What Does Eclectic Mean in Golf?

So, you’ve just started playing golf and are still learning all the ins and outs. Maybe you just joined a club that runs eclectic competitions and you are wondering what they are. In this article, we will explore what eclectic means in golf.

What is an Eclectic Golf Tournament?

An eclectic golf tournament is a competition where golfers play multiple rounds on the same course, and the best score on each hole is used to calculate their overall score. This means that a golfer’s final score is made up of the lowest score they achieved on each hole, regardless of which round it was played in.

What Is A Gross Eclectic Score?

This is just the best score you have achieved on each hole combined to form an 18-hole score. In the example below there are 6 rounds played over the course of the season that count towards the eclectic competition. A mythical 5-handicapper might make these sorts of scores.

Front 9	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Round 1	5	3	5	5	5	3	4	4	5
Round 2	4	3	4	4	4	4	5	5	4
Round 3	6	2	4	4	5	3	5	5	5
Round 4	4	3	4	5	5	3	4	4	5
Round 5	5	3	5	4	5	3	4	5	5
Round 6	6	4	4	4	4	4	5	6	5
Eclectic	4	2	4	4	4	3	4	4	4

Back 9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	Total
Round 1	4	3	5	4	4	3	5	4	4	75
Round 2	5	4	4	4	5	5	4	4	5	77
Round 3	4	3	5	5	5	3	6	5	4	79
Round 4	4	3	4	4	5	3	5	4	5	74
Round 5	4	4	5	4	4	4	4	4	4	76
Round 6	4	2	4	5	4	4	5	4	5	79
Eclectic	4	2	4	4	4	3	4	4	4	66

This player’s final gross tally for the eclectic competition would be 66.

What is a Nett Eclectic Score (Net Score)?

A net score (or nett score) is just the number of strokes you took to complete the hole less any handicap allowance. So in the case of the above player their net score for the competition would be 66-5=61. Usually, you would use the handicaps applicable at the end of the competition and subtract that from their gross score.

Advantages of Playing Eclectic Golf

Playing an eclectic round of golf has several advantages for golfers, including:

Improved Performance

By playing multiple rounds on the same course, golfers can gain a better understanding of the layout and conditions, which can help them improve their overall performance.

Increased Confidence

Knowing that they have already achieved a good score on a particular hole can give golfers the confidence to take risks and play more aggressively, which can lead to better scores.

More Fun

Playing an eclectic round of golf can be a fun and exciting way to challenge yourself and your friends, and it can help keep the game interesting and engaging.

Always Something To Play For

If your round is going to count towards an eclectic competition then no matter how badly it is going you can keep grinding till the end since you may end up improving one or two of your individual hole scores for your eclectic total.

Examples Of Eclectic Tournaments

One golf club where I was a member used to have an eclectic every month through the summer. Every time you went out you could designate the round towards your eclectic score. This meant that even if there wasn’t a competition on that day you still had the opportunity of testing your game.

What Does Eclectic Mean in Golf: Summary

In summary, playing an eclectic round of golf can be a fun and effective way to improve your game. By selecting the best score for each hole from all of the rounds you play, you can challenge yourself to achieve the lowest possible score. 

Have you ever played a Stableford?

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQ]