Betterball Stableford Scores for Handicap

[Troymcclure]

Assuming all the criteria is met for a handicap adjustment (42 points etc.), if my partner holed out for say 4 points on a hole and I had a putt also for 4 points on same hole, am I right in thinking I’m to pick up as I can’t beat my partners score and I’ll be assigned only 1.5 points for handicap purposes?

 

[D-S]

Assuming all the criteria is met for a handicap adjustment (42 points etc.), if my partner holed out for say 4 points on a hole and I had a putt also for 4 points on same hole, am I right in thinking I’m to pick up as I can’t beat my partners score and I’ll be assigned only 1.5 points for handicap purposes?

Yes, the guidance is that only one score per hole should be recorded however many people record all or most scores. It is allowed (encouraged?) for committees to sanction players who continually do this but this is a bit blurry and tricky for administrators to police. It should be clearer but it isn’t.

 

[Troymcclure]

Yes, the guidance is that only one score per hole should be recorded however many people record all or most scores. It is allowed (encouraged?) for committees to sanction players who continually do this but this is a bit blurry and tricky for administrators to police. It should be clearer but it isn’t.

Thanks. Do you think if the guidance were to allow holing out for the same score as one’s partner, and in such cases both scores counted for handicap, more players would get cuts?

 

[D-S]

Thanks. Do you think if the guidance were to allow holing out for the same score as one’s partner, and in such cases both scores counted for handicap, more players would get cuts?

Yes probably but in one sense that’s not really playing Betterball.
The object is to get one good score per hole. If everyone treats it as getting the most points for themselves per hole, firstly it slows the game down and secondly it’s not how the game is supposed to be played.
If you had a putt or even a chip for 5 points (odd scenario I know) it is in the best team interests for you to try and hole it not worrying about the one back if you miss. If both scores are to count you should probably not take as much risk. One is better ball, the other is singles strokeplay.

 

[Steven Rules]

Four-Ball

Someone's got to say it

(With acknowledgement to rulefan.)