You're tracking your favorite golfer's score online during a big tournament, and then you see it: a tiny asterisk (*) right next to their name. It’s a small detail, but it can completely change how you interpret the state of play. This article will explain exactly what that symbol means on a golf leaderboard, breaking down why it’s there, covering other common shorthand you’ll encounter, and helping you read the leaderboard like a seasoned pro.
In the simplest terms, the asterisk (*) on a golf leaderboard signifies that a player started their round on the back nine, typically on the 10th tee, instead of the traditional 1st tee.
That's the entire secret. It's not an indication of a special exemption, a penalty, or an amateur status. It’s purely logistical information that provides critical context about where a player is on the golf course.
But why does this happen? In most professional tournaments with large fields (like the first two rounds of a PGA Tour event), there isn't enough daylight to have every single golfer tee off from the 1st hole in a single file line. To manage time and get everyone through their 18 holes, tournament officials use what’s called a "two-tee start."
The asterisk is the visual cue that distinguishes the players who began on the 10th tee from those who started on the 1st. In the afternoon, the groups often switch, with those who played the back nine first in the morning starting on the 1st tee, and vice versa.
Imagine you're watching The PLAYERS Championship. The leaderboard shows:
Scottie Scheffler: -4 thru 9
Rory McIlroy: -3* thru 9
Without understanding the asterisk, you might just think Scheffler is one shot ahead, and both players have completed nine holes. But with that tiny star, you now know much more:
This context is invaluable because some nines can play significantly easier or harder than others. If the back nine is notoriously difficult, McIlroy's -3 might be the more impressive performance, and he's now heading to the (potentially) easier front nine with a chance to make a big move up the leaderboard.
The asterisk rarely works alone. It's part of a system of shorthand that efficiently communicates the status of every player in the field. Understanding these symbols is what separates a casual fan from someone who can really follow the strategic ebb and flow of a tournament.
Here are the most common terms and symbols you'll see on any golf leaderboard, whether it's on TV, online, or on a mobile app.
Let's use our newfound knowledge to analyze a hypothetical leaderboard halfway through Friday's second round.
PosPlayerTotalThru1Justin Thomas-8F2Jordan Spieth-714T3Viktor Hovland-616*T3Jon Rahm-6FT5Collin Morikawa-59*
While the asterisk is standard for professional tours using a two-tee start, you might wonder about other formats, like the charity scrambles or club events many amateur golfers play.
Most of these events use a "shotgun start," where every group tees off at the exact same time but from a different hole. One group may start on hole #4, another on #12, another on #1, and so on. In this format, an asterisk is generally not needed. The concept of "starting on the back nine" is irrelevant because players start all over the course.
Instead, the "Thru" number or simply a total score becomes the most important piece of information on a live-scoring app for these events. It signals how much of the round a team has completed, no matter where they began.
At the end of the day, that small asterisk is a critical piece of the storytelling puzzle in a golf tournament. It provides an immediate layer of context that tells you not just what a player has scored, but how and where they achieved it.
It allows you to:
It turns a simple list of names and numbers into a dynamic narrative of the day's action. The next time you're following a tournament, keep an eye out for the asterisk. You'll find you have a much deeper appreciation for the flow and strategy of the competition.
The asterisk on a golf leaderboard is a simple but powerful tool, indicating that a player started their round on the back nine instead of the front. By combining this knowledge with the "Thru" column and other symbols, you can fully grasp the subtle dynamics of a professional tournament and watch the story unfold like an analyst.
Understanding the leaderboard tells you the real-time story of a tournament, and we believe understanding your own game can be just as empowering. That's why we created Caddie AI. Our app provides you with the kind of deep insight the pros get, but for your own rounds. We help you make smarter on-course decisions and get instant advice for any shot you face, answering your golf questions 24/7 so you can take the guesswork out of your game and play with more confidence and enjoyment.
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