How does stableford work with handicaps

Because of this, it is still possible to be competitive even allowing for a few bad holes. At the end of the round, the number of points scored on each hole is totalled to give a final score. The winner of a Stableford competition is the player with the highest point total. The fixed or par score would be adjusted as per the stroke indexes SI of the holes, starting with the hardest hole as the lowest stroke index 1, through to the easiest, stroke index For example, a 36 handicap would increase the score by 2 on all holes and a 45 handicap would increase their score by 3 on the 9 hardest holes rated 1 to 9 and by 2 on the 9 easier holes rated 10 to Each month we will try to bring to you straightforward examples of popular - and not so popular - games on the course; games that will make your rounds more challenging and fun to play.

In this next installment of Game of the Month, we'll tackle a classic game: 'Stableford. In Stableford, you play against everyone else in your foursome or if you have multiple foursomes, everyone else who is playing that day. The game is based on a point system, where the points you earn are determined by your score on the hole. Every point is worth a set monetary amount some people play 10 cents, some people play ten dollars that is decided in advance of the game.

How many points is a hole worth? Since most people have a hard time shooting double eagles and eagles, golfers often play Stableford especially classic Stableford using their full handicaps.

Using your Handicap Once you have a handicap, you can use it to play Stableford or any other 'hole by hole' type of game to make the game between friends of different skill levels more competitive and fun.

On every course scorecard, you will see a line called 'HDCP. Combining handicaps with the Stableford system requires simple math. Determine your course handicap using your USGA handicap index. If the handicap rating is less than or equal to your course handicap, you receive a handicap stroke on that hole. Play the hole. If you do receive a handicap stroke, however, subtract one stroke from your actual score before tallying your points.

To continue the above example, an actual bogey becomes a net par, giving you two points instead of one, according to the Rules of Golf. Add your points at the end of the match.