The simplest and easiest way to calculate golf scores
Besides learning golf rules and techniques, new golfers need to know how to calculate their scores.
How to calculate golf scores
A standard golf course typically has 18 holes. The fewer strokes it takes to hole out, the better your chances of winning. The standard par for an 18-hole course is usually 72. This means, ideally, you should be able to complete the course in 72 strokes. Some courses, due to their unique design, may have a par of 70 or 71. However, this doesn't necessarily mean they are more difficult; it simply reflects the specific characteristics of the course.
A standard golf course typically has 4 par-3 holes, 4 par-5 holes, and 10 par-4 holes. However, this layout can vary depending on the course design. A par-3 hole, for example, is designed to be completed in 3 strokes, while a par-4 hole is designed to be completed in 4 strokes. The distance from the tee box to the green is generally shorter for par-3 holes compared to par-4 or par-5 holes.
When you hit more than the standard club there are terms called:
- Bogey: This is the most common term, meaning you have taken one more stroke than the par for that hole.
- Double bogey: You have taken two more strokes than the par.
- Triple bogey: You have taken three more strokes than the par.
- Double par: This term is less common but means you have taken four more strokes than the par.
When you hit less than the standard club
- Birdie: This is the most common term, meaning you have taken one stroke less than the par for that hole.
- Eagle: You have taken two strokes less than the par.
- Albatross: This is a rarer term, meaning you have taken three strokes less than the par.
Hole-in-one is when a golfer hits the ball into the hole with only one stroke, usually on a par-3 hole because they are shorter.
After 18 holes, you add up all the scores from each hole, corresponding to the number of strokes taken, to get the final result.
In golf, each player has a handicap, which is the difference between the player's score and the standard score of 72 for a round.
Daily Handicap calculation standard (System 36)
- Double bogey or more: 0 points.
- Bogey: 1 point.
- Par or better: 2 points.
Therefore, at the end of the round, a golfer's total score is calculated based on the above scoring system. Subtracting the calculated score from 36 will give you the golfer's handicap.
Example: If you score 70 strokes and have 5 pars, 7 bogeys, and 2 double bogeys, the golf scoring calculation would be as follows:
- Step 1 - Calculating the gross score: 5 Pars * 2 + 7 Bogeys * 1 + 2 Double Bogeys * 0 = 17.
- Step 2 - Determining the daily handicap: 36 - 17 = 19.
- Step 3 - Calculating the net score: 70 - 19 = 51.
Above is the simplest and most understandable way to calculate golf scores. Golfers can refer to and apply this method when playing to achieve the best results.
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