Published on 15th Aug 2024
How does golf scoring work? A beginner’s guide
One of the most common questions that new and junior golfers ask is ‘how does scoring work in golf?’ Don’t worry, we are here to help unearth the mystery and make scoring much easier to get your head around.
The basics of golf scoring - Handicaps
Before starting on the more complex terms, it’s important to understand the basics of golf scoring, particularly handicaps, also known as handicap indexes. Handicaps are an essential element of golf, and allow players to compete with one another regardless of skill.
What is a handicap in golf?
A handicap in golf represents the number of strokes a player needs to take off their score in order to achieve par.
If the player has a higher handicap, they are allowed to subtract a greater number of strokes. In general, the lower the handicap, the greater the player’s skill level and less help is required.
Do I need to know my handicap?
If you or your junior are casual players, it is unlikely that you’ll need to know your handicap, particularly if you aren’t worried about keeping score.
If you are looking to play competitively with others, though, knowing your handicap is beneficial as it provides that level playing field to make the game enjoyable for all.
Learn more about handicaps
Would you like to learn more about handicaps? Be sure to read our beginner’s guide to golf handicaps after you finish this guide.
Stroke Play vs Match Play scoring
There are a few ways to score in golf, but by far the most common method is the one used by the PGA Tour for most events - stroke play scoring.
Stroke Play scoring
Stroke play scoring is simple - you or your junior must count how many strokes - or shots - it took to complete a hole. As you complete holes, log the strokes on a scorecard, and then after completing the course, you add your strokes up for a total score.
You may find that there are two types of stroke play scoring in tournaments - Net scoring and gross scoring.
Gross Scoring
This is the total number of shots it has taken to complete the golf course.
Net Scoring
Net scoring is where the handicap is taken into account. Simply it is your gross score less your on-course handicap. This method is most commonly used in casual games.
Example: Gross Score: (85) - Handicap (15) = Nett Score (70)
Match Play scoring
Match play scoring is used in games where one team faces off against another, but it may also be used when two golfers play against a single other golfer.
Both sides play the hole and the lowest score on that hole wins the hole, holes can also be tied. As a team go “up” in the match it will end when one side is leading by more holes than there are left to play. You might see this scoring method used in the Ryder Cup where Team Europe face Team USA.
Example: Team Europe are 2 holes up with 1 hole left to play. Team Europe win the match.
Other common games and scoring methods
There are many other game types and scoring methods in golf, including Skins, Stableford, Wolf, and ShortGolf6.
How do different golf rules impact the score?
There are many golf rules to keep in mind as you play, especially if you or your junior want to become more competitive and keep score.
Lost ball
There are times when you will lose your golf ball. If you cannot find it after three minutes of searching, take a two-stroke penalty, and replay the ball from the previous spot.
Playing the ball as it lies
An essential rule of golf - play the ball where it lies. This means not moving the ball once it has settled, even if it is in a tough position like a bunker.
Course obstructions and conditions
You may be entitled to some relief if your ball lands within an abnormal course condition. This relief could see you move the ball without any penalty. It is good practice to understand the course and any potential conditions, whether natural or artificial.
Out of bounds
The boundaries of the golf course are often defined by fences, walls, or stakes. It’s likely that if the ball falls outside these boundaries, you or your junior will be ‘out of bounds’, and may need to take a penalty stroke from the original ball position.
Penalty areas
There may be penalty areas across the course, such as lakes or ponds. If the ball lands in one of these penalty areas, a one-shot penalty may be dealt. When another shot is taken, be sure to place the ball behind or alongside the penalty area and add a single stroke to your score.
Keeping score
When you start a course, you will be provided a scorecard. Typically, one person will keep track of all scores during the round.
Some locations have apps that allow you to enter your score digitally. This is a helpful way of keeping your handicap up to date. If the course does not use an app, you will have to input your scores manually.
Time to start golfing
There are many rules to golf, and scoring can be quite difficult to grasp if you are a new or junior golfer.
Try not to worry, though. As a golf junior or newbie, you won’t be expected to remember every rule or method of scoring. Instead, focus on following the advice of your coach (if you have one). This could include practising your swing, foot placement, or posture.
When you come to play golf with friends, you can implement everything you’ve learned. Bring your best technique to the table, and ease yourself into scoring, but try not to take it too seriously. Before you know it, you’ll be experienced enough to score your games on a championship course.
Local junior golf academy
Your junior can learn the rules of golf as they play at a local junior academy that utilises the Golfway Programme.
At Golfway, we offer a simple golf academy search tool that allows you to find the closest academy to your location - perfect for helping juniors learn every aspect of the game.
For parents taking their juniors to a local golf academy, be sure to view our top-of-the-line junior golf equipment, to ensure your junior is learning with the best possible gear.
