Section 6: Scoring
Stroke Play Scoring (Rule 3.3)
In stroke play, the player's score for each hole is the number of strokes made (including penalty strokes). The player's total for the round is the sum of all hole scores. The player (or side) with the lowest total score for the stipulated round(s) wins.
Scorecard (Rule 3.3b): Each player in stroke play must have a marker (another player in the competition) who records the player's score on a scorecard after each hole. At the end of the round, the player and marker must certify the score for each hole is correct by signing the scorecard. The player is responsible for ensuring the scorecard is returned to the Committee without delay.
Wrong Score (Rule 3.3b(3)): If the score recorded for a hole is lower than actually taken, the player is disqualified. If the score recorded is higher than actually taken, the higher score stands. Score errors must be corrected before the scorecard is returned; the Committee corrects any arithmetic errors in the total.
Match Play Scoring (Rule 3.2)
In match play, a player wins a hole by completing it in fewer strokes than the opponent. If both players complete a hole in the same number of strokes, the hole is halved. The match is won when a player leads by more holes than there are holes remaining (e.g., "3 and 2" means the winner was 3 holes up with only 2 remaining).
Concessions (Rule 3.2b): In match play, a player may concede the opponent's next stroke, a hole, or the match at any time before the hole or match is concluded. A concession cannot be declined or withdrawn. There is no penalty for making a stroke that has been conceded.
Common Scoring Terms
- Par: The expected number of strokes a scratch golfer would need to complete a hole or round.
- Birdie: One stroke under par on a hole.
- Eagle: Two strokes under par on a hole.
- Albatross (Double Eagle): Three strokes under par on a hole.
- Bogey: One stroke over par on a hole.
- Double Bogey: Two strokes over par on a hole.
Stableford Scoring (Rule 21.1)
In Stableford play, a player's score is based on points awarded in relation to a fixed score (usually par) for each hole. Typical points allocation:
- More than one over fixed score: 0 points
- One over fixed score (bogey): 1 point
- Equal to fixed score (par): 2 points
- One under fixed score (birdie): 3 points
- Two under fixed score (eagle): 4 points
- Three under fixed score (albatross): 5 points
The player with the highest total points wins. Under Rule 21.1b(1), if a player cannot score a point on a hole they must pick up, and there is no need to complete the hole.
Maximum Score (Rule 21.2)
The Committee sets a maximum score per hole (e.g., double par, or a fixed number). A player's score cannot exceed that maximum. This format is designed to improve pace of play.
Handicap Play
The Rules of Golf incorporate the World Handicap System (WHS), jointly administered by the R&A and USGA (launched November 2020, replacing six prior systems worldwide). Under the WHS, a player's Handicap Index reflects their potential playing ability based on the best 8 of their last 20 score differentials. Course Handicap converts the Handicap Index to a specific number of strokes received for a particular course and set of tees. Playing Handicap is the final adjustment used in competition.
Four-Ball Stroke Play (Rule 23)
Each partner plays their own ball, and the lower score on each hole counts as the side's score. If both partners are disqualified on a hole (or neither completes the hole), the side has no score for that hole and is disqualified unless the Committee determines the overall result is not affected.