A golf scorecard can look like a spreadsheet of confusing terms, but understanding Out and In is simple and foundational to tracking your game. It refers to the two sets of nine holes that make up a standard 18-hole round. This article will break down exactly what Out and In mean and show you how to use this knowledge to think more strategically on the course.
When you look at a standard golf scorecard, it’s organized into three main scoring sections. The first section you'll fill in is labeled “Out.”
This "Out" section represents the first nine holes of your round (holes 1 through 9). Simple as that. Every box in this part of the card, from the hole number and yardage to your personal score on each hole, relates to the front nine of the golf course.
The term isn't random, it's a nod to the history of traditional course design. Classic courses, especially the links-style layouts in Scotland where the game was born, were designed linearly. Golfers would start at the clubhouse and play a series of holes leading "out" away from it. After the ninth hole, they would reach the point farthest from the clubhouse and then begin their journey back.
So, "Out" literally meant you were on the part of the course heading outward from the clubhouse.
That score on the Out nine gives you your first benchmark for the round. If the par for the front nine was 36 and you shot 45, you’re 9-over-par for the first half of your game. Knowing this a great way to check in with a clear, objective number.
Once you’ve finished the ninth hole and tallied your "Out" score, you move on to the second half of the scorecard: the “In” section.
The "In" section represents the second nine holes of the course, often called the "back nine" (holes 10 through 18). Following the historical lingo, this is the part of the course where you are making your way back "in" towards the clubhouse.
Modern courses don't always follow this linear layout - many are designed with holes 1 and 10 starting and finishing near the clubhouse for practical reasons - but the "Out" and "In" terminology has stuck. It's now standard language on nearly every scorecard you'll encounter.
The process is the same as the front nine:
For example, if you shot 45 on the "Out" nine and 43 on the "In" nine, you would add them together:
45 (Out) + 43 (In) = 88 (Gross Score)
And that’s it! You’ve successfully tracked an 18-hole round. "Out" is the front nine, "In" is the back nine.
Now that "Out" and "In" make sense, let’s quickly walk through what else you’re seeing on that card. Understanding these columns gives you the full picture of the course you're about to play.
Understanding the scorecard layout is more than just about logistics, it’s a powerful tool for better course management and a stronger mental game. The break between the "Out" nine and the "In" nine is a perfect built-in reset point.
Had a rough front nine? Left a few shots out there and feeling frustrated? The turn to the "In" nine is your chance to wipe the slate clean. Many golfers talk about the round as "two separate nines." Regardless of how you played on the "Out" side, the "In" side is a new beginning.
Instead of carrying the memory of that bad shot on hole 7 into hole 10, consciously use the walk or cart ride to the 10th tee to regroup. Take a few deep breaths, grab a drink, and forget what happened. Tell yourself, "Okay, new golf game. Let's see what I can shoot on this nine." This mental separation can prevent one bad stretch from ruining your entire round.
Smart golfers adjust their strategy based on how they're playing. The turn is the ideal time to do this.
By breaking the round into "Out" and "In" sections, you can start to spot patterns. Maybe the "Out" nine on your home course is more open, while the "In" nine is tighter with more water hazards. You’ll learn when to be aggressive and when to play defensively.
Looking at your past scorecards, you might even notice you consistently struggle on one nine more than the other. This insight is incredibly valuable. If you always score worse on the "In" nine, is it a mental issue, a physical one (fatigue), or do the holes just not suit your eye? Identifying this is the first step toward fixing it.
So, the meaning of "In" and "Out" on a golf scorecard is straightforward: "Out" tracks your score on the front nine (holes 1-9), and "In" tracks your score on the back nine (holes 10-18). Together, they give you a complete picture of your 18-hole round and trace their origins back to the very first golf courses.
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