Ranking
The ranking orders golfers by their performance, from club level up to the world rankings.
Rankings exist in golf at many levels. At your club you find them as the result lists of competitions, often split into gross and net and by handicap classes. Nationally there are rankings run by the associations, in which tournament results are collected over the season. Internationally the official men's world ranking is the best-known form; it is calculated from results on the major tours over a rolling period. The women have their own, comparable system. Added to these are the tours' money lists, the Order of Merit, which sort by prize money earned.
For you as an amateur, the ranking in everyday golf is above all the result list after the club tournament. An example: you shoot net 68 in the monthly trophy and finish third on the net ranking of your class. This placing decides prizes and sometimes qualification for higher-level competitions. During the tournament itself the leaderboard shows the current interim standings; the final ranking only comes about after submission and checking of all scorecards.
A typical misconception is confusing the ranking with the Handicap. Your handicap describes your playing level permanently, while the ranking only reflects your placing in a specific competition or a season-long table. A good ranking position does not automatically improve your handicap — conversely, a round that counts for handicap purposes can change your index without you being at the top of the list. If you are interested in the path into higher classes, you will find the basics under the term Single Figure.
FAQ
How do I get into a ranking as an amateur?
By taking part in competitions at your club or association and returning your scorecard correctly. Your placing results from your score compared with the other starters, usually split into gross and net. For association rankings, the results of selected tournaments count across the season.
Does a good ranking position automatically improve my handicap?
No, these are two separate things. The ranking only shows your placing in a specific competition; your handicap describes your permanent playing level. Only if the round was played as a handicap-counting round can it change your handicap index — regardless of whether you are at the top of the list.
What is the difference between a leaderboard and a ranking?
The leaderboard shows the running standings during the tournament and can change with every hole. The final ranking is only produced once all scorecards have been returned and checked. So leading the leaderboard by no means makes you the winner.