What Is the Score of Zero in Golf?

Scoring

To obtain your Score Zero score, total your putts, then subtract the fairways and greens hit in regulation. For each fairway you hit off the tee, subtract one point, and for each green you hit in regulation, subtract one point. This form of scoring works for rounds of nine or 18 holes.

Benefits

By taking the emphasis off the number of shots, Score Zero helps the golfer focus on accuracy. It also provides him with data for evaluating areas for improvement, making Score Zero a tool for practice.

Effects

With the focus on hitting fairways and greens, Score Zero forces the golfer to think more carefully about her club selection. For example, rather than hitting a driver on a short par 4--a choice that could propel the ball into the woods or the rough--she might choose a 3 wood or iron instead.

Considerations

Because par 3's have no fairway, you can subtract two points for hitting the green. If you reach a par 5 in two, you can subtract an extra point.

Fun Fact

The Club Shack maintains a membership of Score Zero golfers and claims to have never seen a golfer successfully obtain a score of zero.