# Scoring and Handicaps · Golf Level 1: Beginner

Golf · Level 1: Beginner · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/golf/level-1/scoring-and-handicaps/)

Scoring and Handicaps in Golf (Level 1: Beginner) on Insporta: 40 sourced facts behind 4 tests. Covers: par and the score words; the scorecard; and more.

Par and the names of scores, the scorecard, counting strokes, Stableford and the World Handicap System.

## Test 1: Par and the score words

- Most holes are par 3, 4 or 5. (Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides))
- Two over is a double bogey. (Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides))
- One under is a birdie. (Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides))
- It usually means a 2 on a par 5. (Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides))
- Course par is the total of the holes' pars, often 70 to 72. (Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides))
- Under par is better than par. (Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides))
- It is also called even par. (Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides))
- 2, 3, 4 and 5 strokes. (Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides))
- Three, two and one under par. (Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides))
- Three on a par 4 is one under par. (Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides))

## Test 2: The scorecard

- The marker certifies the scores; the player checks them. (Source: The R&A and USGA, Rules of Golf 2023, Rule 3.3)
- A wrong score for a hole can bring a penalty. (Source: The R&A and USGA, Rules of Golf 2023, Rule 3.3b)
- Stroke index 1 is the hardest hole. (Source: USGA and The R&A, World Handicap System: Rules of Handicapping (2024))
- Net score takes the handicap off. (Source: USGA and The R&A, World Handicap System: Rules of Handicapping (2024))
- Handicaps let players of different ability compete. (Source: USGA and The R&A, World Handicap System: Rules of Handicapping (2024))
- Out and in add up to the round's total. (Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides))
- Each extra stroke over par adds a word. (Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides))
- Checking before signing avoids penalties. (Source: The R&A and USGA, Rules of Golf 2023, Rule 3.3b)
- Handicap strokes are given on the lowest stroke-index holes first. (Source: USGA and The R&A, World Handicap System: Rules of Handicapping (2024))
- Seven on a par 5 is two over par. (Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides))

## Test 3: Counting strokes

- A practice swing is different: it does not count. (Source: The R&A and USGA, Rules of Golf 2023 (Definitions))
- A practice swing is not made to hit the ball. (Source: The R&A and USGA, Rules of Golf 2023 (Definitions))
- Usually a chip and a single putt. (Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides))
- In match play a stroke, hole or match may be conceded. (Source: The R&A and USGA, Rules of Golf 2023, Rule 3.2b)
- On a par 4 that means being on the green in two. (Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides))
- Two putts per green is the usual target. (Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides))
- Scratch players usually play to par. (Source: USGA and The R&A, World Handicap System: Rules of Handicapping (2024))
- Two shots to the green, two putts. (Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides))
- 1, 2, 3 and 4 strokes. (Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides))
- On a par 3 it is also two under par. (Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides))

## Test 4: Stableford and handicaps

- The highest points total wins. (Source: The R&A and USGA, Rules of Golf 2023, Rule 21.1)
- A player can pick up once no points are possible. (Source: General golf reference (club, teaching and course guides))
- It is run by the USGA and The R&A. (Source: USGA and The R&A, World Handicap System: Rules of Handicapping (2024))
- The high limit makes the game open to beginners. (Source: USGA and The R&A, World Handicap System: Rules of Handicapping (2024))
- It is worked out from the best recent scores. (Source: USGA and The R&A, World Handicap System: Rules of Handicapping (2024))
- It is worked out from the Handicap Index. (Source: USGA and The R&A, World Handicap System: Rules of Handicapping (2024))
- They let a Handicap Index travel between courses. (Source: USGA and The R&A, World Handicap System: Rules of Handicapping (2024))
- 4, 3, 2 and 1 points. (Source: The R&A and USGA, Rules of Golf 2023, Rule 21.1)
- The stroke index decides where the strokes fall. (Source: USGA and The R&A, World Handicap System: Rules of Handicapping (2024))
- 2 + 3 + 1 = 6 points. (Source: The R&A and USGA, Rules of Golf 2023, Rule 21.1)

Sources: The R&A and USGA Rules of Golf 2023 (Definitions) and Equipment Rules, the World Handicap System Rules of Handicapping, and general golf references; original questions authored, nothing reproduced. Rule-by-rule procedures belong to the Rules of Golf category.

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