What do I write on my Stableford scorecard if I pick up?
You write either nothing at all or any score that would give you zero points for that hole — the committee works out the points, not you. Rule 21.1b says a player who doesn't hole out gets zero points, and the scorecard must show either no score or a score that results in zero points.
What the scorecard actually shows
When you pick up because you can't score any points, you have two options: leave the square blank, or write down a stroke number that's more than one over the fixed target score (usually par). Both are correct and both tell the committee you're taking zero points for the hole. You don't need to write "0" or "NR" — just leave it empty or put a big number.
Why the committee does the math
Your job is to record the strokes you took (or that you're conceding). The committee's job is to compare that to the fixed target score, apply any handicap strokes, and award the points. In a handicap Stableford, they'll apply your stroke allowance before checking whether the net score earns points. You never write the points yourself unless the competition terms specifically ask you to — and even then, the committee's calculation is the official one.
Pace of play: pick up and move on
The rules explicitly encourage you to stop playing a hole once your score will result in zero points. That's not giving up — it's following the rule. The hole is considered completed the moment you decide not to hole out because you've reached the zero-point threshold. Pick up, mark the card correctly, and keep the round moving.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to write a number if I pick up?
No. You can leave the hole completely blank on the scorecard. A blank square and a score that yields zero points are both acceptable under Rule 21.1b(2).
What number should I write if I do put one down?
Any score that is more than one over the fixed target score (usually par). For example, on a par 4, writing 6 or higher shows zero points. The exact number doesn't matter as long as it's in the zero-point range.
Who calculates my Stableford points — me or the committee?
The committee is responsible for calculating points on every hole. In a handicap competition, they apply your handicap strokes to the score you entered before working out the points. Your scorecard shows strokes; their spreadsheet shows points.
Can I write "NR" or "0" instead of leaving it blank?
The rule only specifies "no score" or "any score that results in zero points." Writing "NR" or "0" isn't mentioned, so stick to the two options the rule gives: blank or a high stroke number. The committee will interpret either as zero points.
What if I pick up but my partner finishes the hole in Four-Ball Stableford?
Your score for that hole is still zero points. Mark your square blank or with a zero-point score. Your partner's score stands separately — the side's score for the hole is the better of the two point totals.