Stableford

Definition: A Stableford competition is a golf tournament in which the object is to get the highest score. That's because in Stableford, golfers are awarded points based on their scores in relation to a fixed score at each hole. That fixed score can be par, or any number of strokes a tournament committee chooses (6, 8, whatever).

The USGA and R&A define Stableford points in this manner:

• More than 1 over fixed score (or no score returned) - 0 points
• One over fixed score - 1 point
• Fixed score - 2 points
• One under fixed score - 3 points
• Two under fixed score - 4 points
• Three under fixed score - 5 points
• Four under fixed score - 6 points

So let's say the the fixed score is par. You make a bogey at Hole 2 - you score 1 point. You make a birdie at No. 3 - you get 3 points.

Rules related to Stableford competitions can be found in the official rules under Rule 32.

Stableford competitions are usually played with full handicaps, but might be played at scratch with handicaps used to determine higher point rewards for higher handicappers. For example, golfers might be flighted as A, B, C and D players, with points adjusted so that a par gets an A player 0 points, a B player 1 point, a C player 2 points and a D player 3 points.

Golfers might be more familiar with the term Modified Stableford, which refers to a Stableford competition in which the points or exact format differs from the Stableford system described in the rulebook. See Modified Stableford.

The Stableford system was originally created by Frank Stableford, a member at Wallesley Country Club in England, in 1931.

• For further explanation, please see: How to Play Stableford or Modified Stableford Competitions

Also Known As: Stableford System, Stableford Competition