How does scoring work in golf?
Stroke play
Stroke play is the most common format. You add up every shot, including penalty strokes, on each hole, and the lowest total after 18 holes wins. Scores are often reported relative to par, so a total of 70 on a par 72 course is 2 under par.
Each hole has a par, which is the number of strokes a skilled golfer should need. Common scores include a birdie for one under par, an eagle for two under, and a bogey for one over. Your scorecard records each hole so the total can be checked.
- Par: the expected number of strokes for a hole
- Birdie: one stroke under par
- Eagle: two strokes under par
- Bogey: one stroke over par
- Double bogey: two strokes over par
Match play and handicaps
In match play, each hole is won by the player with the lower score, and the match goes to whoever wins more holes. A player who has won more holes than the opponent is said to be up, and the match can end before all holes are played.
Handicaps let players of different skill levels compete fairly. A handicap adjusts scores based on past rounds and the course rating. Handicap systems are updated periodically, so check the governing body's current rules for competitions.
Penalties and the rules
Penalty strokes are added to your score for things like lost balls or out-of-bounds shots. The rules of golf are set by the USGA and the R&A and updated on a regular cycle, so check the current edition for specific situations.
Common mistakes
- Counting a hole only by the strokes you took and forgetting penalty strokes.
- Mixing up stroke play and match play when settling a bet.
- Using an outdated rulebook for a specific situation.
