Stableford is a scoring format where you earn points on every hole instead of counting total strokes. The player with the most points wins. Because bad holes cost you at most the points for that hole, it is forgiving and popular in club competitions.
Stableford points chart
| Net score on the hole | Points |
|---|---|
| Double bogey or worse | 0 |
| Bogey | 1 |
| Par | 2 |
| Birdie | 3 |
| Eagle | 4 |
| Albatross | 5 |
These points use your net score, which is your gross score minus any handicap strokes you receive on that hole.
How handicap strokes are given
Each hole has a stroke index (SI) from 1 (hardest) to 18 (easiest), printed on the scorecard. If your playing handicap is 12, you get one stroke on holes with stroke index 1 to 12. A handicap of 20 gives one stroke on every hole plus a second stroke on holes with stroke index 1 and 2.
Worked example
You receive one stroke on a par 4 and make a 5. Your net score is 4, which is a net par, so you score 2 points. On a hole where you receive no stroke and make a 6, you score 0 points.
Why players like Stableford
- It speeds up play, because you can pick up once you cannot score points
- One disaster hole does not ruin the round
- It rewards good holes and aggressive play
Score your round with the Stableford calculator, or learn what the strokes mean with our golf handicap guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good Stableford score?
Around 36 points is often considered playing to your handicap over 18 holes. More means you played better.
Do I count gross or net in Stableford?
Points are based on your net score on each hole, which uses your handicap strokes.
Can I pick up my ball in Stableford?
Yes, once you cannot make a score that earns points, which saves time.
