Point Game Scoring

Master the Point Game format with this step-by-step guide for captains and teams.

Overview

The Point Game (also called the “40-Point Game” or “40 Score”) is a strategic team format where your foursome must use exactly 40 scores across 18 holes. After completing each hole, the captain selects which players’ NET scores count toward the team total.

The goal is simple: achieve the lowest aggregate NET score while using exactly 40 scores.

How It Works

The Two-Step Scoring Flow

Point Game scoring happens in two steps for each hole:

Step 1: Enter Scores

All players enter their gross scores for the hole, just like any other format. The system automatically calculates each player’s NET score based on their handicap strokes.

Step 2: Select Which Scores Count

After all scores are entered, the captain sees each player’s NET score and selects which ones to use. You can select anywhere from 0 to 4 scores per hole (within constraints).

Score Selection Constraints

The system enforces constraints to ensure you always hit exactly 40 scores:

• Minimum: The fewest scores you must select this hole to have enough selections remaining for future holes
• Maximum: The most scores you can select while still having enough holes left to use remaining selections

For example, on hole 17 with only 5 scores remaining, you must select at least 1 score (since hole 18 can only account for 4 maximum).

Entering Scores as Captain

Step 1: Open the Scorecard

1. Navigate to your round from the trip or tournament page
2. Open the mobile scorecard for your playing group
3. If Point Game is enabled, you’ll see the Point Game status bar at the top

Step 2: Enter All Gross Scores

For each hole:

1. Enter gross scores for all players in your group
2. The system calculates NET scores automatically
3. You’ll see each player’s score to par (Birdie, Par, Bogey, etc.)

Step 3: Select Scores to Count

After entering scores:

1. Review each player’s NET score to par
2. Tap players to toggle their scores on/off
3. Watch the constraint indicator to stay within min/max limits
4. Selected players are highlighted with a green border

Step 4: Confirm and Continue

1. Review the selection summary showing:
   • Number of scores selected
   • This hole’s contribution to par
   • Team total after confirmation
   • Remaining scores for future holes
2. Tap Confirm & Next Hole to lock selections and proceed

Understanding the Status Bar

The Point Game status bar shows real-time progress:

Pace Status Colors

The progress bar changes color to indicate your pacing:

Pacing Guidelines

Monitor your pace using these checkpoints:

Strategic Tips for Captains

Early Round Strategy (Holes 1-6)

• Be selective: You have maximum flexibility early
• Bank good scores: Select birdies and pars when available
• Skip bad holes: Consider using 0-1 scores if everyone struggles
• Average pace: ~2 scores per hole

Mid Round Strategy (Holes 7-12)

• Check your pace at hole 9 (should be 20-24 used)
• Start adjusting if you’re significantly ahead or behind pace
• Balance quality vs. quantity: Sometimes a double bogey is better than no score

Late Round Strategy (Holes 13-18)

• Constraints tighten: You may be forced to select certain counts
• Plan ahead: Look at remaining holes and required pace
• No surprises on 18: Know exactly how many you need before starting hole 18

Selection Philosophy

When deciding which scores to count:

1. Always count birdies and eagles - these are rare and valuable
2. Pars are safe - usually worth counting
3. Bogeys are acceptable - better than forced worse scores later
4. Doubles and worse - skip if possible, but count if pace requires it

Reading the Player Selector

Each player card shows:

• Player name
• Gross score with handicap strokes received (e.g., “5 gross (-1)”)
• NET score after handicap (e.g., “4 net”)
• Score to par (e.g., “Par” or “-1” for birdie)
• Checkbox indicating if selected

Tap anywhere on the player card to toggle selection.

Validation Messages

The system shows helpful messages:

Completing the Round

Final Hole

On hole 18, you’ll know exactly how many scores you must select:

• If you’ve used 36, you must select exactly 4
• If you’ve used 38, you must select exactly 2
• And so on…

Submitting Final Scores

1. Enter all gross scores for hole 18
2. Select the required number of scores
3. Review your final team total
4. Tap Confirm & Finish to complete the round

Viewing Results

After completion:

• Your team’s final NET total to par appears on the leaderboard
• Position is ranked lowest total first
• You can view hole-by-hole selection details in the scorecard

Common Scenarios

Best Case: All Four Players Score Well

Select all 4 scores when everyone posts a good number. This accelerates your pace and banks good scores for later flexibility.

Worst Case: Everyone Struggles

You can select 0 scores on a bad hole (if pace allows). This is a strategic advantage of Point Game - you can “throw away” a disaster hole.

Mixed Hole: One Great, Three Bad

Count only the good score. This is the core strategy of Point Game - maximizing your best efforts while minimizing damage from bad holes.

Next Steps

• Learn about NET scoring and handicaps
• See Point Game rules and configuration options
• Review Point Game FAQ for common questions