Most sports require players to accumulate a high number of points to win, but golf isn’t one of them. The lower your final tally, the better your chances of winning the game are, depending on how you play. If you are a golfing newbie, use this quick guide to learn how to score the game. Luckily, it’s a fairly simple process that doesn’t take long to learn.

Scoring Stroke Play

Each hole on a golf course has a par assigned to it, which is the number of strokes the golfer should take to complete the round. Stroke play involves using cards and small pencils to write down the number of strokes per hole each player takes. For example, if the par is 3, but the player uses four strokes to put the ball in the hole, the latter number gets entered on the individual’s card.

At the end of the game, the total strokes for each player are tallied and compared to the total par for the course. If the players completed an 18-hole course, then the par is typically 72 based on terrain factors such as sandpits and water hazards. The player with the most strokes over par loses.

Scoring Match Play

Scores in match play games are listed as “holes up” or “holes down.” The player who puts the ball in the hole using the fewest strokes wins that hole and receives a point. The point means that player is “one up” and writes “plus one” on their scorecard. If both players complete the hole using the same number of strokes, they tie and receive half a point each.

The player who wins has won more holes than are left to be played. For example, let’s say two players are competing on an 18-hole course and have completed 16 holes.

If one player is five up, they have won five holes so far. That player wins by a “five and two” score because there are only two holes left, so even if the second player won those remaining two holes, they could not catch up. Tied matches are called “all square.” 

Practice scoring games at Coulee Golf Bowl in Onalaska, WI. Featuring a restaurant, bar, and grill on premise, this golf course also offers bowling and provides birthday party services. Call (608) 781-1111 or visit the website today to book your next golfing excursion.