Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
In Stableford, Zero Points means a hole contributes nothing to the player's points total. Under Rule 21.1, this applies when the score is more than one over the fixed target, no score is returned, or the player does not hole out under the Rules.
How it matters in match play
Zero Points is not the normal result language for Match Play: a hole is won, lost or halved rather than assigned Stableford points. If a club competition combines a Stableford scoring method with a match, its Terms of the Competition must state how the points or match result are settled; do not assume Zero Points means a lost hole in ordinary Match Play.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Zero Points |
| Category | scoring |
| Applicable rule | Rule 21.1a-b, Rules of Golf (Stableford) |
| Related concepts | Stableford, Stableford Point, Score Relative to Par, Hole Score, Match Play |
Worked example
On a par 4, Alex takes 6 strokes and the fixed target is par, so the hole is more than one over target and Alex records 0 points; Ben's points are calculated separately.
Rule reference: Rule 21.1a-b, Rules of Golf (Stableford)
Sources: www.randa.org
Common questions
Does Zero Points mean a player has been disqualified?
No. In Stableford, a hole can score zero because the player's score is more than one over the fixed target, no score is returned, or the player does not hole out. Some specified breaches also result in zero points for that hole rather than disqualification under Rule 21.1c; other breaches can still carry their normal penalty.
Can I stop playing a hole when I will score Zero Points?
Yes, the Rules encourage players to stop when their score will result in zero points, which supports pace of play. The hole is completed when the player holes out, chooses not to do so, or reaches a score that will result in zero points under Rule 21.1b.
Is Zero Points the same as a lost hole in Match Play?
No. Zero Points belongs to Stableford scoring. Ordinary Match Play settles each hole as won, lost or halved, so a poor score is assessed against the opponent's score rather than converted into a Stableford point value.
What score normally gives Zero Points in Stableford?
With par as the fixed target, more than one over par gives zero points. For example, 6 on a par-4 hole is two over par and therefore scores zero. A Committee may set a different fixed target, and handicap terms can affect the score used in a handicap competition.
What should be entered on the scorecard for a Zero Points hole?
If the hole was completed by holing out and the result is zero points, the scorecard may show no score or any score that results in zero points. If the player did not hole out under the Rules, it may likewise show no score or a score resulting in zero points, subject to Rule 3.3b and the Committee's procedures.
Does Zero Points affect the other holes in a Stableford round?
It contributes zero for that hole, while points from the other holes still count towards the player's total. The Stableford competition is won by the player or side with the most points over all completed rounds.