The Reno-Tahoe Open is thrilled to be the only event on the PGA TOUR calendar featuring a Modified Stableford scoring format. Modeled after The International PGA TOUR event that ran for more than 20 years at the beautiful Castle Pines Golf Club, the Modified Stableford scoring format encourages golfers to "go for it" when they approach their tee shot. Learn more here:
What is a Modified Stableford?
Rather than counting the total number of strokes taken as in typical stroke play golf, a Modified Stableford involves scoring points based on the number of strokes taken at each hole. Good play earns them points and poor play takes away points. Unlike traditional scoring methods, where the aim is to have the lowest score, the objective in a Modified Stableford is to have the highest score. The number of points awarded on each hole is determined based on comparison of the number of strokes to par. Once a player has taken two strokes more than par, a double bogey, they may pick up their ball as it is then not possible to score any points on that hole and he cannot lose any additional points. They can then resume play on the next hole. Because of this, it is still possible to be competitive even allowing for a few bad holes. At the end of the round, the number of points scored on each hole is totaled to give a final score.
Scoring at the 2013 Reno-Tahoe Open will look like this:
• Double Eagle: 8 points
• Eagle: 5 points
• Birdie: 2 points
• Par: 0 points
• Bogey: -1 point
• Double Bogey or more: -3 points
Playing Strategy in Modified Stableford Competitions:
The strategy in Modified Stableford formats can, in most instances, be summed up in three words: Go for it. The RTO format will reward aggression and risk-taking on the golf course. For instance, if the professional is facing a carry over water that he normally wouldn't try, the Modified Stableford format presents an incentive to go for it. A birdie is worth twice as many positive points (2) as a bogey is worth punitive points (-1). Eagles offer huge payoffs (5 points) and the worst a player could possibly do would be a double bogey (-3 points) at which point he could pick up his ball and carry on to the next hole. Those golfers who make a few bogeys but also make a lot of birdies or eagles are more likely to be atop the leaderboards. To really drive home the Go For It mindset, we have adopted an adorable mascot, Digger, the Reno-Tahoe Open gopher! Digger will make daily visits during the 2013 Reno-Tahoe Open, great fun for children and adults alike!
Reno-Tahoe Open and the Modified Stableford:
The only PGA TOUR event that previously used a Modified Stableford system of scoring was The International. The Reno-Tahoe Open now stands alone!
Benefits to the Modified Stableford Scoring Format:
• Speeding up the pace of play, as once it is no longer possible to score a point, a player does not have to complete the hole but can simply pick up their ball and proceed to the next hole.
• More excitement – more likely to “go for it” and create more drama. This is in addition to the already-dramatic new finish of the 3 finishing holes at Montreux.
• Something different and unlike any other PGA TOUR event on schedule.
The Reno-Tahoe Open will still offer 300 FedExCup points and a purse of $3 million.
