How to Calculate Stableford Score

The Stableford scoring system is a golf scoring system. It differs from traditional stroke play scoring in that it awards points on every hole based on the golfer's score as it relates to par or some other target score that has been determined. Since the Stableford system awards positive points for better scores on each hole, the highest score wins. These steps will detail how to calculate Stableford scoring for golf.

Things You'll Need

• Golf club Golf ball Scorecard

Instructions

1. Add the number of strokes for the golfer on the first hole.

2. Compare the total strokes on the hole from above to the golfer's adjusted-for-handicap par on that hole.

3. Use the following standard United States Golf Association (USGA) key to determine the number of points the golfer should be awarded for the hole.

   If the golfer's score for the hole was:
   2 strokes or more over adjusted par = no points
   1 stroke over adjusted par = 1 point
   Adjusted par = 2 points
   1 stroke under adjusted par = 3 points
   2 strokes under adjusted par = 4 points
   3 strokes under adjusted par = 5 points
   4 strokes under adjusted par = 6 points

4. Repeat this process on each hole of the round. Record the points awarded on each hole on the scorecard.

5. Add the golfer's point totals from each hole of the round. The resulting number is the final score for the round.

Tips & Warnings

• The PGA Tour has used the modified Stableford scoring system, considered more appropriate for that caliber of play. The system was previously used at the International tournament, held in Castle Pines, Colo., from 1986 to 2006.

References

• USGA Stableford rules
• Modified Stableford scoring explained

Resources

• Golf scoring software