Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A Gross Winner is the player or side with the lowest total number of strokes in a competition scored without handicap strokes. The result is based on gross scores, which include strokes played and penalty strokes. It is commonly described as the low-gross result in a scratch or gross competition.
How it matters in match play
Gross Winner is not the usual name for a match-play result. In a gross (scratch) match, players compare their unadjusted hole scores and the lower score wins that hole; the match winner is then the player who wins more holes, rather than whoever has the lowest 18-hole total. Check the Terms of the Competition for any separate gross prize.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Gross Winner |
| Category | scoring |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf Rule 3.1c(1) and Rule 3.3a |
| Related concepts | Gross Score, Net Score, Low Gross, Scratch Competition, Stroke Play |
Worked example
Alex returns 78 gross strokes and Ben returns 81 in the same scratch stroke-play competition, so Alex is the Gross Winner by 3 strokes; this illustration is not historical player data.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf Rule 3.1c(1) and Rule 3.3a
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.golfaustralia.com.au
Common questions
Does Gross Winner mean the player with the lowest score?
Yes, in a gross or scratch stroke-play competition it normally means the player or side with the lowest total gross score. The score includes strokes played and applicable penalty strokes, with no handicap strokes applied.
What is the difference between Gross Winner and Net Winner?
A Gross Winner is decided by total strokes before handicap strokes are applied. A Net Winner is decided after the competition's permitted handicap adjustment, so the two awards can go to different players.
Can two players share the Gross Winner result?
They can be tied if they return the same lowest gross score. The Committee's Terms of the Competition should state whether the tie stands or is decided by a play-off, matching scores, or another stated method.
Is Gross Winner used in match play?
It is not the normal label for a match result. A gross match compares unadjusted scores hole by hole, and the match is decided by holes won, lost or tied; any separate gross award depends on the competition terms.
Does a Gross Winner use handicap strokes?
No. A gross or scratch result does not apply handicap strokes to the player's score. If handicap strokes are applied, the competition is using net scoring for that result instead.
Are penalty strokes included in a gross score?
Yes. The Rules of Golf describe gross score as the total strokes for the hole or round, including strokes made and penalty strokes.