Stableford scoring is one of the most common formats used in golf competitions, especially here in New Zealand.
But if you’re new to the game, it can take a bit of time to get your head around how it actually works.
The good news is that once you understand the basics, it’s a really simple system — and one that actually makes the game more enjoyable.
What Is Stableford Scoring?
Stableford is a points-based scoring system.
Instead of counting your total strokes for the round, you earn points based on how you score relative to par.
The better your score on a hole, the more points you earn.
Stableford Points System
Here’s the basic scoring system:
| Score | Points |
|---|---|
| Double bogey or worse | 0 |
| Bogey | 1 |
| Par | 2 |
| Birdie | 3 |
| Eagle | 4 |
This is based on playing off scratch (0 handicap).
Example 1: 0 Handicap Golfer (Scratch)
For a scratch golfer, Stableford is very straightforward.
On a par 4:
• Bogey = 1 point
• Par = 2 points
• Birdie = 3 points
This is the baseline for how the system works.
Example 2: 18 Handicap Golfer (1 Shot Per Hole)
An 18 handicap golfer receives one shot on every hole.
So effectively, each hole plays one shot easier.
On a par 4, it becomes like a par 5 for scoring purposes:
• Double bogey (6) = 1 point
• Bogey (5) = 2 points
• Par (4) = 3 points
This is where Stableford starts to make sense for most club golfers.
Example 3: 36 Handicap Golfer (2 Shots Per Hole)
A 36 handicap golfer receives two shots on every hole.
So a par 4 becomes like a par 6:
• Triple bogey (7) = 1 point
• Double bogey (6) = 2 points
• Bogey (5) = 3 points
This system allows golfers of all abilities to compete fairly.
What About Other Handicaps?
If your handicap isn’t exactly 18 or 36, your shots are spread across the course using the stroke index.
For example:
• A 12 handicap golfer gets shots on the 12 hardest holes
• A 24 handicap golfer gets one shot on every hole, and an extra shot on the 6 hardest holes
You don’t need to overthink this — most scorecards show exactly where your shots fall.
What Is a Good Stableford Score?
A really useful benchmark to understand is:
36 Stableford points for 18 holes is roughly playing to your handicap.
That means:
• 36 points = you’ve played to your level
• More than 36 points = you’ve played better than your handicap
• Less than 36 points = you’ve played below your handicap
This is why Stableford works so well — it gives golfers a clear way to measure how they’re playing on the day.
Why Stableford Is So Popular
Stableford is widely used because it keeps the game enjoyable.
One bad hole doesn’t ruin your entire round.
If you have a poor hole and score zero points, you can simply move on to the next hole without it blowing out your scorecard.
It also helps keep rounds moving, as players can pick up once they can no longer score.
Final Thoughts
Stableford scoring might seem confusing at first, but once you understand how your handicap applies, it becomes very straightforward.
Using simple examples like 0, 18, and 36 handicaps can make it much easier to understand how the system works.
Most importantly, Stableford keeps golf fun, competitive, and fair for players of all levels.
Confused about handicap? View my article here
FAQs
How many Stableford points is a good score?
36 points is considered a good score, as it means you’ve played to your handicap.
How do Stableford points work with a handicap?
Your handicap gives you extra strokes on certain holes, which effectively makes those holes easier and allows you to score more points.
What happens if you have a bad hole in Stableford?
You simply score zero points and move on. One bad hole won’t ruin your round.
Why is Stableford used in competitions?
It allows golfers of different abilities to compete fairly and keeps the game enjoyable by reducing the impact of bad holes.
Happy golfing
Scott Pickett
PGA Professional
Founder - Golf 360
Mount Maunganui
