What score do I write on my Stableford scorecard when I don't hole out?
You write either nothing (leave the box blank) or any score that would earn zero points — typically a score more than one over the fixed target. The Committee calculates your points from whatever you enter.
What the rule says
Under Rule 21.1b(2), when you complete a hole without holing out — whether you pick up, concede, or just stop — your scorecard must show either no score at all or any score that results in zero points. Zero points means more than one stroke over the fixed target score (usually par). The Committee is responsible for calculating your points, so they'll ignore whatever number you write if it's in the zero-point range.
Why both options exist
Leaving the box blank is the cleanest way to show you didn't finish the hole. Writing a high number (like a 10 on a par 4) also works because it clearly falls in the zero-point band. Some players prefer a number so the card looks complete; others leave it empty. Either satisfies the rule. The Committee will apply any handicap strokes to the score you entered before working out points.
Pace of play tip
The Rules encourage you to stop playing a hole once your score will only earn zero points. In Stableford, that's when you're already more than one over the fixed target. Picking up at that point speeds things up for everyone and doesn't change your result — you were getting zero points either way.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just write 'X' or 'NR' on the card?
No. Rule 3.3b and 21.1b(2) require either a blank box or a numeric score that yields zero points. Symbols like 'X' or 'NR' don't meet the requirement and could cause a scoring issue.
What if I write a score that would actually earn points?
If you don't hole out but write a score that would earn points (e.g., a 4 on a par 4), the Committee must still treat it as zero points because you didn't hole out under the Rules. The score you enter doesn't override the fact that you didn't finish the hole.
Does this apply in handicap Stableford too?
Yes. Rule 21.1a says the Rule covers scratch competitions but can be adapted for handicap play. The Committee applies handicap strokes to the score you entered before calculating points, but the entry rule — blank or zero-point score — stays the same.
What counts as the 'fixed target score'?
Unless the Committee sets something different, the fixed target score is par for each hole. Points are awarded by comparing your strokes (including penalties) to that target: 2 points for target, 3 for one under, 4 for two under, etc. More than one over gets zero.
If I concede a hole in match play Stableford, what do I write?
Stableford is stroke play, not match play — you don't concede holes. If you pick up in a Stableford round, treat it like any other non-holed-out hole: blank box or a zero-point score.