Looking for a golf format that keeps every player in your group engaged, regardless of their handicap? The Quota game is your perfect answer. This points-based competition is incredibly fair and fun because you aren't playing against par or the other golfers, but against your own personal target. This article will break down exactly how to play Quota, from the straightforward scoring system and calculating your target to game-winning strategies that will have you collecting the prize money at the end of the round.
At its heart, the Quota game (sometimes called Points, '36 Points', or Cleveland) is a personal challenge disguised as a group competition. It’s a points-based system where your final score is determined by how many points you score above or below a pre-determined target, known as your "quota." The player who exceeds their quota by the highest margin wins the day. This format is a favorite for mixed-skill groups because it completely levels the playing field. A 25-handicapper has just as good a chance to win as a scratch golfer, which is one of the many reasons it's so popular.
Here’s why golfers love the Quota format:
The first step in any Quota game is determining each player's individual target. This number represents the amount of points you're expected to score in a round if you play exactly to your handicap. The calculation is simple and is based on a standard round of golf being worth 36 points (think of it as a scratch golfer, or 0 handicap, making Par on every hole, which equals 2 points per hole for 18 holes).
To find your quota, you simply subtract your course handicap from 36.
Let's look at a few examples:
Before you tee off, every player should calculate and announce their quota. This way, everyone knows the target they’re chasing and can keep track of how they are stacking up against their personal goal throughout the round.
The beautiful simplicity of Quota golf carries over to its scoring system. You don't record your strokes on the card like in a typical game, instead, you track points based on your score relative to par on each hole.
Here is the standard scoring system used for Quota (and its parent format, Stableford):
Whoops! Wait a minute. The system above is a very popular points game, often referred to as Stableford... but the more traditional, friendly, and common Quota game uses a slightly different, more forgiving points arrangement. This version below rewards good play without harshly penalizing the unavoidable poor hole.
As you can see, in Quota, a bogie is still worth something! Best of all, a dreaded double-bogey is the point floor. You can’t score negative. Making a 7 on a par-4 is no different than an 8, 9, or 10. You get zero points and an opportunity to clear your head and start fresh on the next tee. This takes a massive amount of pressure off and lets you enjoy the game more.
Putting it all together is easy. Just follow these steps for a seamless and enjoyable Quota match.
In this classic case, Justin and Maria tie for first place. Even though Justin shot a much lower stroke-play score, Maria played better relative to her own ability on that day. They would typically split the first-place prize, and Dave pays out based on the predetermined rules.
Playing Quota isn't just about hitting good shots - it's about thinking strategically. The point system changes how you should approach the course compared to traditional stroke play.
In stroke play, we hate bogeys. In Quota, they are golden. A bogey nets you 1 point, while a double bogey gives you 0. That single point can be the difference-maker. When you find trouble, your primary goal is to get back in position to make, at worst, a bogey. Don't be a hero trying to hit a miracle shot through the trees that could lead to a double or triple. Punch out sideways, get it on the green, two-putt for your bogey, and walk away with a valuable point.
While playing for bogey is safe, the real money is made with birdies (4 points) and eagles (8 points). The heavy weighting for under-par scores encourages aggressive play in the right situations. Is that par-5 reachable in two? If the risk isn't a round-ruining out-of-bounds stake or a water hazard, it might be worth going for it. Making one opportunistic eagle (8 points) is as valuable as making eight bogeys!
This is where smart golfers get a huge edge. Your scorecard tells you which holes you get handicap strokes on (marked as a "1" through "18" in the handicap line). On a par-4 hole where you get a stroke, making a 5 (gross bogey) becomes a net 4 (net par). According to the Quota system however, you calculate points on your gross score. So, that bogey is still just 1 point. Where's the advantage? It becomes mental. These are the holes where you have the highest probability of scoring. Use this knowledge to play with more confidence. Your 'net par' holes are your best chances to make a gross par (worth 2 points) or a gross birdie (worth 4 huge points).
This is less of a strategy and more of a mandatory mental practice. Everyone has blow-up holes. In stroke play, a triple bogey can linger in your mind and ruin the next few holes. In Quota, it's just zero points. As soon as you hit that double-bogey score, the hole is over emotionally. Pick it up and move on. The slate is wiped clean on the next tee, where a single good swing can put you right back on track to hit your quota.
Quota golf is an outstanding format that brings a fresh, strategic, and remarkably fair dynamic to the course. It’s perfect for weekly games with your friends, club outings, or any round where you want to level the competition and let everyone focus on playing their personal best. The shift from stroke-play pressure to point-scoring fun is a welcome change for golfers of any skill level.
The strategic nature of the Quota game, especially knowing when to be aggressive and when to play it safe, is where smart on-course decisions make all the difference. This is where we designed Caddie AI to be your personal strategist. If you’re faced with a tricky lay-up to avoid that double bogey or are debating going for a par-5 in two, you can get instant, expert advice right in your pocket. We help you think through the shot so you can make smarter choices, score more points, and have more fun on the course.
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