The Stableford system of scoring was invented in 1931 by Dr. Frank Stableford of the Wallasey & Royal Liverpool Golf Clubs and the first competition under Stableford Rules was played on 16 May 1932 at Wallasey.

Each player or side plays against the par of each hole and receives points according to how he/she scores in relation to par.

The scoring system is as follows:

(It would be very unlikely that anyone would score more than 4 under par, though from a high handicap this is possible)

The score is the nett score for each hole dependent on the player's handicap.

The nett score is calculated by taking strokes at the appropriate hole using the stroke index shown on the card.

Stableford scoring is ideal for competition play as once a player realises he or she cannot score on any hole they simply pick up and go on the next hole without having to putt out.