Game Format

Stableford Golf Scoring

Also known as: Modified Stableford

Stableford is a popular point-based golf scoring system where players earn points on each hole based on their score relative to par. Instead of counting total strokes, better scores earn more points and the player with the highest point total wins. The format rewards aggressive play and keeps rounds moving — once you can no longer score points on a hole, you can pick up your ball and move on.

At a Glance

Type: Individual game
Players: Any number
Scoring: Point-based (highest points wins)
Handicaps: On by default (net scores)
Wins: Most points

The Rules

Each player plays their own ball on every hole, just like regular stroke play.
After completing a hole, the player’s score relative to par is converted into points using a fixed point table.
Better scores (birdies, eagles) earn more points. Worse scores (double bogey or worse) earn zero points.
If a player cannot score any points on a hole, they may pick up their ball and record zero points for that hole.
Points from all 18 holes are added together. The player with the highest point total wins.

Pace of play: Stableford is often faster than stroke play because players can pick up once they have no chance of scoring points on a hole. There is no need to finish every hole.

Point System

Points are awarded based on how your score compares to par on each hole. The default point values in Squabbit are:

Score	Points
Albatross or better (3+ under par)	5
Eagle (2 under par)	4
Birdie (1 under par)	3
Par	2
Bogey (1 over par)	1
Double bogey or worse	0

A par round of 18 holes would earn 36 points (2 points per hole). Scoring above 36 means you played better than par overall.

Customizable: All point values are fully configurable in Squabbit. You can adjust points for each score type to match your group’s preferred system, including setting individual values for triple bogey, quadruple bogey, and quintuple bogey or worse.

Example Hole

A player with a course handicap of 18 receives one stroke on every hole. Here is how a par-4 hole is scored:

Par 4 — Stroke Index 7 (player receives 1 stroke)

1. The player takes 5 strokes to complete the hole (gross score: 5, one over par).

2. With one handicap stroke, the net score is 4 (even par).

3. A net par earns 2 points for this hole.

Points earned: 2 (net par)

Without the handicap stroke, the gross bogey would only earn 1 point. The handicap stroke turned it into a net par worth 2 points.

Handicap Options

By default, Stableford in Squabbit uses net scores with full handicaps enabled. This means each player’s score on each hole is adjusted by their handicap strokes before points are calculated.

Net Scoring (default)

Each player receives handicap strokes based on their course handicap and the hole’s stroke index. Points are then awarded based on the net score relative to par. This levels the playing field so golfers of all abilities can compete fairly.

Gross Scoring

You can turn off handicaps to play a gross Stableford where points are based on actual strokes taken. This favours lower-handicap players but keeps things simple for scratch events.

Tip: Net Stableford is the standard way to play in most club competitions. It is also the format recommended by the R&A and USGA for handicap-qualifying rounds using the Stableford system.

Setting Up in Squabbit

To create a Stableford game in Squabbit:

Create a new tournament or casual game.
Under format, choose Stableford.
Handicaps are enabled by default with net scoring. Turn them off if you want to play gross.
Optionally customize the point values for each score type (eagle, birdie, par, etc.).
Add players and start your round.

During the round, enter each player’s gross strokes on each hole. Squabbit automatically calculates the net score, converts it to Stableford points, and keeps a running total for each player.

Note: If a player picks up on a hole, enter no score for that hole and they will receive zero points. You do not need to enter a large number.