Net vs. Gross Scoring in Amateur Golf: What’s the Difference?

06 Jul 2025
by Amit Pandey of AmateurGolf.com
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Your handicap matters — and it can make all the difference in how your score stacks up

If you’ve looked into amateur golf tournaments, chances are you’ve seen the terms net and gross scoring pop up. And if you’re new to all this, you might be wondering:

“Wait… what’s the difference? And which one applies to me?”

You’re not alone — and you’re in the right place.
In this quick, no-jargon guide, we’ll break it all down so you feel confident signing up for your first event.

🧮 First, What Do “Net” and “Gross” Actually Mean?

Gross score is your real, total score.

No adjustments. Just how many strokes it took you to play the round.
Example: You shoot 87. Your gross score is 87.

Net score is your score minus your handicap.
It’s a way to level the playing field between golfers of different skill levels.
Example: You shoot 87 and have a 14 handicap. Your net score is 87 – 14 = 73.
That adjusted score is what you’d compete with in most amateur events.

🏌️‍♂️ So Which Format Do Tournaments Use?

🟩 Net Scoring
Most beginner-friendly and local events use net scoring.
Why? Because it gives everyone a fair shot — whether you’re a 5 handicap or a 25.
Net scoring is common in:

Club championships
Public course tournaments
Flighted events
Charity or scramble-style outings

🟦 Gross Scoring

Gross scoring is “raw” scoring — no handicaps involved. It’s used in higher-level events, and it rewards the best ball-strikers.
Gross scoring is common in:

Championship flights
State amateurs
USGA qualifiers
Elite invitationals

🧭 Not Sure Which One to Choose?

Here’s a good rule of thumb:

If you are....	Play in ...
A beginner or 10+ handicap	Net scoring events
Mid-handicap, gaining confidence	Flighted net or combo events
Single-digit or scratch golfer	Single-digit or scratch golfer

Many tournaments even offer both. You might play in a net flight but also compete for a gross prize — best of both worlds.

🎯 Why This All Matters

Understanding Net vs. Gross helps you:

Pick the right event
Manage expectations
Compete fairly
Track improvement

It also makes the post-round scoreboard way less confusing.

🤔 Bonus: What’s a Flight?

In golf, a flight is just a fancy word for a division. Most amateur events group players by handicap range, like:

A Flight: 0–5
B Flight: 6–10
C Flight: 11–15
D Flight: 16+

This way, you’re competing against players around your skill level — which keeps things fun, fair, and competitive.

📢 Ready to Try a Net or Gross Event?

Find Your Perfect Event

Join AmateurGolf.com and explore thousands of net and gross events built for players of all levels — including your own.

Browse Tournaments

Final Thoughts
You don’t have to be a pro to play in a tournament. And you don’t have to shoot 75 to win something either.
Net scoring gives every golfer a chance to compete.
Gross scoring gives you a clear picture of your raw game.
Both are legit. Both are fun. And both are waiting for you to give it a shot.

👉 Explore Local Events| Get a Handicap | Start Competing

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