Scoring in golf is different than how it is quantified in other sports. While points are counted in the form of strokes, similar to how runs are scored in baseball, the goal for every golfer is to score as few points as possible. This is because the number of points scored corresponds to the number of strokes required to complete individual holes and a round as a whole. This type of scoring is simple, but some adjustments may be made on occasion to account for penalties incurred during play.
Step 1
Count the number of strokes you take to complete each hole. On your scorecard, write down the number of strokes under each corresponding hole. A number above the spot for your scoring shows the number of strokes equivalent to that hole's "par" score. Scores at the end are often referred to in relation to what the expectations are for a given hole and round.
Step 2
Adjust the number of strokes based on any penalties that are incurred. Different golf leagues or groups of golfers may adhere to different rules, but there are a couple that are generally uniform. Touching or moving the ball prior to hitting it should be penalized by adding a stroke to your final score. If a ball needs to be retrieved or replaced after it is hit into the water, a one-stroke penalty is also applied.
Step 3
Add the totals for every hole after the conclusion of a round, often either nine or 18 holes. Write this total into the score spot at the end of the card.
Step 4
Subtract the expected score from your own score. The resulting number is your score relative to the difficulty of the course. For example, if you took 69 strokes on a par-72 course, you would subtract 72 from 69 to score a total of -3. This score indicates that you completed the course in fewer total strokes than is expected.
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