One of the unique aspects about golf is the number of different ways it can be played. New formats are constantly being created to go along with longtime favorites like best-ball or alternate shot.
No matter what format is being played, one goal remains constant – hitting the golf ball towards the hole and trying to do so in as few strokes as possible.
One of these interesting formats is on display yearly at the Texas Stableford Handicap. Conducted by the TGA since 1976, the championship is contested over 54 holes using team quotas based on the Modified Stableford scoring format.
In Modified Stableford scoring, points are awarded depending on the score for each hole in relation to par. A bogey is worth one point, pars are worth two, birdies are worth three and so on. Double bogeys and worse just get a zero.
To be clear: golfers simply are playing stroke play in Modified Stableford. But rather than writing down the number of strokes taken on each hole, the golfer writes down the number of points earned. What makes the Modified Stableford format so enjoyable is that a blowup hole won’t ruin a round or the fun. When a golfer is having a bad hole in Modified Stableford, they can just pick up when they’ve gotten to the point where they can no longer earn a point on the hole and head to the next tee.
Teams in the Texas Stableford Handicap are pre-flighted based on the two players’ combined Low Handicap Index over the past 11 months. Total score for 54 holes will be used to determine final standings in each flight. The overall winner will be the team with the most plus (or fewest minus) points, regardless of flight.
The 45th edition of the championship will be played from Nov. 12-14 at longtime host Riverhill Country Club in Kerrville. It is always one of the most anticipated events on the TGA’s annual schedule.
“I like the format, especially with a partner,” said Mark Moore, a returning participant. “One of you (or both of you) can have a bad hole, but you’re not out of the tournament. Also, the adjustments that are made related to your quota each day keeps the flights competitive until the end.”
Golfers travel from all over the state to take part in this engaging championship, many who regularly play each year.
“My partner and I travel down with several friends who play, so I enjoy the great camaraderie and competition,” said Moore. “I also enjoy the golf course, the club staff and the TGA staff. They always make you feel welcome and work very hard to put on a good event.”
Riverhill Country Club was designed by Byron Nelson and Joe Finger and opened for play in 1974. Nestled deep in the heart of the beautiful Texas Hill Country, Riverhill is consistently rated as one of the top courses to play in the state.
“We are excited to host some of the best players in the state for another great championship at Riverhill,” said Andrea Daly, TGA Tournament Director, Legends Junior Tour. “This is consistently one of our most exciting and fun events every year. Riverhill is a great venue for our players and this specific tournament.”
For more on the Texas Stableford Handicap, click here.
