Stableford

The Stableford scoring system is a unique golf format where players earn points based on their score on each hole. Unlike traditional stroke play, the highest total points wins. This format rewards aggressive play and minimizes the impact of bad holes, making Stableford golf one of the most popular alternatives to standard scoring.

What isStableford in Golf

Stableford is a golf scoring format where points are awarded based on the number of strokes taken at each hole relative to par. Instead of counting total strokes, players earn points (e.g., 1 for bogey, 2 for par, 3 for birdie, etc.), and the player with the most points wins.This style of golf score Stableford encourages attacking play and speeds up the game, since poor holes don’t heavily penalize your overall result.

  • Points-Based System

    Points-Based System

    Earn points on each hole depending on your score relative to par.

  • No Big Numbers

    No Big Numbers

    A bad hole only costs you zero points—not a high stroke count.

  • Most Points Wins

    Most Points Wins

    The player with the highest points total wins.

Key Highlights

  • Encourages aggressive, risk-reward golf.
  • One bad hole doesn’t ruin your score.
  • Speeds up play—you can pick up on a hopeless hole.
  • Popular for handicap competitions.

How to Play How to Play Stableford Golf Game

  • Play normal golf and count your strokes per hole.

  • Convert strokes to points using the Stableford scoring system.

  • Add your points as you play.

  • Highest points total wins.

  • Handicaps can be used to adjust scores for fairness, making scoring in golf Stableford widely adaptable.

Scoring System Stableford Golf Scoring System

  • Double Bogey or Worse = 0

  • Bogey = 1 Point

  • Par = 2 Points

  • Birdie = 3 Points

  • Eagle = 4 Points

  • Albatross = 5 Points

  • Hole-in-One = 6 Points (Optional)

Scorecard Example

Stableford Scorecard Example

Winner: Player C

Stableford Variations Variations of the Golf Game Stableford

  • Modified Stableford

    Adjust point values (used on the PGA Tour occasionally) to reward risk more heavily.

  • Handicap Stableford

    Handicap strokes are factored into net scoring for points.

  • Team Stableford

    Played in pairs or groups—combine or average team points.

Why Play Stableford Why Play Stableford Golf?

  • Keeps the Round Fun

    One bad hole won't ruin your day.

  • Promotes Aggressive Golf

    Going for birdies and eagles is rewarded.

  • Popular for Handicaps

    Ideal for leveling the field among different skill levels.