Find out more about scoring formulas

Les formules de jeu au golf

The main golfing formulas

Golf offers the flexibility to be played alone, in a duel, or as part of a team, with various game formulas for a fun experience.

A key point to understand is the difference between “net” and “gross” scores. The “gross” score is the total number of shots played. The “net” score, on the other hand, is calculated by adding to the Par of the course the shots returned, depending on the player's level. Here's an example, a player with 36 handicap who finishes a course in 108 strokes has a net score of 72 strokes (108 - 36), i.e. his net Par.

Learn all about the main golf formulas, both formal and informal, and how they are calculated.

Table of contents | Golf game formulas
QU’EST-CE QU’UN FAIRWAY AU GOLF ?

What are the different golfing formulas?

Golf offers various forms of play: Stroke Play, where every shot counts; Match Play, based on hole score; Scramble, favoring team play; Stableford, awarding points according to par score; and Chapman, a variant of Foursome with alternating shots.

Chapman :

Among golf formulas, the Chapman is a very popular format for tournaments involving teams of two. It begins with each player hitting a ball at the tee.
The players then alternate to play the second move.

After that, the best ball is chosen to continue play to the hole.

This method encourages strategy and collaboration between players, and the Chapman score calculation is identical to that used in Greensome. The latter requires a high degree of team cohesion and a good understanding of each player's strengths and weaknesses.

In Chapman, only one score entry is required per team, simplifying the scoring process while retaining a competitive element.

Ficelle race:

This golfing formula offers a unique playful touch. Each player receives a piece of string, the length of which varies according to the player's skill level..

In general, it is set at 50 cm per handicap point, but this may vary according to tournament rules. The string allows the player to improve the position of his ball, whether to move it towards the hole or to get it out of a difficult position.

This method adds an interesting strategic element to the game, as it requires judicious use of string, since once a section is cut, it can no longer be reused.

Greensome :

Greensome is another popular form of golf. It begins with both team members hitting a ball off the tee.

Then the best shot is chosen and play continues with that ball. This requires players to carefully evaluate each shot to decide which ball offers the best chance of making the hole.

The team handicap is determined by combining 60% of the handicap of the player with the lowest index and 40% of the handicap of the player with the highest index. skill level. with the highest handicap.

This method of calculation promotes balance and ensures that teams are competitive, whatever the combination of players' handicaps.

Foursome :

Foursome is a form of golf in which two teams of two players play against each other. In this format, the members of the same team share a single ball and play alternately.

One player tees off on the odd holes and his partner tees off on the even holes.

The special feature of the Foursome is the alternation of moves between the partners, which requires close coordination and team strategy.

Patsome :

The ‘Patsome’ is a lesser-known variant of golf, combining elements of several other game formats. Here's how it works:

  1. Scramble over the first 6 holes: Each player in the team plays their tee shot, then the best shot is chosen. All the players play their second shot from that spot, and so on until the ball is in the hole.
  2. Greensome on holes 7 to 12: The two players on each team hit their tee shot, then choose the best ball. The player whose ball was not chosen plays the second shot, and the players then alternate until the end of the hole.
  3. Foursome over the last 6 holes: Players alternate to play with a single ball, with one player teeing off on odd-numbered holes and the other on even-numbered holes.

Match-Play :

Match-Play is one of the simplest and most traditional forms of golf. Whatever the distance, it is played hole by hole, and the winner of each hole is the player who completes it with the fewest strokes.

This formula focuses on individual performance on each hole rather than the total score over the whole course.

In net competitions, the lowest net score wins the hole. The game is won by the team leading by more holes than the number of holes remaining to be played.

This method can lead to spectacular plot twists and exciting endgames.

Foursome

This form of golf is played by teams of two. Each player plays his ball individually on each hole.
The team score is then determined by the best ball of the two, both gross and net.

The handicap is calculated at 90% of the usual playing handicap, which evens out the playing field and makes for fairer competition between teams with players of different abilities.

Against Par

The ‘against par’ formula in golf is a game format where players compare their score on each hole with the par for that hole.
Instead of counting the total number of strokes over the course, players win or lose points on each hole according to their performance against par.

The player makes the same number of strokes as the par for the hole. This is generally considered a neutral result, with no gain or loss of points.

If the player makes fewer shots than par, they win points. If the player makes more shots than par, he loses points. The total points are calculated at the end of the round, and the player with the most points (or the fewest points lost) is the winner.

Pro-Am :

The Pro-Am is a form of golf that combines professional and amateur players.

The format varies, but is generally played by teams of 2, 3 or 4 players. The team captain is always a professional player. The team score is the sum of the balls played by each member.

