Net Score
Scoring
Explained Simply
Your gross score minus your handicap strokes. Lets golfers of different skill levels compete fairly.
Example
“You shoot 95 gross. Your handicap is 20. Your net score is 75.”
Why it matters
Net score is what most club competitions and casual matches use to compare players of different abilities.
Common beginner mistake
Not knowing your current handicap index when posting net scores in competitions — ask the pro shop if unsure.
Related
beginner
Scoring
Related
- Gross ScoreYour actual total stroke count for a round, before any handicap strokes are subtracted.
- HandicapA number that represents your skill level, allowing golfers of different abilities to compete fairly. Lower handicap = better golfer.
- Stroke PlayThe most common format — every stroke counts for the entire round. Lowest total score wins.