Stableford scoring is a popular golf scoring system that rewards good holes rather than punishing bad ones. Instead of adding up every stroke for the round, you earn points on each hole based on how you score relative to par, then total your points at the end.
How it works
- Each hole is scored individually.
- Your score on the hole is compared to the hole’s par.
- You receive points depending on that result.
- If you have a really bad hole, you can pick up once you can no longer score points — which keeps play moving.
Standard Stableford points (used in Australia under Golf Australia) Handicaps in Stableford
In most competitions (including Golf Australia events):
- Your handicap is applied per hole.
- On the hardest holes (based on stroke index), you receive extra strokes.
- Your nett score on the hole (after handicap strokes) determines how many Stableford points you earn.
Example:
- Par 4, Stroke Index 3
- You receive 1 handicap stroke
- You score a 4 (nett 3 = birdie)
- You score 3 Stableford points
Winning a Stableford competition
- Total points across all holes are added up.
- Highest total points wins, not the lowest score.
Why golfers like Stableford
- One bad hole doesn’t ruin your whole round
- Encourages attacking play
- Faster pace of play
- More enjoyable for higher-handicap golfers