Competition secretary
How to run a Stableford competition
By Caddyio · Updated
Stableford is a points format: instead of counting every stroke, each hole scores points based on your net score against par, so one blow-up hole can't wreck your whole card. To run one, you set the field and format, apply the correct handicap allowance, give each player their strokes by stroke index, let them score hole by hole, then rank by total points — with count-back to settle ties. Under the current World Handicap System, 36 points means a player has played to their handicap.
- Decide the field and format Individual Stableford is the simplest and most forgiving for mixed abilities — ideal for club opens, midweek roll-ups and society days. Confirm the tees in play for each group.
- Set the handicap allowance For individual Stableford in England the allowance is 95% of Course Handicap (mandatory). Scotland, Wales and Ireland can now vary singles allowances (85–100%) as of April 2026, so if you're outside England, confirm your allowance before you start.
- Give each player their strokes Convert each player's Handicap Index to a Course Handicap for the tee they're playing, apply the 95% allowance to get their Playing Handicap, then distribute those strokes across the holes by stroke index (SI 1 is the hardest hole). A player off 18 gets one shot on every hole; off 22, two shots on SI 1–4 and one everywhere else.
- Explain the points scale Points are awarded on net score per hole:
| Net score vs par | Points |
|---|---|
| Double bogey or worse | 0 |
| Bogey (1 over) | 1 |
| Par | 2 |
| Birdie (1 under) | 3 |
| Eagle (2 under) | 4 |
| Albatross (3 under) | 5 |
- Score and collect Players (or a marker) tot up points per hole. If you're on paper, collect and check cards promptly; if you're scoring live, totals build automatically as play progresses.
- Break ties with count-back The standard tie-break is the best score over the last 9 holes, then last 6, last 3, and the 18th. Agree this before play so there are no disputes at prizegiving.
- Publish and (if qualifying) submit Post the results, and if the competition is a qualifying event, make sure every acceptable score is submitted for handicap by the deadline (before midnight on the day of play).
Frequently asked
- What is a good Stableford score?
- 36 points means you've played to your handicap; anything above that is a good round, and winning scores in club competitions are often 38–42.
- Do Stableford scores count towards my handicap?
- Yes, if the competition is a qualifying event and the score is submitted correctly.
- How does count-back work?
- Highest points over the last 9 holes wins; if still tied, the last 6, then last 3, then the 18th hole.
With Caddyio, members score on their phones, points and net scores calculate live under WHS rules, allowances and count-back are applied automatically, and the leaderboard updates as they play — no cards to collect.