The International point system
The International, at Jack Nicklaus-designed Castle Pines Golf Club outside of Denver, is now in its twentieth year. Among the non-majors, it’s a unique tournament because it uses a modified Stableford point system instead of stroke play. Here’s how it works:
+8= double eagle
+5 = eagles
+2 = birdies
0 = pars
-1 = bogeys
-3 = double bogeys or higher
One of the most memorable finishes at The International was in 2002, when Steve Lowery holed out for eagle on the 14th and then for double eagle on the 17th hole, vaulting to second. Unfortunately, Steve missed the birdie putt on 18 that would have given him the win. He came up one point short to Rich Beem, who also went on to beat Tiger Woods at the PGA Championship the next week. But Lowery’s double eagle was amazing.
Some people may not be all that familiar with the scoring system, and some who are may not necessarily like it. Given the sheer number of tournaments on the PGA tour that are stroke play, though, I think it’s a very good idea to add greater variety to the PGA tour. The International does just that. And it’s a fun tournament to watch, given the premium on making birdies and eagles (if not double eagles).
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