Full Answer
What do the symbols on a golf scorecard mean?
The different golf scorecard symbols include a solid circle, a circle, no symbol, a square and a solid square symbol. These represent scoring for a golfer on a particular hole. Solid circle symbol – Represents an Eagle or better score (e.g. an Albatross or hole in one)
What does course rating mean on a golf scorecard?
A course rating will be higher in value if the course is more difficult. You’ll notice on a scorecard a few course ratings, which correspond to the different tees. Essentially, the course rating is the number estimated to be the average scores of half of the best rounds played at that course.
What do the circles around a number mean in golf scores?
Each square around a number indicates a shot over par. A circle indicates a shot under par. This makes it much easier to count your overall score at the end of the round. You just add a point for each square and subtract a point for each circle.
What does the par on a golf scorecard mean?
The par section of the scorecard represents the expected score on that hole to par for a scratch golfer. Your score to par helps to calculate your golf handicap. You can check out our golf handicap calculator to view what yours is based on your recent rounds. As mentioned above, each hole is assigned a handicap index.
What does C mean on a golf scorecard?
Concessions. c. Applying Handicaps in Handicap Match. d. Your Responsibilities in Match Play.
What do the symbols mean on a golf scorecard?
So one circle represents a birdie, and a score circled twice represents an eagle or better. One square represents a bogey, while a score with two squares drawn around it represents a double-bogey or worse.
How do you read a golf score card?
0:062:38How to Read a Golf Scorecard - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn means the back nine the total is it would be your total score for the two 18s two nines then anyMoreIn means the back nine the total is it would be your total score for the two 18s two nines then any handicap that you have subtracted from your total would be the net.
What does CR and SR mean on golf card?
CR is expressed as a number with a single decimal digit, for example 71,8. The Slope Rating (SR) is a number that represents the relative difficulty of a course for players who are not scratch players compared to scratch players. Slope Rating is expressed as a integer between 55 and 155.
What does E mean in golf?
even parMost 18-hole golf courses range from par 70 to 72. When the number of strokes taken matches par, it's considered even par, signified with an "E" on most scoreboards. ADVERTISEMENT. If a player completes the hole in one shot less par, or birdie, minus 1 is calculated on the scoreboard.
What are the scoring terms in golf?
Golf Scoring Terms Cheat SheetGolf Scoring TermExplanationBirdieOne stroke under par on an individual hole.EagleTwo strokes under par on an individual hole.Albatross / Double EagleThree strokes under par on an individual hole.CondorFour strokes under par on an individual hole.7 more rows•Jul 15, 2021
What are Stableford points?
Stableford is a scoring system used in the sport of golf. Rather than counting the total number of strokes taken, as in stroke play, it involves scoring points based on the number of strokes taken at each hole.
What does SSS mean on a golf card?
Golfers would know that no two golf courses are the same, so to account for this, each course is given a Standard Scratch Score (SSS). This enables a golf handicap to be calculated to make allowances for golf courses that may play easier or harder than “par”.
What does CR mean in golf?
and Slope Ratings allow the handicap system to reflect this, enabling golfers of differing abilities to play together and have a fair and enjoyable game. Course Ratings represent the difficulty of a golf course for the scratch player under normal conditions.
What is cr in golf handicap?
Course Rating™ (CR) Course Rating™ is the evaluation of the playing difficulty of a course for scratch golfers under normal course and weather conditions. It is expressed as the number of strokes taken, to one decimal place (eg.
What does a golf scorecard look like?
Many people who are new to golf may think the scorecard looks like a bunch of numbers with no rhyme or reason. There will be numbers in white, gold, black, blue, or red boxes. There will be numbers that range between 1 and 18, 3 and 5, and about 100 to maybe 600. Here are tips to help golf newbies read a scorecard. pinterest-pin-it.
What does slope rating mean in golf?
The slope rating is supposed to tell a bogey golfer (one who shoots a bogey for each hole on average) how difficult a course is.
What Does This Mean?
For those who are getting ready to play their first round of golf, most of this will not mean much. Those who are playing their tenth round of golf probably won't refer to this much, other than to track relative improvement.
How many holes are there in a golf course?
Some executive (short) courses might have 6 holes or so, but the general number of holes on a regulation golf course will be either 9 or 18 holes. The hole number will be listed under "Hole," and these holes should be played in consecutive order.
What is a shotgun start in golf?
This means that each team will start at a hole that could be anywhere between the first and the last. Players should put down the score that corresponds with the hole played in this instance and should play the holes in order.
