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How to play Stableford.

Stableford scores points against par on every hole instead of counting total strokes. A blowup hole can only cost you that hole's points, which makes it a kind game for mixed abilities.

Players
2 to 4 players
Scored in
Points
Good for
Any group, and great for mixed abilities: one bad hole only costs you that hole.

The rules

  1. Each hole earns points against par: 2 for a par, 3 for a birdie, 4 for an eagle, 1 for a bogey, nothing for a double bogey or worse.
  2. Scores are net, so your handicap strokes count.
  3. However badly a hole goes, the worst it can give you is zero.

An example hole

Dad makes 6 on a par 4 where he gets a stroke: a net 5, a bogey, 1 point. Mike makes a birdie 3 with no stroke: 3 points.

Who wins

Most points wins.

Handicaps

Full handicaps. The Modified option scores like the pros: 2 for a birdie, 5 for an eagle, 0 for par, -1 for a bogey, -3 for worse.

Ways to set it up in YipLinks

  • Points: Standard or Modified. Standard: par 2, birdie 3, eagle 4, bogey 1, worse 0. Modified: eagle +5, birdie +2, par 0, bogey -1, worse -3.

More games for your group

Stroke Play

Every shot counts. Lowest total wins.

1 to 4 players. Read the rules

Skins

Every hole is worth a skin. Win a hole outright to take it.

2 to 4 players. Read the rules

Nassau

Three matches in one: the front nine, the back nine and all 18, a point each.

2 to 4 players, in two sides. Read the rules

Wolf

Take turns as the Wolf: pick a partner each hole, or go it alone.

3 or 4 players. Read the rules

Best Ball

Two sides, match play. Your side counts its best score on each hole.

2 to 4 players, in two sides. Read the rules

Vegas

Two teams of two. Your two scores make one number: a 4 and a 5 is 45. Low number wins the difference.

4 players, in two teams of two. Read the rules

Sixes

Three six-hole matches, a new partner for each. A point for each match you win.

4 players. Read the rules

Nines

Three players share 9 points a hole: 5 for the best score, 3 for the next, 1 for the last.

3 players. Read the rules

Low Ball, Low Total

Two teams of two, two points a hole: one for the best score, one for the lower team total.

4 players, in two teams of two. Read the rules

Quota

Points for every hole against a target set by your handicap. Beat your quota by the most to win.

2 to 4 players. Read the rules

Bingo Bango Bongo

Three points a hole: first on the green, closest once all are on, first in the hole.

2 to 4 players. Read the rules