like in match play: you "win" or "lose" the hole by playing it in fewer or more strokes than the target score. The player with the best result (most holes won minus holes lost) wins.
21.3b Scoring
For each hole, it's determined whether the player has won the hole (score below target score), halved it (score equal to target score), or lost it (score above target score). The net result determines the winner.
21.4 Three-ball match play
21.4a Overview
Three-ball match play is a form of play in which three players each play an individual match against the other two at the same time. Each player plays with one ball that counts for both matches.
21.4b Playing out of turn
If a player plays out of turn in either of the two matches, the opponent can require the stroke to be replayed.