Update: Stableford golf scoring system

Download our free Excel spreadsheet

Readers that had problems using the Excel spreadsheet instructions in our Workshop in issue 136 on using the Stableford system for golf scores can now download a version of the file free of charge.

The Computeractive technical team has also corrected a minor fault in the spreadsheet. Follow the link at the bottom of this story to open the file and then save it to your computer using the Save As option. The download will take less than one minute using a dial-up connection.

Here are the rules you need to follow for the spreadsheet to work.

Each hole on a golf course has an index number according to how difficult it is.A table is used to determine how many points (1, 2 or 0) to deduct from your score on a hole according to your handicap and the hole's index. This is covered in step 1 of the Workshop where columns B and C represent 1 and 2-point deductions according to the index numbers listed and handicaps ranging from 19 to 36.

Index numbers range from 1 (hardest) to 18 (easiest). The table in step 1 is a guide and is not used in any calculations.

After deducting 0, 1 or 2 points from your score for a hole, you need to calculate whether you are under, over or on par. Points are then awarded accordingly (see step 3). By adding up all these points (step 9), the person with the most is the winner. When you have played 8 shots on any hole you cannot score points and should pick up your ball.

For handicaps that exceed 36, two points are deducted from each hole and the scoring system can still be used. For handicaps below 19, there are no points to deduct, but the scoring system can still be used.

The final two points cover most questions concerning handicaps outside the 19-36 covered.

Click here to download the free spreadsheet