Competition secretary
Eclectic competitions explained
By Caddyio · Updated
An eclectic is a season-long competition that combines a player's best score on each individual hole across several rounds into one composite card. Play the same course over a series of qualifying dates, and for each hole the system keeps your lowest score of the season; add those 18 best-of holes together for your eclectic total. It can be run gross or net, and it rewards consistency and turning up.
How the scoring works
Across the qualifying rounds, each hole is banked separately. If you make a 5, then a 4, then a 3 on the 1st over three visits, your eclectic score for the 1st is 3. Do that for all 18 holes and the total is your "perfect" composite card for the season.
Gross vs net eclectic
- Gross eclectic uses raw hole scores — it favours lower-handicap players.
- Net eclectic applies handicap strokes by stroke index, so a full range of abilities can win. Many clubs run both.
Setting one up
- Pick the course and the qualifying window (often a month, a quarter or a full season).
- Decide gross, net, or both, and the handicap allowance for the net version.
- Count every qualifying round a member plays — the more they play, the better their best-of card can get.
- Publish a running table so members can see their eclectic card improve as the season goes on.
Why members love it
An eclectic keeps people entered all season: one great hole is banked for good, and there is always a reason to come back and lower a stubborn hole.
Frequently asked
- What does eclectic mean in golf?
- It is a competition that takes your best score on each hole across several rounds and combines them into one composite card for the season.
- What is the difference between a gross and net eclectic?
- A gross eclectic uses raw hole scores; a net eclectic applies handicap strokes so players of different abilities can compete fairly.
- How many rounds do you need for an eclectic?
- There is no fixed number — the more qualifying rounds a player enters during the window, the more chances they have to lower each hole.
Caddyio builds eclectic cards automatically from members' qualifying rounds and publishes club-wide gross and net standings in the member app, updating as the season plays out.