Other Uses and Application for the Stroke Index Allocation

In addition to the calculation for Maximum Adjusted Score (Net Double Bogey,) the Stroke Index Allocation is also used to determine:

  • Net Par
  • Net Scoring for use in Stableford and other competitions
  • Strokes Given/Received in Match Play

NET PAR

Net Par is equal to the par of a hole plus any handicap strokes applied on that hole.

Widely used before 2024 to calculate scores for any holes not played, Net Par is now used for the calculation of a hole not played in a 9-hole round and only when the hole is deemed out of play due to repair or reconstruction.

NET PAR = Par + Strokes Received

 Let’s look at an example of a Net Par calculation.

A man with a Course Handicap of 16 receives 1 stroke on each hole with Stroke Index Allocation values 1 through 16. (using the SIA for Men)

Hole #9 has been taken out of play as it is under reconstruction. It is a par 4 and has an SIA of 5. His NET PAR = Par (4) + Strokes Received (1) = 5.

NET SCORING 

Net Score is equal to the Gross score of a hole less any handicap strokes applied on that hole.

NET SCORE for a hole = Gross Score for that hole – Strokes Received
  • Net Scoring is sometimes used in contests to allow for a more equitable assignment of a “net” winner of a specific hole. It is also used in the assignment of points in Stableford formats.
  • Results in Net Scoring are not acceptable scores and may not be posted or used in the calculation or update of a handicap.

 

Let’s look at an example that shows a NET SCORE calculation.

A woman with a Course Handicap of 12 receives 1 stroke on each hole with Stroke Index Allocation values 1 through 12. (using the SIA for Women)

Hole #9 is a par 4, with an SIA value of 11. 

She pars the hole with a gross score of 4. 

Her NET SCORE for that hole is: Gross Score (4) – Strokes Received (1) = 3 

STROKES GIVEN/RECEIVED IN MATCH PLAY

Strokes given or received in match play are determined by the difference in Playing Handicaps between players or teams.  (A playing handicap is determined based on the format of the match and calculated using a percentage of a course handicap.) 

The Stroke Index Allocation is used to identify which holes are impacted once the number of strokes given/received has been determined.

For example – Once all match play calculations are done, it is determined that Player One gives Player Two 6 strokes. The Stroke Index Allocation is then used to identify the holes with SIA values of 1 through 6. Player Two has the advantage of taking an extra stroke on each of the identified holes. If Player One scores a 4 on a stroke hole and Player Two scores a 5, the hole is considered “tied”. Should both players score 4 on a stroke hole, using the stroke advantage, Player Two “wins” the hole.

 

Which SIA values should be used when determining strokes?

  • When individuals or teams are comprised of the same gender, the SIA for that gender is used.
  • When individuals or teams are comprised of mixed genders, the Men’s SIA is used.