top of page
Writer's pictureTom Kieley

How to Mark a Scorecard: Fill Out a Golf Scorecard Properly

Updated: Jul 16, 2024

Golf is a game full of ups and downs, and I’ve experienced my fair share of both. I remember one round where I started with a brutal triple bogey on a par-4. I hooked my drive into the trees, took two shots to get back on the fairway, and then three-putted. Ouch. But two holes later, I hit a perfect drive, nailed my approach, and sunk a long putt for an eagle. The emotional rollercoaster of that round was intense.


I kept that scorecard, and to this day it never fails to make me laugh. Seeing that 7 inside double squares and that 3 inside double circles just always makes me smile; It’s a perfect reminder of golf’s unpredictable nature and why we love this game so much.

Golf Scorecard with Scoring Symbols

This got me thinking, those symbols on the scorecard tell the story of your round, capturing the highs and lows with a few simple marks. Properly marking your scorecard not only helps you track your game accurately but also lets you relive those memorable moments every time you look back. It’s a small but essential part of the game that adds to the rich tapestry of your golfing journey.


Basic Symbols for Clarity

Understanding how you did for total strokes on a hole is the first step in tracking your golf performance. Here are a few common golf scorecard symbols used to quickly review your performance on each hole:


  • Circle: A circle around your score indicates a birdie (one stroke under par).

  • Square: A square around your score indicates a bogey (one stroke over par).

  • Double Circle: For an eagle (two strokes under par).

  • Double Square: For a double bogey (two strokes over par).

  • Crossed Circle: Indicates that you've reached the maximum number of shots allowed on a hole, which is usually double par (often used in casual play to keep the game moving).


Using these basic symbols helps establish a baseline for your scoring and allows you to see at a glance how well you played each hole.


Advanced Golf Scorecard Symbols and Notations

When you're ready to work on taking your game to the next level, you may want to record more details about your play. You can use more advanced symbols to track your shots for each hole. These notations can provide deeper insights into your performance and help identify areas for improvement.


Common Advanced Symbols:

  • Star: Marks a particularly good shot.

  • Arrow: Shows the direction of a missed shot (left, right, short, long).

  • Penalty Stroke: Use a "P" or an asterisk to denote penalty strokes.

  • Triangle: Indicates a sand save.

    • A sand save is when you get the ball out of the bunker and into the hole in two strokes or less.


Tracking Fairways Hit, Greens in Regulation, and Putts

To gain deeper insights into your game, consider tracking the number of putts per hole, whether you hit the fairway on your drives, and whether you hit the green in regulation.


Example:

  • Fairways Hit: Use a checkmark or "F" to indicate hitting the fairway, and an "X" if you miss.

  • Greens in Regulation (GIR): Mark with a "G" or checkmark if you hit the green in the expected number of strokes (two strokes under par), which means you should be putting for birdie or better.

  • Putts: Write the number of putts next to your score. For instance, if you score a 4 with two putts, you might write "4 (2)".


By using our Stat Tracking Scorecards, you can easily track these advanced metrics to gain a comprehensive understanding of your game, identify areas for improvement, and monitor your progress over time.


Keep it Consistent

The key to properly marking your scorecard is consistency. Develop a routine for recording your score after each hole, and stick to it. This ensures that your scorecard will always be accurate and reflective of your game.


Conclusion

Properly marking your scorecard is a crucial part of golf, helping you keep track of your progress and providing valuable insights into your game. With a bit of practice, you’ll find it becomes an integral part of your routine, allowing you to focus on improving your skills and enjoying your time on the course. So next time you hit the greens, remember these tips and keep your scorecard in top shape.


As always - Low Scores and High Spirits 🤙

178 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comentários


bottom of page