All you need to know about Modified Stableford scoring

RENO, Nev. -- The Reno-Tahoe Open changed its scoring format for 2012 and is now the only tournament on the PGA TOUR to use the Modified Stableford system. Here are answers to a few questions to help you get acquainted (or perhaps re-acquainted) with the scoring format that will be in place this week at Montreux Golf and Country Club..

WHAT IS THE MODIFIED STABLEFORD??

The Modified Stableford system allocates points based on the number of strokes taken at each hole, with the goal of achieving the highest overall score.

Differing from a normal Stableford scoring system, a Modified Stableford features higher penalties for poor shots -- minus three points for a double bogey for example (see chart below) -- and greater rewards for good shots, such as plus eight for a double eagle.

WHY MAKE THE CHANGE??

The Reno-Tahoe Open, now entering its 14th year on the PGA TOUR, has embraced its reputation as the impetuous tournament on the PGA TOUR.

Combined with the already make-it-or-break-it final series of holes at Montreux, the addition of the Modified Stableford system is expected to create an even greater risk-reward format by encouraging players to make the most out of every hole and creating a heightened sense of anticipation for fans.

"This is an absolutely momentous occasion in the history of this tournament," saud Jana Smoley, the tournament's executive director. "This is a change that truly sets us apart from other tournaments ... We're very excited to see how this new scoring format plays out in 2012."

The PGA TOUR supports the tournament's decision to make the scoring change.

"The PGA TOUR believes there is merit to this format for Reno," PGA TOUR Vice President and Chief of Operations Andy Pazder said. "The Modified Stableford system not only promotes aggressive play, which the tournament is already known for, but Montreux lends itself well to this exciting format with its series of challenging finishing holes."

HISTORY OF THE MODIFIED STABLEFORD??

The Stableford system was developed by Dr. Frank Barney Gorton Stableford more than 100 years ago, as he introduced it to his fellow members at a golf club in Wales. It was an experiment back then and Stableford was not happy with the results, so he worked on a new formula that he introduced in 1931.

He wanted to deter golfers from giving up after playing only one or two bad holes, a common occurrence during tournament play. It is also credited with significantly speeding up the pace of play.

A variation in points on the original Stableford system is called the Modified Stableford.

On the PGA TOUR, the Modified Stableford was last used in 2006 at The International.

HOW DOES IT WORK??

The number of points is awarded based on relation to par; however, the most points are awarded for the least number of strokes.

WHAT DOES THE SCORECARD LOOK LIKE??

A portion of this week's scorecard will provide contenstants a chance to keep track of their points. See the official scorecard below.

COMPARISONS TO TRADITIONAL SCORING??

For an example of how the Modified Stableford might work -- and how it might impact the leaderboard -- compared to the usual stroke-play scoring at PGA TOUR events, let's look at this year's 2012 Farmers Insurance Open.

Brandt Snedeker beat Kyle Stanley on the second hole of a playoff after Stanley suffered a triple bogey on the 72nd hole of regulation.

Had the Farmers Insurance Open been using the Modified Stableford system, though, Stanley would have won his first PGA TOUR event in regulation by three points (as it turned out, Stanley won the following week in Phoenix in an impressive bounce-back performance).

Using the Modified Stableford, Stanley would have accumulated 43 points while Snedeker would have just 40 points. See the breakdown below of their totals through 72 holes: