Glossary

Strokeplay

Strokeplay is the simplest scoring idea: count your shots, then see who used the fewest.

Big idea

Every shot counts. Lower score wins.

At a glance

Score type

Total strokes

Usually played

Solo

Best for

Clear winner from a full round

In plain English

Write down how many shots you take on each hole. Add them all up at the end. If handicaps are being used, subtract your handicap shots to get your Net score.

How to win

Have the lowest total. In a scratch event that means the lowest gross score. In a handicap event that means the lowest Net score.

Example

86 strokes - 14 handicap = Net 72
Hand-drawn equation showing 86 strokes minus 14 handicap equals Net 72.

Remember this

  • A big number on one hole still counts.
  • Gross means before handicap. Net means after handicap.
  • If the event uses handicap, your Net score is the number to watch.

Things to be aware of

The committee decides tees, tie-breaks, and the handicap allowance. Individual strokeplay commonly uses a 95% playing handicap allowance.