What is Stableford?
Dr. Frank Stableford's system of scoring was first used in Wallasay, near Liverpool. Points are awarded for performance against par, with allowance for handicaps. This then offers a competitive match between an expert and a high-handicap player.
Scoring
In a Stableford event, you are awarded points per hole based on your Nett Score. To calculate your Nett Score, you must first calculate on which holes you receive your handicap strokes.
On the scorecard the stroke/stableford index is shown against each hole.
For example:
- If your handicap is 12 you would receive 1 handicap stroke for holes with the Index # 1,2,3 through to 12. On all other holes you receive no handicap stroke and play the hole from scratch.
- If your handicap is 18 you would receive 1 handicap stroke for holes with the Index # 1,2,3 through to 18 i.e. 1 stroke on every hole.
- If your handicap is 29 you would receive 2 handicap strokes for holes with the Index # 1,2,3 through to 11 (29-18 = 11). On all other holes you receive 1 stroke.
- If your handicap is 38 you would receive 3 handicap strokes for holes with the Index # 1 and 2 only (38-36 = 2). On all other holes you receive 2 strokes.
To calculate your Nett stroke score for a hole you subtract the number of handicap strokes received from the actual strokes played for the hole. Stableford Points are then awarded according to your Nett score as follows:
If your Nett score is:
- 2 or more above par then you cannot score and you should just pick up your ball and move on
- 1 over par then you score 1 point for the hole
- Equal to Par then you score 2 points for the hole
- 1 under Par (Birdie) then you score 3 points for the hole
- 2 under Par (Eagle) then you score 4 points for the hole
- 3 under Par (Albatross) then you score 5 point for the hole
Marking the Scorecard
Golf is a self-policing game, where fair play is the backbone of the game, without the disputes so common in other sports today. You are responsible for your own score. It is necessary that the gross number of strokes taken must always be shown for holes where points are scored. It is not essential, but only customary for the marker to indicate the calculated Stableford points scored by a player.
In summary to score & mark a scorecard for a Stableford competition:-
- Work out the handicap strokes received for each hole (make a mental note or on the scorecard)
- Play the hole & record the actual strokes taken on the scorecard
- Work out your Nett Score (strokes taken less handicap strokes received), and record it on the card if helpful
- Work out Stableford points awarded based on your Nett Score against Par (refer to Points table above)
- Record on the card your actual strokes taken (essential) and the stableford points awarded (non-essential but customary)
- Total up the stableford points scored for the 18 holes
- Record NETT (= Total Points Awarded) under RESULT
- Ensure your card has your name, handicap, date, and is signed by yourself and your marker.