Golf Competitions and How They Are Played

STROKE

The score of each hole is entered on the score card, totalled and the player’s full handicap deducted. The player who completes the round with the least strokes is the winner.

PAR AND STABLEFORD (See Rule 32)

Determine each holes ‘Calculated Par’ using the ‘Stroke Index’ from the scorecard, firstly allocate your handicap to determine each holes ‘calculated par’. For example, a player on a handicap of 10 will add one shot to the ‘par’ value of each hole with a stroke index of 10 or less. On each of these holes a par 4 would become a ‘calculated par’ 5 for that player. (a par 3 would become a calculated par 4). A player with a handicap greater than 18 will receive 2 shots on the number of holes calculated by subtracting 18 from their handicap. For example, a player with a handicap of 21 will receive 2 shots on three holes. (21 – 18 = 3). They will receive one shot on the other 15 holes. For the three holes they receive 2 shots on (i.e.the holes with a stroke index of 1, 2 and 3) a par 4 would become a ‘calculated par’ 6.

STABLEFORD

Players who exceed their calculated par by two strokes receive no points and wipe the hole. A score of one stroke over your calculated ‘par’ will result in one point. If you make your calculated ‘par’ you will score two points. A score of one stroke better than your calculated par will result in three points. A score two strokes better than your calculated par will result in four points. A score three strokes better than your calculated par will result in five points (and so on).

PAR

A hole is either won, lost or halved. Once again this is determined by comparing your actual strokes against your ‘calculated par’. If you make your calculated ‘par’, you will halve the hole. – a 0 (zero) or a small square is recorded in the scorecards result column. If you score better than your calculated par you will ‘win’ the hole. A ‘+’ (plus) is recorded in the scorecards result column. If you score more than your ‘par’, you will ‘lose’ the hole. A ‘-’ (minus) is recorded in the scorecards result column.

FOUR BALL-BEST BALL PAR OR STABLEFORD

These competitions are played by two players competing as partners. Each player plays his own ball. Handicaps and scoring as for Par or Stableford as previously described, except that only the better score of the pair is recorded on the card, together with that players initials. When scores are equal, the ball holed first is recorded.

CANADIAN FOURSOMES

Played with a partner and both players tee off on all holes. The players then decide together which ball is in the best position and the other ball is taken out of play. If Player A hit the selected ball from the tee, then Player B will hit the next shot or vice versa. Play continues on an alternate basis until the hole is completed and for each hole thereafter. Incurring a penalty shot does not affect the order of play. The handicap of each team is calculated by adding both members’ individual handicaps and multiplying by 3/8.

FOURSOMES

Played in pairs with one ball in play. Players strike the ball alternately during each holes play. The partners must tee off from alternate tees. (Player A tees off on the odd numbered holes, Player B tees off on the even numbered holes.) Players play alternate shots during the hole.

Penalty strokes do NOT affect the order of play. Scoring is done as for a stroke round and the total is subject to a deduction of half the partners’ aggregate handicaps

STABLEFORD MULTIPLIER

4 Ball Stableford Event Both players should record their individual score and their stableford points on the card. The teams overall result for the hole is determined by multiplying these two stableford points. The teams overall result is also to be recorded on the card. Player A has 4 (strokes) for 2 (points) Player B has 3 for 3 Teams has 2 x 3 = 6 stableford points The card would thus appear : 4-2 3-3 6

AMERICAN FOURSOMES (Also known as PINEHURST)

Played with a partner and both players tee off on all holes. Both players then switch golf balls. Player A plays Player B’s drive, and vice-versa. Each player hits the second shot. They then select the best of the second shots, and from that point until the ball is holed they play only one ball in an alternate shot format. The handicap of each team is calculated by adding both members’ individual handicaps and multiplying by 3/8.

MATCHPLAY

All matchplay events are to be played in accordance with Section III – Rule 2 as published in R&A Rules of Golf.All matchplay events will adopt the index below. Matchplay events can commence on any numbered hole on the course – whichever is the first hole selected for play automatically becomes Hole 1 Index 18 – irrespective of the actual number of the hole on the course.

Matchplay Index