Stroke play
Stroke play is the format of play in which all strokes of the round are added together.
Stroke play is the standard format in tournament golf. Every stroke counts, from the tee to the last putt. At the end stands a total number. Whoever needs the fewest strokes wins. All big professional tournaments run over 72 holes of stroke play. Also in club golf the format is widespread, for example at championships. For the handicap administration according to the World Handicap System stroke play is the classic basis. Important: you must play out every hole and hole the ball. A given-up hole means disqualification from the scoring.
On the course that means concretely: after every hole you write the stroke number on the scorecard. An example: par 4, you need seven strokes. These seven stand in the card, no matter how annoying the hole was. A single catastrophe hole can destroy a good round. Exactly that distinguishes stroke play from match play, where a bad hole is only one lost point. Many golfers therefore play more defensively in stroke play. The safe way to the green often beats the risky attack over the water.
A common misconception concerns gross and net. The gross result is the pure stroke number. In the Net result you subtract your handicap strokes. Both scorings run in the same tournament in parallel. Also pay attention to the correct way of counting with penalty strokes, lost balls and provisionals. Wrong statements lead to disqualification if the card was handed in signed. Numbers entered too low are the classic.
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FAQ
Do I really have to play out every hole in stroke play?
Yes, in stroke play holing out is compulsory, because every stroke flows into the total number. A given-up or not finished hole leads to disqualification from the scoring. Exactly that distinguishes the format from match play, where a lost hole is simply one point fewer.
What is the difference between gross and net scoring in stroke play?
Both scorings run in the same tournament in parallel on the same card. Gross is your pure stroke number over all holes, without any deduction. In the net result your handicap strokes are subtracted, so that players with a higher handicap also compete for prizes.
Why does one play more defensively in stroke play than in other formats?
Because a single catastrophe hole can ruin the whole round — seven strokes on a par 4 remain in the sum. The risky attack over the water can therefore cost you more than it brings. Many players therefore choose the safe way to the green and consciously do without heroics.