Scoring Guide
Net scoring is a golf scoring method that levels the playing field by factoring in each player's handicap. It allows golfers of different skill levels to compete more fairly.
Course Handicap
18 holes
The Basics
Understanding handicap-adjusted scoring.
Step 01
Each player's handicap determines how many extra strokes they receive for the round.
Step 02
Strokes are allocated to the hardest holes first (lowest stroke index) until the handicap is used.
Step 03
If handicap is greater than 18, players receive two strokes on the hardest holes.
Step 04
Subtract allocated strokes from gross scores to get net scores. Lowest net score wins.
Example
See how strokes are distributed based on handicap.
Benefits
Level the playing field for every group.
Players of all skill levels can compete on equal footing.
Makes group games more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.
Rewards improvement and encourages accurate handicap tracking.
Common Questions
Gross scoring is your actual score without any adjustments. Net scoring subtracts your handicap strokes from your gross score, allowing players of different abilities to compete fairly.
Strokes are assigned to holes based on the stroke index (hole difficulty ranking). The hardest holes (lowest stroke index) receive strokes first. If your handicap exceeds 18, you receive two strokes on the hardest holes.
Yes. Net scoring works with stroke play, match play, skins, Nassau, and Stableford. It simply adjusts each player's score based on their handicap before comparing results.
Your course handicap is calculated from your handicap index, the course rating, and the slope rating. The formula is: Course Handicap = Handicap Index x (Slope Rating / 113) + (Course Rating - Par).
Relative handicap is a friendly net mode for mixed-skill groups. The lowest handicap in the foursome plays at scratch and everyone else receives only strokes above that baseline. Enable it when creating a NET round under Game Settings.
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