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Know the RulesSummer 2022
Home›Know the Rules›Know Your Scorecard: If Only They Could Talk

Know Your Scorecard: If Only They Could Talk

By Jimmy Becker
July 22, 2022
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In stroke play, whether you are in a friendly or serious competition, a scorecard is a vital component of the round. It tells an accurate story (whether it’s a good or bad story) of a player’s round based on the number of strokes taken.

There are many other facts when it comes to scorecards:

  • There is nothing in the Rules that require initials to be written on any change to a score on a hole on a scorecard.
  • Contrary to popular belief, scorecards in match play are not required. They can be used to help keep the match status, but they have no official standing.
  • Although there are specific spots identified on the scorecard for the player and marker to sign, if there is a visible signature for each person anywhere on the scorecard, it is considered valid.
  • Scorecards don’t have to be strictly paper! A scorecard can be digital if there are means for the player and marker to attest/certify the scorecard.

There are certain responsibilities that come with a scorecard and specific people who are assigned to those responsibilities. Rule 3.3b breaks down the three parties that are involved: (1) the player (2) the marker (3) the committee.

THE PLAYER

  • The player is responsible for 21 items on the scorecard:
    • 18 correct hole-by-hole scores.
    • Two signatures anywhere on the scorecard (their signature, plus the
      signature of the marker).
    • In a handicap competition, the player is responsible for ensuring
      the proper handicap is on the scorecard.
  • The player is not responsible for adding up or totaling the scorecard.
  • Any changes that need to be made must be done with agreement of the
    marker or by approval of the committee.
  • The scorecard needs to be promptly returned to the committee.

THE MARKER

  • This is the person responsible for entering the scores on a player’s scorecard
    and certifying those scores.
  • A marker is assigned by the committee.
  • When the round has ended, the marker needs to certify the hole-by-hole
    scores on the scorecard and sign the scorecard.
  • It is recommended that the marker stay in the scoring area with the player
    until the committee finalizes the scorecard to address any questions or issues
    that may arise.

THE COMMITTEE

  • The committee is the person or group in charge of the competition.
  • The committee are responsible for the following on the scorecard:
    • Total of front nine, back nine and entire round (the “math”)
    • Proper application of handicaps and the total net score in a
      handicap competition.
  • Committees can approve changes of markers during the round.
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Jimmy Becker

Jimmy's career in golf administration began in 2004 as an intern with the SCGA and spent some time at the NCGA from 2005-2011. Since rejoining the SCGA in 2011, he helps administer SCGA, CGA and USGA qualifiers/championships, and is featured in the Rules Crew video series, teaching the Rules of Golf to SCGA members and its clubs. He is also in charge of the site procurement process for the Championships & Golf Operations department along with managing the exemption and Player of the Year programs. He has served as a Rules Official at numerous USGA National Championships and has achieved the highest level of rating on the PGA/USGA Rules Exam. A native Southern Californian, in his free time he enjoys hanging out with friends, playing sports and going to the beach.

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