What does it mean to shoot a 3 on a par 5?
If a player were to shoot a 4 on a par 5, this is referred to as a birdie.
How many sets of tees are there in golf?
There will generally be at least two (and maybe up to five or six) sets of tees for golfers at any golf course in the country. The red tees are generally reserved for ladies and are set up closer to the hole. Just behind this will be gold tees on many courses, although the example above has the gold tees as the longest.
What does the letter E mean on a golf scorecard?
On the scorecard, a golfer can write down the letter ‘E’ to designate a par or alternatively can simply mark down the number of strokes that was required for that hole.
What is par in golf?
A par is obtained on a hole when a golfer uses a number of strokes that is in line with what is deemed standard. It is a score that golfers strive to match – if not beat – and is referred to as “even”, or “even-par”.
What is an albatross in golf?
An albatross – or double eagle – is achieved when a golfer uses three strokes less than is deemed standard for a hole. Or in other words when he requires three strokes fewer than the par number for that hole. As such, a golfer who scores an albatross is said to be 3 under par for that hole. In practice, this will happen for a score ...
What is a bogey in golf?
Or in other words when he requires one stroke more than the par for that hole. As such, a golfer that scores a bogey is said to be one over par for that hole. In practice, it occurs when scoring a 6 on a par-5, a 5 on a par-4 ,or a 4 on a par-3.
What is the scorecard for an albatross?
On the scorecard a golfer who has achieved an albatross will either mark his score as -3 or will put the number of strokes required inside three circles.
What does "match up" mean in golf?
The term can also be used to characterize the final score of a match played using the match play format. Indeed, a golfer who is successful in winning the last hole of a round while the match was all square at the tee will win the match. That golfer will be said to have won his match 1-up. Alternatively, a golfer that wins the last hole after debuting it already ahead 1-up, will win his match. He will be said to have won his match 2-up.
What does it mean to be up in golf?
In Match Play, a golfer is said to be up when he is leading his opponent in the match. For example, a golfer who is 2-up leads his opponent by 2 holes. That means that he has bested his opponent two times more often than his opponent has bested him. The ultimate goal in match play is to be up by more holes than there are holes left to play. When that happens, the golfer who is up at that point will win and the match will end.
How to read a golf scorecard?
To read a golf scorecard, start by looking at the top row, which lists each hole number. In the row beneath the hole numbers, you’ll see the distance from the tee to each hole. Below that, look for the handicap to see how difficult the hole is, with 1 being the hardest and 18 being the easiest.
What is the first thing on a golf scorecard?
Typically, the first thing on a golf scorecard is the list of holes. Golf courses vary between 9 hole courses and 18 hole courses. Some scorecards will have a map of the course with each hole on the map having its number next to it. Holes are typically played in order from 1 to 18.
How many holes are there in a full size 18 hole golf course?
Full size or 18 hole courses are split into 2 9s, or 2 9 hole sections. Holes 1 to 9 are known as the front 9 and holes 10 to 18 are known as the back 9. After the 9th and 18th hole sections of the scorecard you will see the words "Out" and "In" respectively.
Why do golfers use scorecards?
Golf scorecards allow golfers to track their score as well as providing vital information about the course. The total score is based upon strokes and handicaps and compared to the other players to determine a winner. If you are tracking your own progress as a golfer, scorecards can also be useful as a non-competitive reference. Reading a scorecard can seem difficult with all the numbers and jargon but you'll find it easy once you learn what everything means.
How many shots are over par in golf?
If the course is a par 72 and you took 80 shots, you were 8 over par. If the course is a par 70 and you took 65 shots, you were 5 under par.
What is the longest hole in golf?
Par 3s are the shortest holes on golf courses and par 5s are the longest holes. The most common par on a course is a par 4. If you look at the "Out" and "In" columns on the scorecard you will see the par for each set of 9 holes. A par 72 golf course will usually have 2 9 holes that are both par 36.
What order do you play the 9th hole in golf?
Holes are typically played in order from 1 to 18. In some cases, like when the course is especially busy, players may start on the 10th and finish on the 9th hole. Players will start on the 10th hole and play from 10 to 18. After 18, players will then play from the 1st hole to the 9th hole to complete their round.
What does a circle on a scorecard mean?
A circle around a number on a scorecard indicates a score under par. So, for a birdie, a player puts one circle around the score. For an eagle, a player puts two circles ...
