What Is Stableford in Golf?
Stableford: A points-based scoring system where the highest point total wins.
Stableford — full definition
A scoring system where points are awarded based on your score relative to a fixed target (usually par): 0 for double bogey or worse, 1 for bogey, 2 for par, 3 for birdie, 4 for eagle, 5 for albatross. The highest point total wins. Stableford rewards aggressive play and eliminates the impact of one terrible hole, since the worst you can score is zero points.
Stableford — frequently asked
Stableford — how are points awarded?
- Double bogey or worse: 0 points
- Bogey: 1 point
- Par: 2 points
- Birdie: 3 points
- Eagle: 4 points
- Albatross: 5 points
Why play Stableford?
- Rewards aggressive play — going for birdie has low downside
- One blow-up hole costs you at most 2 points instead of ruining your round
- Great format for higher-handicap players
More on Stableford
Stableford is the format that makes a high-handicap round survivable, so it turns up constantly in club and charity play.
- Charity scramble directoryOuting formats, including points-based events.
- Course Handicap calculatorPoints are awarded net, so you need your strokes first.
- Score differential calculatorA Stableford round still posts — convert it back to a hole-by-hole score first.
Other game formats
Stroke Play
The most common competitive format — count every stroke, lowest total wins.
Match Play
A hole-by-hole format — win the most holes, not the lowest total score.
Best Ball
A team format where each player plays their own ball and the best score on each hole counts.
Scramble
The most popular team format — pick the best shot each time, everyone plays from there.
Alternate Shot
A two-person format where partners take turns hitting the same ball.
Skins
A gambling format where each hole has a set value — win the hole outright, win the money.
Nassau
The most common betting format — three bets in one: front nine, back nine, and overall.