Free tool

Stableford points calculator

Enter your playing handicap and your scores and instantly see how many Stableford points you get per hole and in total. Works for 9 and 18 holes and for any course.

Your normal 18-hole playing handicap.

HoleParSIStrokesScorePoints
147+1-
243+1-
3413+1-
4317+1-
551+1-
649+1-
7411+1-
8315+1-
955+1-
1048+1-
1142+1-
12414+1-
13318+1-
1454+1-
15410+1-
16412+1-
17316+1-
1856+1-
Total72-0
Total Stableford points
0

Around 36 points means you played exactly to your handicap.

How does Stableford work?

Stableford is a scoring method where you earn points per hole instead of counting strokes. You play net: on each hole you receive a number of extra strokes based on your handicap, distributed via the stroke index of the holes.

Your net score on a hole is your gross score minus the extra strokes you receive there. A net par is worth 2 points, a net birdie 3 points, and so on. A net double bogey or worse is worth 0 points, so a bad hole never costs you more than that single hole.

At the end you add up all the points. Around 36 points corresponds to playing exactly to your handicap. More than 36 points means you played below your handicap.

Points per hole
Points = 2 + Par - Net score (Net score = Gross - strokes received)

Example: on a par 4 where you receive 1 stroke, you score a 5 (gross). Net that is 4, so a net par: 2 points.

Stableford points table

This is how many points each net score relative to par is worth:

Net scorePoints
Net albatross (3 under par)5
Net eagle (2 under par)4
Net birdie (1 under par)3
Net par2
Net bogey (1 over par)1
Net double bogey or worse0

Frequently asked questions about Stableford

1How many Stableford points is a good score?
36 points equals playing exactly to your handicap. Anything above 36 is a good round; in many competitions you win with 38 points or more. Below 30 points it was a tough day.
2How many strokes do I get per hole?
That depends on your playing handicap and the stroke index of the hole. With a handicap of 18 you get 1 stroke on every hole. With 24 you get a second stroke on the 6 hardest holes (stroke index 1 to 6).
3What is the difference between stroke play and Stableford?
In stroke play you add up all your strokes and every stroke counts. In Stableford you count points per hole, and a bad hole never scores less than 0 points. That makes Stableford more forgiving and popular in recreational competitions.
4Does this calculator also work for 9 holes?
Yes. Switch to 9 holes at the top and use your 9-hole playing handicap. The tool works out the points the same way.
5Can I enter the par and stroke index of my own course?
Yes. Click Edit course to adjust the par and stroke index per hole to match your scorecard. That way the scoring is correct for any course.

Ready to improve your scores?

Book a GVB course or lesson with an experienced golf professional and get more points out of your round.