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.