Gross vs Net: How to Keep a Golf Tournament Fair
Gross vs net scoring explained simply. What each means, when to use it, and how to keep a friends tournament fair for every skill level.
By MATCHUPS Editorial Team · Nov. 7, 2026 · 3 min read
Every tournament organizer hits this question early. Do we play gross or net?
It sounds technical. It is really a question about fairness and fun.
The definitions
Gross score is the number of strokes you actually took. No adjustments.
Net score is your gross score minus your handicap strokes. It is an estimate of how you played compared to your normal level.
So a player who shoots 90 with an 18 handicap has a net score of 72. A player who shoots 75 with a 3 handicap has a net 72 too. On net, they tied.
Why gross is simple
Gross needs no math. No handicaps to collect. No strokes to place on holes.
It works well when:
- Everyone in the group is close in skill.
- The event is about crowning the best golfer.
- You want zero arguments about handicaps.
The downside is clear. If skill levels vary a lot, the same few players win every time. Everyone else gets bored.
Why net is fair
Net gives every player a real chance. A newer golfer can beat a scratch player on a good day.
It works well when:
- Skill levels vary.
- The event is social.
- You want the trophy to move around.
The downside is admin. You need a handicap for every player. And you need everyone to trust those numbers.
The sandbagger problem
Net only works if handicaps are honest. A sandbagger is someone whose handicap is higher than it should be. They get extra strokes, and they win.
Ways to reduce it:
- Use official handicaps if your group has them.
- If not, base handicaps on a few recent scores everyone saw.
- Cap the maximum handicap for the event.
- Adjust a player's number for next year if they won by a mile.
Some groups make it a joke instead, with a "Sandbagger" award at dinner. That works too.
How strokes work in match play
In match play net, you do not subtract the full handicap from the total. You give strokes on specific holes.
- Work out the difference between the two players' handicaps.
- The higher-handicap player gets that many strokes.
- The strokes go on the hardest holes first. Scorecards rank holes by difficulty with a "handicap" row.
Example: Player A is a 6. Player B is a 14. Player B gets 8 strokes, on the eight hardest holes.
Setting handicaps without official numbers
Many friend groups do not all keep official handicaps. That is fine. Here is a simple way to set event numbers.
- Ask each player for their last five scores on a normal course.
- Take the average.
- Subtract the course par. That is a rough handicap.
- Use about 80 to 90 percent of it in best ball, so low scores are not too easy.
- Write every number down and share it before the event.
Do not change numbers mid-event. Adjust next year instead.
This is not official. It does not need to be. It just needs to feel fair to the group.
Formats that reduce the need for handicaps
Some formats level the field on their own.
- Scramble. Weaker players still contribute good shots. See scramble vs best ball.
- Best ball. A strong player can carry a weaker partner.
- Skins. Any player can win a hole on a good day.
If your group does not want to deal with handicaps, lean on these.
A simple decision table
| Your group | Use |
|---|---|
| Everyone within a few shots of each other | Gross |
| Wide skill range, social event | Net |
| No handicaps and no time to collect them | Gross, with a scramble or best ball format |
| Club-style event with official handicaps | Net |
| Want both | Separate gross and net prizes |
That last option is popular. Give one trophy to the best gross score and one to the best net. Everyone has something to play for.
What apps can help
Many tournament apps handle handicaps. Check each one's own page for how.
- 18Birdies lists net or gross tournaments using its free handicap.
- Squabbit lists live leaderboards and handicaps on its free plan, and custom league handicaps on League Pro.
- CupTracker says it uses USGA course handicap calculations to assign strokes.
MATCHUPS does not connect to GHIN. If your event needs official GHIN indexes pulled in, choose one of the apps above. If your group plays team formats like scramble and best ball, MATCHUPS scores those well.
See every option in our golf tournament app comparison.
Our take
For friends events, start with net if skill levels vary. Keep the handicaps simple and honest. Offer a gross prize too, so the strong players still have a target.
And if your group cannot agree, play a scramble. Nobody argues about handicaps in a scramble.
Leaderboard Weekly is published by the people who make MATCHUPS, a free golf app for iPhone and Apple Watch. MATCHUPS on the App Store. matchupsgolf.com.
FAQ
What is the difference between gross and net in golf?
Gross is strokes taken. Net is gross minus handicap strokes.
Should a friends golf tournament be gross or net?
Use net if skill levels vary. Use gross if everyone is close. Many events give both prizes.
Does MATCHUPS use GHIN handicaps?
No. MATCHUPS does not connect to GHIN.