The International system, a form of Stableford scoring, was introduced into common use in 1986 at the PGA Tour’s “The International” at Castle Pines Golf Club in Colorado. The system uses points for scoring with a bonus for sub-par play. Points are awarded based on the player’s score at each hole:

A player’s competition score is the sum of their International points awarded at each hole. The result may be negative. For amateur competition using the International scoring system, handicap allowances are typically full handicap, but may be adjusted for mixed competitions or play from different tees (which might have different pars).

The International scoring system was popular among the fans of the professional players because it provided incentives for bold (and dangerous) play. In the professional event, there was a cut after every round.

Scorecard using International scoring

In this illustration, Tony D'Annunzio has earned a total of 6 points for his net hole-by-hole International scores. Note that scores better than par are identified in red, equal to par in blue, and higher scores in black.

Net International Scores

The comparison of International scores for the two players on the scorecard indicates Tony has a better net International score with 6 points.

From the New York Post: "Jack Vickers, founder of the International, said the lack of sponsors and the absence of Tiger Woods from the PGA Tour event since 1999 were significant factors in the death of his tournament. The PGA Tour announced on Wednesday [Feb 7, 2007] that the International, which used a modifield Stableford scoring system, had been removed from the schedule, effective immediately." It has never returned.