What is the idea of having more circles than squares on a golf scorecard?
Then, with that number at the end of nine holes, a player can add that number to the par for the side and get their nine-hole score. Circles and squares on the scorecard making scoring in golf easier.
Why do golfers put squares on their scorecards?
Golfers use circles and squares on a scorecard to indicate their scores against par, giving them an easy way to tally up their score ...
What does a square around a number mean in golf?
A square around a number on a scorecard indicates a score over par. So, for a bogey, a player puts one square around the score. For an double bogey, a player puts two squares around the score. And it goes on like that. This way, instead of adding numbers to get a score, a golfer just has to keep track of a count that starts at zero.
What are the rules for scoring a golf scorecard?
16 Important Golf Scorecard Rules To Remember. 1. Recording the correct handicap on the card is solely your responsibility as the player. 2. If you fail to record your handicap, or play off a handicap higher than that to which you are entitled (and this affects the number of strokes received), you will be disqualified from the handicap element ...
What is required to avoid falling foul of golf's rules when it comes to the scorecard?
A little bit of concentration is all that is required to avoid falling foul of golf's Rules when it come to the scorecard
What happens if you record too low a handicap on your card?
3. If you record too low a handicap on your card, your net score will stand based on that handicap.
What happens if you sign for a gross score on a hole lower than that actually taken?
7. Should you sign for a gross score on a hole lower than that actually taken, unfortunately you will be disqualified.
Is it advisable to exchange scorecards in stroke play?
The R&A has issued guidance on scoring in stroke play events while the customary exchanging of scorecards is not advisable. The advice reads as follows:
Do you have to return a scorecard to the committee?
It is not necessary to physically return a scorecard to the Committee provided the Committee can accept the scores in another way. But as and when normality returns, here’s what you really need to know about the scorecard….
Do you have to add scores to a stableford?
5. You do not have to add your scores up, record your net score, or allocate Stableford points in a Stableford.
What is the row on a golf scorecard?
Most golf scorecards contain several rows of information. For example, a scorecard will always have the "Hole" row, the numbers 1 through 18 corresponding to the holes being played.
What is the handicap row on a scorecard?
Alternate Designations: The Handicap row on the scorecard might be designated as "HCP" or "HDCP," and you might see two handicap rows if a golf course has rated its holes for both men and women. In areas not using the USGA Handicap System, the Handicap row might have another name—such as "Index" under the CONGU system in the UK. But so long as your part of the world uses some kind of handicapping system, the equivalent of a Handicap row should appear on your scorecard.
What If Your Course Handicap Is Higher than the Number of Holes?
What if your course handicap is higher than 18? Then you get to take two strokes on some (possibly all, depending on how high your course handicap is) holes, one on other holes.
How many strokes does a 15 handicapper get?
For example, let's say there are three golfers in the group; one is a 10 handicapper, one is a 15, one is a 20. The 10-handicapper will play at scratch (no strokes), the 15-handicapper will get 5 strokes (15 minus 10) and the 20 handicapper will get 10 strokes (20 minus 10).
How many strokes do you take on a golf course?
Let's say you get to take 22 strokes. Obviously, you'll get at least one stroke on each of the 18 holes on the course; but you'll also get a second stroke on the four highest-rated holes on the handicap line of the scorecard. So on the holes designated 1, 2, 3 and 4 on the handicap line, you'll take 2 strokes each; on the other holes, ...
What is the difference between 1 and 2 on the handicap?
The hole identified as "1" on the handicap line has been rated the hole where a golfer is most likely to need a stroke in competition against a better player. The hole identified as "2" on the handicap line is the second-most likely hole where a stroke will be needed, and so on.
What is 18 handicap?
If your course handicap is 18 and you're playing just to post a score for handicap purposes (you're not playing against someone in a match, in other words), then 18 is how many strokes you get to take. If you are playing against someone in a match, then the golfers play off the low handicap of the group. For example, let's say there are three ...
Why is a course rating higher?
A course rating will be higher in value if the course is more difficult. You’ll notice on a scorecard a few course ratings, which correspond to the different tees. Essentially, the course rating is the number estimated to be the average scores of half of the best rounds played at that course.
What is slope rating?
Slope Rating is a measurement of the difficulty of a particular course for bogey golfers, relative to the course rating. Again, slope values will increase with difficulty – try to stick to the lower course and slope ratings if you’re an average Joe. The main idea of slope ratings is to level the playing field for players of different skill levels.