Traditionally, the Pro-Am is played with teams of four and the sum of the two best balls is used for the score. In this format, players benefit from ¾ of their usual playing handicap.

Cela crée une expérience enrichissante où les amateurs peuvent apprendre des professionnels tout en contribuant activement à la performance de l’équipe.

Scramble :

Scramble is a very popular form of golf because of its team aspect and conviviality. It can be played in teams of two, three or four players.

Each member of the team tees off, then the best ball is chosen for the next shot. This process is repeated until the ball is in the hole.

The handicap is calculated using a percentage of each player's handicap, which varies according to the number of players in the team. This formula encourages team cooperation and allows all levels of players to make a significant contribution.

Stroke Play :

Also known as Medal Play, Stroke Play is a form of golf in which every shot is counted.

This method is often considered to be the ultimate test of golfing skill, as it requires consistency across the board. the entire courseAll shots are important in this formula, including birdies, penalties, eagles and pars.

This makes Stroke Play both demanding and rewarding, as a single shot can make the difference between winning and losing.

Stableford :

Stableford is a unique method of calculating golf formulas, invented by Dr Franck Stableford. Franck Stableford. It was first used in competition in 1932.

This method consists of converting the score obtained on each hole into points, based on a comparison with the theoretical par for the hole.

In gross, no points are awarded for a double bogey or worse, while in net, returned shots are added to adjust the score in relation to par.

This method encourages aggressive play, as it rewards good holes while minimising the impact of bad holes on the overall score.

How do you calculate Stableford points?

Score for the holePoints
More than a shot over the set score0
One stroke over the set score1
Equal to the set score2
One shot off the set score3
Two shots off the set score4
Three shots off the set score5
Four shots off the set score6


Calculating Rendered Shots :

For golf formulas such as Stableford, and others requiring adjustment according to the handicap. There is a standard procedure for determining the number of shots returned.

It starts by recording your index on the FFG's Espace Licencié. Then use the FFG calculator to determine the number of strokes you have received, which will depend on the course you are playing.

An Excel calculator is often available to facilitate this operation. Once the number of shots received has been determined, they are transferred to the scorecard and the net score per hole is calculated, taking into account the shots returned.

What's the best way to eat for an early-morning competition?

Golfers spend several hours on the golf course, and a good diet is essential to avoid fatigue and stay competitive right up to the last hole.

The adequate nutrition helps not only to maintain energy levels but also to improve concentration and recovery after the game

Frequently asked questions about golf competition formulas

.

In golf, the score is calculated mainly on the basis of the shots taken to complete each hole. Here are the basic principles:

  1. Stroke Play :

    • The player must finish each hole in as few strokes as possible.
    • The total score is the sum of the strokes over the whole course.
    • The winner is the player with the fewest strokes in total.
  2. Match Play

    • The players compare their scores hole by hole.
    • One point is awarded for each hole won.
    • The winner is the player with the most holes.
  3. Other formats (Stableford, Four-Ball, etc.) :

    • These formats have specific rules for calculating points, often to add variety or strategy.
  4. Penalties :

    • Penalty strokes may be added to the score for certain infringements of the rules.
  5. Handicap :

    • The handicap system helps to balance competitions between players of different levels.

In short, a low score is preferable in golf, and each game format has its own nuances when it comes to calculating points.

In golf, shots have specific names depending on the number of strokes in relation to the par of the hole. Here are the most common terms:

  1. Par : The number of strokes expected to complete a hole, based on its length and difficulty.

  2. Birdie : One shot under par.

  3. Eagle : Two shots off the set score

  4. Albatros : Three shots off the set score

  5. Bogey : One shot over par

  6. Double Bogey : Two shots over par

  7. Triple Bogey : Three shots over par

These terms are universally used in the world of golf to describe performance on each hole in relation to par.

Four-Ball is a golf format generally played in match play or stroke play. Here are the main characteristics of this format:

  1. Teams of two players :

    • Each team is made up of two players.
  2. Individual Team Game :

    • Each player plays their own ball throughout the course.
  3. Best score per hole :

    • For each hole, the best score of the two players in the team is counted.
    • For example, if one player makes a birdie and the other a par, the birdie is the score used for the team.
  4. Match Play or Stroke Play :

    • In match play, the team with the best score on a hole wins that hole.
    • In stroke play, the total of the best scores on each hole is calculated for the whole course.
  5. Team strategy :

    • Players can develop strategies, such as playing conservatively or aggressively, depending on their partner's situation.
Les principales formules de jeu au golf

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