How to Score in Golf: Key Golfing Scoring Terms

If you are not familiar with the game of golf, the way you score can be different from other sports. The aim of golf is to score the lowest possible score. This means the person with the lowest score wins.

There are also different scoring formats in golf, so is not always as simple as adding up your strokes whilst you play each hole.

Do not worry though, once you have played a few times you will get the hang of it. But before getting out on the course read below to find out all you need to know when it comes to scoring in golf.

Key Golfing Scoring Terms

Before you start playing, there are several key golf scoring terms you need to understand. Let us take a closer look at each of them:

Albatross

Is a score of three strokes below par. For example, completing a par 5 in two strokes. An albatross can only be scored on a par 4 or par 5 hole.

Eagle

Is a score of two strokes below par. For example, completing a par five hole in 3 strokes.

Birdie

Is a score of one stroke below par. For example, completing a par 4 hole in three strokes.

Par

Is completing a hole in the standard number of strokes for hole, based on its length and difficulty. For example, a:

• par three hole requires 3 strokes to finish
• par three hole requires 4 strokes to finish
• par three hole requires 5 strokes to finish

Bogey

Is a score of one stroke above par. For example, completing a par 4 hole in five strokes.

Double Bogey

Is a score of two strokes above par. For example, completing a par 4 hole in six strokes.

Condor

Is a score of four under on a single hole. This score is so rare that only six have been recorded in golf professional history.

Triple Bogey

Is a score of three strokes above par. For example, completing a par 4 hole in seven strokes.

Quadruple Bogey

Is a score of four strokes above par. For example, completing a par 4 hole in eight strokes.

Table 1: Golf Scoring Table

Keeping Score in Different Formats

There are three main formats: stroke play, match play, and stableford. Each format has its own scoring system.

Stroke Play

Stroke play is the most common format. Stroke play is the total number of strokes taken over the course of a round.

Each player will record the total number of strokes for each hole on the scorecard, which will tally up to their overall score for the round. Stroke play allows for a more accurate assessment of a player’s overall golfing ability.

Stroke play is used in most professional tournaments.

Match Play

Match play is a format where players compete against each other on a hole-by-hole basis. The player who wins the most holes is the winner of the match.

Match play is the total number of strokes does not matter – only the number of holes won against your opponent. Match play is a more relaxed format than stroke play, as players can take more risks without worrying about their overall score.

Match play is used in team events, such as the Ryder or Presidents Cup.

Stableford

Stableford is a points-based scoring system. Players are awarded points based on how well they perform on each hole, rather than counting strokes. Stableford scoring differs from stroke play in that the player with the most points at the end of the round is the winner.

It is important to note that you need a handicap to play stableford.

Here is a table that shows the standard Stableford points values:

Table 2: Stableford scoring

Penalties

Out of Bounds / Lost Ball

When you hit the ball out of bounds you will receive a one stroke penalty. For example, you hit your tee shot out of bounds. Your next tee shot you will be hitting your third shot.

Water

When you hit into a water hazard you will also receive a one-stroke penalty. There are different rules though when you hit your ball into a penalty area based on it crossing a yellow or red marker.

In golf, yellow stakes indicate a regular water hazard, while red stakes define a lateral water hazard. For more rules, explore the basic rules of golf article

Golf Handicap

A golf handicap is a numerical representation of a golfer’s skill level about the par rating of a golf course. It is designed to level the playing field and allow golfers of different skill levels to compete against each other. Let us say a golfer has a handicap of 10.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to score in golf is not just about the numbers, it is the essence of the game. From chasing an eagle to avoiding a double bogey, understanding how to score and play the different formats enhances your golfing experience. Also, knowing what penalty strokes are adds layers to the game’s complexity. Let us not forget the golf handicap, a tool that levels the playing field and allows fair competition among players of differing skill levels. It is important to remember though, there is no better way to improve your knowledge than getting out on the course.