How does golf scoring work? A simple guide for beginners
In golf you count every stroke you make plus any penalty strokes on each hole, then add the holes together. In stroke play the lowest total wins. Each hole has a par, the number of strokes a skilled player is expected to need, so a score of 4 on a par-3 is one over par (a bogey).
Counting strokes
A stroke is any forward movement of the club made to strike the ball, whether you hit it or miss it. Penalty strokes are added when the rules require it, for example one stroke for taking relief from a penalty area, or stroke and distance for a ball that is out of bounds (Rules of Golf, Rule 18). Your score for the hole is strokes made plus penalty strokes.
Par and scoring terms
Each hole has a par of 3, 4 or 5 (occasionally 6) based mainly on length, and most 18-hole courses add up to a par of around 70 to 72. Scores relative to par have names; see birdie, eagle, bogey and par explained.
| Strokes | Relative to par | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | -2 | Eagle |
| 3 | -1 | Birdie |
| 4 | 0 | Par |
| 5 | +1 | Bogey |
| 6 | +2 | Double bogey |
Stroke play vs match play
In stroke play the player with the fewest total strokes over the round or rounds wins (Rule 3.3). In match play you compete hole by hole and the winner is whoever wins more holes; we compare them in match play vs stroke play.
Gross and net scores
Your gross score is the actual total. A net score subtracts handicap strokes so players of different abilities can compete. Under the World Handicap System, your Course Handicap for the tees you play sets how many strokes you receive; see golf handicap explained and its calculator.
Keeping score in a casual round
New golfers often pick up after a set number of strokes to keep pace. For handicap purposes the maximum hole score is net double bogey: par plus two plus any handicap strokes you get on that hole (Rules of Handicapping, Rule 3). In casual play many groups simply cap at double par. Whatever you agree, keep play moving; our etiquette guide covers pace.
Reading a scorecard
The scorecard lists each hole's yardage from each set of tees, its par and its stroke index (handicap ranking from 1, hardest, to 18). Write your score in your row; the front nine total goes in OUT, the back nine in IN, and the sum in TOT.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lower score better in golf?
Yes. In stroke play the lowest total number of strokes, including penalties, wins.
What is a good score for a beginner?
Many beginners score over 100 for 18 holes. Breaking 100 is a common first milestone.
Does a whiff count as a stroke?
Yes. If you swing intending to hit the ball and miss, it counts as a stroke.