Here's what happened. I spent this summer in Scotland and played most of my golf at Royal Dornoch. But one of the greatest things about playing golf in Scotland is the fascinating array of competitions the locals embrace. Unlike North Americans who are obsessed with individual 18-hole scores, the Scots don't care much for stroke play. The game's the thing overseas, not the total score.
Most competitions are match-play better ball, mixed foursomes or alternate shot singles.
Stablefords, or quota point competitions, are also popular. I looked at it as a curiosity at first, and then became quite taken with it. It's you against the scorecard. Full-handicap, match play. If you're a 12 handicap, the card has to give you a shot on each of the 12 hardest holes.