Stroke Play
Lowest total score over 18 holes
Add up everyone's strokes over the round; lowest total wins. The traditional tournament format and the easiest to settle as a multi-player bet.
The rules
Counting
Total strokes (or net strokes if using handicap). One stroke at hole 7 affects the bet the same as one stroke at hole 18.
Payout schedules
Common: winner-take-all. Or split: 1st gets 60%, 2nd gets 30%, 3rd gets 10%. Configurable per round.
Handicaps
Apply each player's full course handicap to their gross total to compute net score.
When to play
Larger groups (5+) where match play doesn't scale, or when you want a single overall winner.
Frequently asked questions
What is stroke play in golf?
Stroke play counts the total number of strokes you take over the round — every shot on every hole adds up, and the lowest total wins. It's the format used in most tournaments because it ranks an entire field on a single number.
What is the difference between gross and net stroke play?
Gross is your raw total strokes. Net subtracts your course handicap, leveling the field so players of different abilities can compete fairly. Use a course handicap calculator to find your strokes.
Why is one bad hole so costly in stroke play?
Because every stroke counts toward your total, a single blow-up hole stays on your card all day. That's why stroke play rewards consistency and damage control, while match play lets you shrug off one bad hole.
mashie scores Stroke Play automatically and settles up at the end. See how it works