In a Chicago format players start the round with a negative number of points based on their handicap. Scratch golfers start at -39 with each handicap stroke over scratch adding one point to the starting figure (i.e. 5 handicapper would start with -34, 8 handicapper -31, etc.). Golfers then try to get out of the hole by adding points to their total. The point system works as follows:

• 0 points for Double Bogey or worse
• 1 point for Bogey
• 2 points for Par
• 4 points for Birdie
• 8 points for Eagle
• 16 points for Albatross

This fun format encourages players to take risks trying to score under par; especially considering a double bogey or worse is all worth zero points and doesn't bring down your score further. The player with the highest score (negative or not) wins. This scoring format can be utilized for team or individual games/tournaments.