Net
Net is your result after deduction of your course handicap.
Net means: your played strokes minus your handicap strokes. If you needed 95 strokes on a round and have a course handicap of 23, your net result lies at 72. On a course with par 72 you have thereby played exactly your specification. The net scoring makes tournaments fair, because players of different strength can compete in the same scoring. Almost every club tournament has therefore a net and a Gross scoring in parallel. For your handicap counts in essence a converted net result.
On the single hole net works the same way. If you are entitled to a handicap stroke on a hole, your personal par there is five instead of four. If you play the five, you have played net par. In Stableford you get two points for it. An example: you play a par 4 in six strokes, but receive two handicap strokes on this hole. Net stands a par on the card. Where your handicap strokes lie shows the difficulty column of the scorecard.
Common misconception: net is no beautification but the official comparison instrument. Whoever plays 36 Stableford points has hit exactly the specification, not more and not less. Your progress shows in how often you land above 36 points. Everything above lowers your index, everything below buffers the weaker days.
FAQ
How do I calculate my net result on a round?
You subtract your handicap strokes from the played strokes. If you needed 95 strokes and have a course handicap of 23, your net result stands at 72 — on a course with par 72 you have thereby played exactly your specification. The counterpart without deduction is the gross.
How do I know on which holes I am entitled to handicap strokes?
The difficulty column on the scorecard shows that: depending on your course handicap you get a stroke on the hardest holes first, with higher specifications also two. If you are entitled to a handicap stroke on a hole, your personal par there is five instead of four — if you play the five, you have played net par.
Is a good net result in golf a beautification?
No, net is the official comparison instrument and no cosmetics. Whoever plays exactly 36 points in Stableford has hit exactly the specification — not more and not less. Your real progress shows in how often you get beyond these 36 points.