In golf, your nett score is your score after your handicap has been applied. It’s the number used to fairly compare players of different abilities.
Simply put
- Gross score = the actual number of strokes you take
- Handicap = the number of strokes you’re allowed
- Nett score = gross score minus handicap strokes
How it works on the course
Your handicap is converted into strokes on specific holes, based on the hole’s stroke index (see explanation further below).
- If you receive 1 stroke on a hole, you subtract 1 stroke from your score on that hole
- If you receive 2 strokes, you subtract 2, and so on
Example
- You score 92 gross
- Your course/daily handicap is 18
Nett score = 92 − 18 = 74
Using the Stroke Index Step-by-step
First, you need your daily/course handicap.
Case A: Handicap 1–18
You receive 1 stroke on holes where:
- Stroke index ≤ your handicap
Example: Daily handicap = 12
- You get 1 stroke on SI 1–12
- No strokes on SI 13–18
Case B: Handicap over 18
You receive:
- 1 stroke on every hole, plus
- Extra strokes on the hardest holes
Example: Daily handicap = 22
- 1 stroke on all 18 holes
- 2nd stroke on SI 1–4
Why Nett score matters
- Most club competitions are decided on nett score
- It allows high- and low-handicap golfers to compete on equal terms
- Common formats using nett scores include:
-
- Stableford (nett points)
- Par
- Medal (nett stroke)
In short your nett score = your score after handicap strokes are applied.