How the 1-2-3 Points Format Works

The format known as 1-2-3 Points (not to be confused with 1-2-3 Best Ball, a very different game) is an individual stroke-play game that can be used for tournaments, or within a quartet of golfers. The "1-2-3" in the title refers to the number of points a golfer can earn on each hole based on his score.

1-2-3 Points is usually played with full handicaps. This is how the points are awarded:

• 1 point for a net bogey
• 2 points for a net par
• 3 points for a net birdie
• 4 points for a net eagle

If you score a net par on the first hole, you earn two points. If, on Hole 2, you make net bogey, that's one point, bringing your total to three points after two holes. And so on through the round.

In a tournament setting, point totals determine placements and high points wins. If playing 1-2-3 Points within a group, you can give a monetary value to each point if you wish and pay out the differences in points at the end of the round.

Does 1-2-3 Points remind you of the Stableford scoring system? You can think of 1-2-3 Points as a kind of primitive Stableford — this points game actually pre-dates Stableford scoring (and in pre-World War II years would probably have just been referred to as a "Points Tournament"). It would not be inaccurate to say that 1-2-3 Points is a form of Modified Stableford.

Although usually thought of as a net-score game, you can certainly play it within your usual foursome using gross scores if your group consists of golfers who are close in ability.

More formats:

• How to play 3 Balls/3 Points
• The 6-Point Game explained
• How to play the Waltz game

Sources:
Golfdom. "Revise Events Program to Increase Members' Play," February, 1946.