How golf actually works

Clear answers to how golf actually works: Stableford scoring, match play, four-ball vs foursomes, scrambles, handicaps, and tournament allowances.

• What is Stableford scoring? — Stableford scores each hole in points rather than strokes, so one blow-up hole cannot wreck a round. Here is the points table, the maths, and when to use it.
• How does golf match play work? — Match play is decided hole by hole rather than by total strokes. Here is how holes are won, how the score is spoken, and when a match ends.
• What does 4 & 2 mean in golf? — A match play result like "4 & 2" means four holes ahead with two left to play. Here is how to read any match play score.
• What is the difference between four-ball and foursomes? — Four-ball and foursomes are both two-against-two formats, and they are constantly confused. One uses four balls, the other uses one.
• How does a scramble work? — A scramble is the friendliest team format in golf and the standard for charity events. Everyone tees off, the team picks the best shot, and everyone plays again from there.
• How do golf handicaps work? — A handicap index measures your demonstrated ability so players of any standard can compete fairly. Here is how the index is calculated and how it becomes strokes on the card.
• How many strokes do I get in match play? — In handicap match play the lower handicap plays off scratch and everyone else receives the difference. Here is how to work out your strokes and which holes they fall on.
• How do tournament handicaps work? — Tournaments apply a handicap allowance — a percentage of your course handicap that varies by format — to keep large mixed fields fair.