Stableford
Points, not strokes. More is better.
The Basics
Instead of counting strokes, you earn points based on your score relative to par on each hole. Higher points = better. A bad hole just means zero points — not a round-killer.
How to Play
Score each hole and convert to points. Double bogey or worse = 0 pts. Bogey = 1 pt. Par = 2 pts. Birdie = 3 pts. Eagle = 4 pts. Albatross = 5 pts. Highest total points wins.
Scoring
Points accumulate. No penalty for a blowup hole — you just get 0 and move on.
Example Scorecard
Strategy Tips
Stableford changes your mindset. A triple bogey and a double bogey score the same (zero), so pick up and move on when a hole goes sideways. Play for pars and birdies, don't fight for bogey.
Variations
Modified Stableford (used on PGA Tour) has different point values. Some groups play "Modified" where double bogey is -1 instead of 0.