How to Keep Score in Golf: A Simple Beginner Guide

How to keep score in golf? Count every stroke you take on each hole until the ball is in the hole, write that number on the scorecard, and add the holes up at the end of the round. Your score is then compared with par: one under par on a hole is a birdie, one over is a bogey. In match play you count holes won instead of total strokes.

This beginner guide explains par, the scoring terms, how to fill in a scorecard, match play and handicaps, with a worked example. Heading out for a casual round? Browse our vintage golf shirts.

How to keep score in golf: step by step

In stroke play, the most common format, "each player counts the total number of strokes taken to complete each hole and the entire round" (Treetops Resort). Every swing at the ball counts as a stroke, including a putt and a missed swing you intended to make. Penalty strokes from the rules are added too.

1. Before you tee off, write each player's name on the scorecard.
2. On each hole, count each stroke until the ball drops in the cup.
3. Write the number in that hole's box before you walk to the next tee, so you do not forget it.
4. Add holes 1 to 9 for the "Out" total and 10 to 18 for the "In" total, then add both for your gross score.
5. Check the card and sign it if you are playing a competition.

What is par in golf?

Each hole has a par, "representing the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to need to complete the hole." Treetops notes that par "typically" ranges from 3 to 5 per hole, "with the total par for 18 holes usually being around 72 strokes for a standard course." Par is printed on the scorecard next to each hole number.

Golf scoring terms: birdie, eagle and bogey

Your score on a hole is often described relative to par:

Term	Score vs par	Example on a par 4
Eagle	2 under	2
Birdie	1 under	3
Par	Even	4
Bogey	1 over	5
Double bogey	2 over	6

Treetops sums it up: one under par is a "birdie," two under is an "eagle," one over is a "bogey" and two over is a "double bogey."

How to fill in a golf scorecard: an example

Say you play the first three holes of a par 72 course:

• Hole 1, par 4: tee shot, approach, chip, two putts = 5 (bogey).
• Hole 2, par 3: tee shot onto the green, two putts = 3 (par).
• Hole 3, par 5: drive, two fairway shots, one penalty stroke after a ball goes into a penalty area, a chip and one putt = 6 (bogey).
• Running total after three holes: 14 strokes against a par of 12, or +2.

Many golfers also track a plus or minus total ("+1 after two holes") so they always know where they stand against par.

Match play vs stroke play scoring

In match play, "each hole is a separate contest, with the winner of a hole being the player who completes it in the fewest strokes." You keep score as holes up or down ("2 up with 3 to play") rather than a total. Team formats change scoring again; see what a scramble is and how alternate shot works.

How does a golf handicap affect your score?

A handicap "is a numerical measure of a golfer's playing ability, calculated based on recent scores and adjusted according to the difficulty of the course being played." In a handicap event, your gross score minus your handicap strokes gives your net score, so players of different levels can compete fairly. To get an official handicap index, ask your club or golf association.

Tips for keeping score accurately

• Write the score after every hole, not at the end of the round.
• Count out loud on tough holes and let your playing partners confirm.
• Use an app if you prefer; Treetops mentions apps such as Golfshot, 18Birdies and The Grint for score tracking and stats.
• Keep pace of play: in casual rounds many groups agree on a maximum score per hole for beginners. That is a group agreement, not an official stroke play score.

As Treetops puts it, "players are responsible for accurately recording their scores on each hole."

Vintage golf shirts for your next round

Our vintage golf shirts include flag and retro designs, and many can carry a custom name. Styles and sizes vary by design, so check the options on each product page. See also our golf dress code guide before you book a tee time.

FAQ

How do you keep score in golf for beginners?

Count every stroke on each hole until the ball is in the cup, add any penalty strokes, write the number on the scorecard after the hole and add all holes at the end.

What is a good golf score for a beginner?

Par for 18 holes is usually around 72. Most beginners score well above par, so the best goal is to beat your own last score.

Do putts count as strokes in golf?

Yes. Every putt counts as one stroke, just like a drive.

What is the difference between gross and net score?

Gross score is your actual total strokes. Net score is your gross score minus your handicap strokes.