Strategies for Maximizing Your Stableford Points

Winning at Stableford isn't just about shooting the lowest gross score; it's about maximizing your points. This requires a different mindset compared to stroke play. Here are some strategies to help you come out on top.

Know Your Shot Holes

Before you even tee off, identify the holes where you get strokes based on your Course Handicap and the Stroke Index. These are your 'shot holes'. On these holes, your 'net par' is one stroke higher than the par on the scorecard. This is where you have the best opportunity to score points.

On a shot hole, playing for a gross bogey is often good enough for 2 points (a net par). This can take the pressure off and allow you to play a more conservative, smarter shot. Our AI Strategy Tool can help you plan your approach.

Risk vs. Reward

The beauty of Stableford is that a bad hole won't ruin your card. A 'blob' (0 points) is the worst you can do. This encourages calculated risks. If you have a chance to go for a green in two on a par-5 for a potential net birdie (3 points), it might be worth the risk. If you mess up, you might get 1 or 0 points, but the potential upside is huge.

The "Pick-Up" Rule

If you can no longer score any points on a hole (e.g., you're lying 7 on a par-4 where you don't get a stroke), you should pick up your ball. This is perfectly within the rules of Stableford and helps to speed up play. Don't let pride get in the way of a smart decision!