What’d ya get?

Numerous times golfers will hear someone ask that question.

Last week, as I played a round of golf with friends, I heard it nine times in the nine holes we played. I got to give the same answer on eight of the nine holes, but I also started thinking about other ways to keep score.

Most golfers know two different scorekeeping formats: Stroke play and match play. In stroke play, golfers will add up the total number of strokes it took to get from the first tee to the final green, and that will be their raw score. In tournament play, this is the most common format.

In match play, players are paired up, and the overall score will not matter.

This weekend, some casual fans will turn on their televisions and see some wacky numbers. Based on stroke play, The International uses the Modified Stableford Scoring System instead of traditional scores against par. Don’t be alarmed. The USGA hasn’t changed the rules on you.

The Modified Stableford System assigns points golfers based on the number of strokes it takes them.

A par score on a hole is worth zero. A birdie is worth two points, an eagle is five and a double-eagle is worth eight points.

On the flip side, a bogey is minus-1 and a double bogey or worse is worth minus-3.

The Stableford System, which is the basis for the Modified Stableford seen at The International, offers tournament committees and weekend golfers alike the chance to stretch the limits of scoring.

In Stableford, golfers are awarded points based on their scores in relation to a fixed score at each hole. That fixed score can be par, or any number of strokes a tournament committee chooses.

With that in mind, a committee, or a foursome out for a casual Sunday round, can assign an arbitrary number of strokes to each hole, which would even out competition between players that are at different skill levels.

An example: Prior to play, assign the number of strokes per hole prior to play at six. On each hole, a six is worth zero points. A five is worth one point, a four is worth two points, a three is worth four points and a rare two or one is worth six points.

On the flip side, a seven is minus-1 and anything worse than a seven is minus-2. Not only will this eliminate slower play, by allowing golfers having a bad hole to pick up, but it levels the playing field.

Changing the way you score a leisurely round of golf can add some excitement, and it can even the playing field among friends.

Justin Pelletier is a staff writer. He can be reached by e-mail at [email protected].