How It's Played:  The Memorial is scored under the modified and handicapped Stableford system.  Players receive a point “quota” based on their handicaps. The player with the most points over his quota after the 36 holes will be the winner. (The quota method is actually called the Chicago System and can be found on the USGA website under Tournaments - (link here).  Using this system The Memorial remains a handicapped event and all players, regardless of level, have an equal chance of winning the tournament.

How the Quotas are set:  Deduct your handicap from 36.  So if you're a 16, then your quota is 20.  Higher handicap players have lower quotas and therefore a good hole goes a long way toward the target.  Lower handicappers have higher quotas and so need better scores to earn enough points.

The Stableford Scoring we use puts a premium on a good hole and less of a reward on your normal number.  Double Bogies get 0.  Bogies get 1. Pars are worth 2 and Birdies 4.  And if you can get that elusive eagle; it's worth 8.  9 pars would be a great round, but get you only 18 points.  A spotty collection of double bogies with three birdies and an eagle would be worth 20  points.  The reward for saving a stroke is much greater than for a playing safe - so shoot for that pin and be firm with the putts.