
There is no official limit to the number of strokes a player can take per hole in golf. However, in practice, there are social and strategic reasons for limiting the number of strokes taken. For example, it is considered bad form to take more than 10 strokes on a par-4 hole or more than 8 on a par-3 hole, as it can hold up the game for other players. Additionally, when calculating a handicap, the maximum score on any hole is limited to a net double bogey, which is the par of the hole plus two strokes and any handicap strokes based on the player's course handicap.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Maximum strokes per hole | There is no limit to the number of strokes a player can take per hole. |
Maximum score per hole | There is no limit to the score per hole in stroke play. In handicap play, the maximum score is a net double bogey. |
Maximum clubs allowed | N/A |
What You'll Learn
- There is no maximum number of strokes per hole in stroke play
- For handicap purposes, the maximum score is a net double bogey
- The number of strokes depends on the course and hole
- The official way to calculate the number of strokes is to use the GHIN handicap calculator
- The number of strokes should consider the pace of play and not hold up other golfers
There is no maximum number of strokes per hole in stroke play
In stroke play, there is no maximum number of strokes per hole. This means that, in theory, a player could take an unlimited number of strokes to complete a hole. However, this is rare, and it is generally considered bad form to take more than 10 strokes on a par-four hole and more than eight on a par-three hole. This is because taking too many strokes can hold up the groups behind you and will likely result in a warning from the marshal to speed up your play.
In sanctioned tournament play, it is important to play the hole out regardless of the number of strokes taken. However, when not playing in a sanctioned tournament, it is generally advisable to adhere to the following guidelines: on par-four holes, if you haven't reached the green by your eighth stroke, pick up your ball and drop it onto the green, taking no more than four putts. On par-three holes, if you haven't reached the green in six strokes, pick up your ball and drop it onto the green, putting out from there.
It is worth noting that these guidelines can be modified based on the course and circumstances. For example, if you are playing on a crowded executive-length course where the par-fours are no longer than 325 yards, it is advisable to limit yourself to eight or nine strokes. Conversely, if you are playing on a quiet course with no one behind you, you can take as many strokes as you need.
Beginners should be mindful of the pace of play for more experienced golfers in their group. Playing with established golfers who are constantly being held up may result in not being invited to play with them again. Therefore, if your score is not important, it is courteous to pick up your ball and drop it onto the green when you see that everyone else is already waiting for you.
While there is no maximum number of strokes per hole in stroke play, some leagues and casual rounds may implement a maximum score rule for various reasons, including pace of play and ego protection. This maximum score can vary between groups, and it is not an official rule, but rather an unofficial guideline to enhance the enjoyment of the game.
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For handicap purposes, the maximum score is a net double bogey
When playing golf, the maximum score per hole for handicap purposes is a net double bogey. This means that, regardless of how many strokes over par you are, your score will be capped at a double bogey after handicap strokes are applied. This rule helps to prevent a single bad hole from inflating your handicap and is especially important in match play, where a single blow-up hole would give a player a significant advantage over the other.
To calculate your maximum score per hole, you need to first determine your course handicap. This can vary depending on the tee box you are playing from and can be calculated using a handicap calculator app. Once you have your course handicap, you can determine how many handicap strokes you will receive on each hole. On the holes where you receive a stroke, your maximum score will be a triple bogey, as the handicap stroke will bring you down to a double bogey. On the holes where you do not receive a stroke, your maximum score will be a double bogey.
It is important to note that the net double bogey rule is only for handicap calculation purposes. When playing a round of golf, there is no maximum score per hole. You should count every stroke and write down your actual score, regardless of how many strokes you take. However, if you are entering your round for handicap purposes, you will need to adjust your score to the net double bogey. This adjustment is typically done automatically by handicap apps if you enter your scores hole-by-hole.
Additionally, the net double bogey rule only applies once your Handicap Index has been established. When initially posting your first three scores to establish your Handicap Index, the maximum hole score you can post is par + 5. After your Handicap Index is established, the maximum score per hole for handicap purposes becomes a net double bogey.
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The number of strokes depends on the course and hole
The number of strokes you can take per hole in golf depends on several factors, including the type of game being played, the course, and the hole itself.
In medal play or stroke play, there is no limit to the number of strokes you can take per hole. Every stroke counts towards your final total, even if it takes you 17 or 23 strokes to finish the hole!
However, when it comes to handicaps, the maximum score per hole is different. The maximum score on any hole is limited to a net double bogey, which is calculated as the par of the hole plus two strokes (double bogey) and any handicap strokes based on the player's course handicap. For example, if a player with a course handicap of 15 is playing a hole with a stroke index of 10, their maximum score for handicap purposes would be 7.
It's important to note that the number of strokes you should attempt during a round also depends on courtesy and pace of play. While there is no official limit, it is generally considered bad form to take more than 10 strokes on a par-4 hole or more than 8 on a par-3 hole, as it can hold up the groups behind you. Beginners should be mindful of the pace of play and consider picking up their ball and moving on to the next hole if they are taking too long.
Additionally, the number of strokes you can take per hole can vary depending on the specific course and hole you are playing. Different courses may have different lengths and difficulties, which can impact the number of strokes you might need to complete a hole.
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The official way to calculate the number of strokes is to use the GHIN handicap calculator
Golf handicaps are a measure of a golfer's potential playing ability. The higher the handicap, the poorer the golfer's ability relative to a player with a lower handicap. A handicap allows players of different ability levels to play together on more equal grounds.
To use the GHIN handicap calculator, you need to enter your scores hole by hole. The app will then calculate your net score, which is your gross score minus the number of strokes you receive at a particular golf course. This takes the difficulty of a golf course into account.
The number of strokes you can take per hole depends on the course and hole. For example, as a 16 handicapper, you could pick up at 3-over on holes with a stroke index of 1-16, and at 2-over for the remaining two holes.
It's important to note that handicap systems are prevalent in amateur golf but are not used in professional golf.
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The number of strokes should consider the pace of play and not hold up other golfers
While there is no official limit to the number of strokes a golfer can take per hole, the number of strokes should consider the pace of play and not hold up other golfers.
In a casual round, golfers may choose to impose a maximum score limit per hole to maintain a good pace of play and avoid holding up other players. This is especially important for beginners who tend to take more time per stroke. While there is no official rule on maximum scores, it is generally considered bad form to take more than 10 strokes on a par-four hole and more than 8 on a par-three hole.
For handicap purposes, the maximum number of strokes per hole is typically calculated as a net double bogey. This means that the maximum score on any hole is limited to the par of the hole, plus two strokes (double bogey), and any handicap strokes the player may be entitled to based on their course handicap. This helps to prevent a single bad hole from significantly impacting a player's handicap.
Additionally, some leagues and competitions may impose their own maximum score limits per hole, which players should be aware of and adhere to.
It is important to note that when playing in a sanctioned tournament, golfers should play out the hole completely, regardless of the number of strokes taken, as this can affect their final score and ranking.
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Frequently asked questions
The Rules of Golf do not limit the number of strokes a player can take on any one hole. If it takes 17 strokes to hole out, your score for that hole is "17".
For handicapping purposes, the maximum score is a "net double bogey". So, as a 16 handicapper, you could pick up at 3-over on holes with SI 1-16, and at 2-over for the remaining two holes.
There is no limit to the number of strokes you can take per hole in medal play. All strokes are counted towards your final total.