Scores
Side games
Quota: rules, scoring and a free calculator
Each player gets a target set by their handicap and scores points for every par and birdie. Beat your own quota and you finish ahead.
2 or more players (the calculator here takes 2 to 4)
How Quota works
- A player’s quota is 36 less their course handicap. A 10 handicap has a quota of 26.
- Points on each hole: a bogey is 1, a par is 2, a birdie is 4, an eagle is 8. A double bogey or worse is 0.
- Add up the points. The player who finishes furthest over their quota wins.
- On nine holes the quota is half.
On each hole
- Work out each player’s quota before the first tee.
- Play the hole and score it: bogey 1, par 2, birdie 4, eagle 8.
- Keep a running total for each player against their quota.
- At the end, compare each player’s points with their own quota. Over is good, under is not.
Chicago
Chicago is the same game with a quota of 39 less the handicap. Because every point comes from your own score against your own target, a high handicap can beat a low one.
The calculator shows each player’s points, their quota, and how far over or under they are. The group points compare the players against the average.
Pick the handicap you use carefully: the course handicap for the tees you are playing is the fair choice.
Common variations
- Chicago: a quota of 39 less the handicap, so it is a slightly easier target.
- A smallest quota of 3, so a very high handicap still has a real target to chase.
- A different table of points. The 1, 2, 4, 8 table is the most common.
Quota calculator
Add your players and type the strokes for each hole. You get the standings and who won what. It uses the same game engine as the Pocket Looper live card.
Type each player’s course handicap. The quota is 36 less the handicap, halved on nine holes. Points: bogey 1, par 2, birdie 4, eagle 8.
| Hole | Par | Player 1 | Player 2 | Player 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||||
| 2 | ||||
| 3 | ||||
| 4 | ||||
| 5 | ||||
| 6 | ||||
| 7 | ||||
| 8 | ||||
| 9 |
Enter scores to start
Add everyone’s handicap to set the quotas
Type each player’s handicap above to set the quotas.
- Player 1–
- Player 2–
- Player 3–
Points
Questions golfers ask
What is a quota in golf?
A quota is a points target for a player, set from their handicap. The usual quota is 36 less the course handicap.
How do you score Quota?
A bogey scores 1 point, a par 2, a birdie 4 and an eagle 8. A double bogey or worse scores 0. Add the points and compare with the quota.
What is the difference between Quota and Chicago?
Only the base number. Quota starts from 36 and Chicago from 39, then each takes off the player’s handicap.
Does Quota work for different handicaps?
Yes, that is the point of it. Everyone plays against their own target, so a 20 handicap and a scratch player can play fairly.
More side games
Get this on every shot
Pocket Looper keeps Skins, Nassau, Wolf, Dots, Vegas, Sixes, Quota and more for your group on the live card, keeps the points as you play, and it is free.