Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned golfer, understanding the different game modes is essential for enjoying the sport to its fullest. Each format offers a unique way to play and compete, catering to different skill levels and group sizes. Here's everything you need to know about the four game modes currently available in ForePutt.
Golf Terminology for Beginners
Before diving into the game modes, let's cover some fundamental terms that are good to know.
Par, Birdie, Bogey & More
Par is the expected number of strokes for a hole. A par 4 hole is expected to take 4 strokes to complete. The course's total par (usually 72 for 18 holes) is the sum of all holes' par values.
Your result on each hole is described in relation to par:
- Albatross: 3 strokes under par (very rare!)
- Eagle: 2 strokes under par
- Birdie: 1 stroke under par
- Par: Exactly the expected number of strokes
- Bogey: 1 stroke over par
- Double Bogey: 2 strokes over par
Handicap and Course Handicap
Handicap is a measure of your playing ability that allows golfers of different skill levels to compete fairly against each other. The lower the handicap, the better the player.
Course Handicap is your handicap adjusted for the specific course you're playing. Different courses have different difficulty levels, so your course handicap may vary depending on where you play. Course handicap is what's used in competitions and handicap calculations.
Gross Score and Net Score
Gross Score is the total number of strokes you take during a round, without any adjustments. If you take 95 strokes in a round, your gross score is 95.
Net Score is your gross score minus your course handicap. This is your "adjusted" result that accounts for your playing ability.
Example: If you shoot 95 strokes (gross) and have a course handicap of 20, your net score is 75 (95 - 20 = 75). This allows a beginner with a high handicap to compete fairly against an experienced player with a low handicap.
Stroke Index
Stroke Index indicates how difficult a hole is compared to other holes on the course. The hole with index 1 is the most difficult hole on the course, while index 18 is the easiest. In handicap competitions, you receive extra strokes on the most difficult holes first, based on your course handicap.
Strokeplay
Strokeplay, also known as medal play, is the most traditional and straightforward format in golf. It's the format used in most professional tournaments, including the majors.
The concept is simple: count every stroke you take throughout the round, and the player with the lowest total score wins. Every shot matters equally, whether it's a tee shot or a tap-in putt.
In handicap strokeplay competitions, players compete on their net score (gross score minus course handicap), allowing golfers of different skill levels to compete fairly against each other.
This format tests mental fortitude because one bad hole can significantly impact your final score. Unlike Stableford, there's no safety net – you must count every stroke, even if you take an 8 on a par 3.
Stableford
Stableford is a points-based scoring system that rewards consistent play while being forgiving of the occasional bad hole. Instead of counting total strokes, players earn points based on their score relative to par on each hole.
The standard Stableford point system works as follows:
- Double Bogey or worse: 0 points
- Bogey: 1 point
- Par: 2 points
- Birdie: 3 points
- Eagle: 4 points
- Albatross: 5 points
The player with the highest total points at the end of the round wins. This format is particularly popular in casual rounds and club competitions because a disastrous hole doesn't ruin your entire round.
In handicap competitions, players receive extra strokes on specific holes based on the hole's difficulty rating (stroke index). Your net score on each hole determines your points, making it fair for golfers of all skill levels to compete against each other.
Best Ball
Best Ball is a team format where two or more players form a team, with each player playing their own ball throughout the round. This allows you to keep an individual score that can be registered for handicap purposes while also competing as a team.
On each hole, the team's score is the lowest of the partners' scores.
For example, if Player A scores a 5 and Player B scores a 4 on a par 4, the team records a 4 for that hole.
This format is excellent for:
- Introducing beginners to competitive play (they have a partner to rely on)
- Creating exciting team dynamics
- Allowing more aggressive play since you have a backup
Best Ball can be played with or without handicap.
Scramble
Scramble is perhaps the most social and beginner-friendly format in golf. It's commonly used in charity events, corporate events, and casual group play.
Here's how it works:
- All team members (usually 2-4 players) tee off
- The team selects the best shot
- All players then play their next shot from that chosen position
- This process repeats until the ball is holed
- The team records one score per hole
This format keeps the pace of play moving and ensures everyone contributes to the team's success. Even if you're having a rough day, your teammates can pick up the slack.
Handicap Calculation for Scramble
Scramble can be played with or without handicap. Handicap calculation in scramble varies depending on the number of players and local rules, but here is the method ForePutt uses:
For a 4-person scramble:
- 20% of the lowest course handicap
- 15% of the second-lowest course handicap
- 10% of the third-lowest course handicap
- 5% of the highest course handicap
- Add these together and round to the nearest whole number
For a 3-person scramble:
- 30% of the lowest course handicap
- 20% of the second-lowest course handicap
- 10% of the highest course handicap
- Add these together and round to the nearest whole number
For a 2-person scramble:
- 35% of the lower course handicap
- 15% of the higher course handicap
- Add together and round
For example, in a 2-person scramble with handicaps of 10 and 20:
- 35% of 10 = 3.5
- 15% of 20 = 3.0
- Team handicap = 6.5, rounded to 7
Each of these formats offers something different, whether you're looking for individual competition, team camaraderie, or a relaxed social round. In ForePutt, you can easily track scores for all these game modes, making it simple to enjoy whichever format suits your day on the course.
Which game mode is your favorite? Let us know!
