Stableford describes a golf scoring system that’s been around for over a hundred years. Originally developed in the United Kingdom (by a fellow named Stableford [1]) it involves scoring points based on the number of strokes taken at each hole. The goal is to accumulate more points than your opponents. The Stableford format facilitates both Team and/or Individual play. Point totals can decide Nassau style Front/Back/Overall wagers or be multiplied by a monetary point value to settle up differences.
Understanding the Stableford Scoring System
The number of points awarded depends on how many strokes are taken on a hole relative to par. Course handicaps are used to adjust strokes based on the course/tee hole handicaps so net score applies. If you’re out of a hole and can no longer earn points, generally at two over par, you can pick up which helps the pace of play. Plus one or two blowup holes shouldn’t adversely impact your effort on the other holes.
There are two primary methods for awarding points, Classic and Modified. Custom formats are also possible, with players choosing their own points structure.
How Stableford Differs from Traditional Stroke Play
The obvious difference from traditional stroke play is that you’re focused on earning points on each hole, as opposed to minimizing the overall stroke count. This makes it more akin to match play where each hole is its own competition. As a result, aggressive play is often warranted.
Many golfers prefer Stableford games because the points system is easy to understand, the format speeds up play, and there’s (theoretically) less frustration than when you have to count every stroke. Players of differing skill are also able to compete fairly given the incorporation of handicaps and net score.
Stableford Scoring Examples
Classic Stableford Point values, points assigned based on net score:
| Hole Score | Strokes vs Par | Points |
| Double Bogey or higher | 2 or more | 0 |
| Bogey | +1 | 1 |
| Par | 0 | 2 |
| Birdie | -1 | 3 |
| Eagle | -2 | 4 |
| Double Eagle | -3 | 5 |
| < Double Eagle | -4 or less | 6 |
Modified Stableford Point values, points assigned based on net score:
| Hole Score | Strokes vs Par | Points |
| Double Bogey or higher | 2 or more | -3 |
| Bogey | +1 | -1 |
| Par | 0 | 0 |
| Birdie | -1 | 2 |
| Eagle | -2 | 5 |
| < Eagle | -3 or less | 8 |
Custom Stableford Point values (sample), points assigned based on net score:
| Hole Score | Strokes vs Par | Points |
| > Double Bogey | > 2 | -1 |
| Double Bogey | 2 | -1 |
| Bogey | +1 | 0 |
| Par | 0 | 1 |
| Birdie | -1 | 4 |
| Eagle | -2 | 8 |
| Ace (Par 3) | -2 | 10 |
| < Eagle | -3 or less | 10 |
Stableford in Professional Golf
Although the Stableford format is quite popular in the amateur ranks, professional golfers rarely play Stableford events. Two tournaments that currently use the Modified Stableford format are the Barracuda Championship aka the Reno-Tahoe Open and the Las Vegas Pro-Am [2]. Going back in time the International tournament had a 21-year run that ended in 2007.
From a viewer standpoint, watching professionals play Stableford golf is just not as compelling as stroke play or match play. A big celebrity tournament of note that uses a Modified Stableford is the American Century Championship held annually at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort in Stateline, Nevada.
Strategy Tips for Playing Stableford
Stableford scoring rewards risk-taking as the penalty for a bad hole are minimal, especially in Classic at 0 points, while point values for net birdie or better outweigh those for net par (3 vs 2 in Classic, 2 vs 0 in Modified). Given the skewed distribution, taking chances is a savvy play, particularly on stroke holes where a bogey results in a net par or a par that nets to a birdie.
- Always know which holes you’re stroking on. If you’re getting a stroke even a bogey results in a net par
- Manage points on the harder holes, avoiding shots that could lead to double bogey or worse
- Play smart and capitalize on your skills
- Stay positive – Stableford is designed to minimize the damage of a bad hole
About those handicaps. In normal match play everyone strokes of the lowest handicap but in Stableford your full Course Handicap applies. Note however, that the USGA recommends an allowance of 95% for Individual Stableford and 85% for a Four-Ball Stableford [3]. So a Course Handicap of 12 could be an 11 for Individual play and 10 for a Four-Ball Stableford, meaning you’ll receive a stroke on each of the 11 or 10 hardest holes in the point gathering quest.
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FAQs About Stableford
How does Stableford scoring work in golf?
Stableford scoring awards points based on net strokes relative to par. In Classic for example, a net par is 2 points, a net birdie is 3, and net bogey is 1. The goal is to maximize points rather than minimize strokes.
What is the advantage of Stableford scoring?
Stableford speeds up play and reduces frustration. Since disastrous holes only lose a few points rather than ruining a round, golfers can take more risks without worrying about one bad hole destroying their score.
What is Modified Stableford in golf?
Modified Stableford is a variation with different point values that reward aggressive play. For example, an eagle might be worth 5 points, while a double bogey could subtract points. Although rare, it’s the format typically used for notable professional, pro-am and celebrity golf events.
Can you use handicaps in Stableford?
Yes. Stableford incorporates course handicaps to level the field. Players adjust strokes on each hole, and the scoring system then awards points based on the net result versus par. Note that everyone strokes off the course and not the low handicap golfer.
Playing Stableford with Golf Crow App
Given the rich history of Stableford scoring, Golf Crow naturally offers Stableford games for between 2- and 5-Players. The basic Classic and Modified variants are included along with a Custom one where players can set and save their own point values.
Formats cover Team or Individual play along with stakes options for a monetary value per point or having point totals determine Front/Back/Overall amounts. Stroke, Points and Results are of course handled automatically. Once the match is setup all one has to do is enter gross hole scores and Golf Crow takes care of everything else.
References:
- https://www.golfdigest.com/story/did-you-know-the-creator-of-the-stableford-scoring-system-was-a-darn-good-stick-himself
- https://barracudachampionship.com/tournament/the-modified-stableford-scoring-format/
- https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/rules/rules-2019/players-edition/rule-21.html