Keeping score in golf is an essential part of the game and helps you track your progress and compare your performance over time. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to keep score in golf:
- Understand the scoring system: Golf is typically played using stroke play, where the objective is to complete each hole in the fewest number of strokes. The player with the lowest total score at the end of the round is the winner.
- Use a scorecard: Obtain a scorecard from the golf course or use a mobile app that provides a digital scorecard. The scorecard has spaces to record your score for each hole.
- Know par for each hole: Par is the number of strokes that an expert golfer is expected to complete a hole. It serves as a reference point for scoring. Par can vary from hole to hole and is typically listed on the scorecard.
- Mark your score: On the scorecard, locate the hole number for the hole you just completed. Write down the number of strokes you took to complete the hole. For example, if you completed a par-4 hole in 5 strokes, you would mark “5” next to that hole.
- Add up your scores: After completing each hole, add up your scores for the front nine holes and the back nine holes separately, as well as the total score for the entire round.
- Record additional information: Some scorecards may have additional spaces to record other statistics, such as fairways hit, number of putts, or penalties incurred. You can choose to track these statistics if you wish.
- Calculate your net score (optional): If you're playing in a handicap competition or tracking your handicap, you may need to calculate your net score. This involves adjusting your gross score based on your handicap to determine your net score. Consult the handicap system guidelines for your specific golf association to understand how to calculate your net score accurately.
- Sign and attest the scorecard: Once you have completed your round and calculated your total score, sign the scorecard to certify its accuracy. If you're playing in a tournament or a formal competition, your playing partner or marker will also need to attest to your scores by signing the scorecard.
- Submit the scorecard (if required): In some situations, you may be required to submit your scorecard to the golf course or tournament organizers for verification or handicap purposes. Follow the specific instructions provided by the golf course or tournament officials.
Remember that keeping an accurate score is an essential aspect of golf etiquette. It's important to record your scores honestly and ensure the integrity of the game.
Keeping score in golf is fairly simple. After each hole, you record how many shots it took you to complete the hole. At the end of your round, add the scores from each individual hole and you'll get your gross score for the 18 holes.
Each hole has an assigned number of shots, called par, that a proficient golfer is expected to finish in. Holes can be a par 3, par 4 or par 5. For a par 3, the golfer is expected to complete the hole in three shots (par), theoretically by landing on the green from the tee and finishing in two putts. For a par 4, two shots are expected to reach the green and again, two putts to finish. Par 5s are the longest of holes, where a golfer is allotted three shots to reach the green and two putts to finish.
Golf also has names for scores below and above par on a single hole. For example, if you take five shots on a par 4, that’s one over par or a
“bogey.” Six shots is a
“double bogey.” A score of one stroke better than par (i.e. a 2 on a par 3) is a “birdie.” Beat par by two strokes and you’ve made an “eagle.” Obviously, the goal is to make pars, birdies and eagles while avoiding bogeys, double bogeys and worse.
For handicapping purposes, the USGA has in place a system referred to as Equitable Stroke Control which helps to minimize the effects of disaster holes. These should be adjusted after the round and your maximum score for each hole is based on your handicap.
Tips for Keeping Score:
1. Pay attention to how many shots you hit while playing a hole, so you won’t have to count them up after finishing.
2. Always write down your score as soon as you complete the hole to avoid forgetting.
3. Cell phone apps and other tools are available that help you keep score.
