FORE Magazine

Top Menu

  • About Me
  • Contact Us
  • Home

Main Menu

  • Current Issue
  • Profiles
  • Sustainability
  • Travel
  • 19th Hole
  • Classic Course
  • FORE Her
  • More
    • Know the Rules
    • Handicap Hints
    • SCGA Junior
    • Where Are They Now?
    • News
    • Public Affairs
  • scga.org
Sign in / Join

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login

logo

FORE Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Profiles
  • Sustainability
  • Travel
  • 19th Hole
  • Classic Course
  • FORE Her
  • More
    • Know the Rules
    • Handicap Hints
    • SCGA Junior
    • Where Are They Now?
    • News
    • Public Affairs
  • scga.org
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
1216
0
Share:

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.
Previous Article

It Takes a Community: Lessons from the ...

Next Article

Nine-Hole Scores: The Hows and Whys of ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

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.

Related articles More from author

  • 19th HoleSummer 2022

    Eat, Golf, Repeat: A Neighborhood Classic Endures at Los Feliz Cafe

    July 22, 2022
    By David Weiss
  • Summer 2022Sustainability

    A Roadmap for the Environment: Whittier Narrows GC Earns Enviro Cred

    July 21, 2022
    By Robert Earle Howells
  • bunker
    Know the RulesSummer 2016

    Day at the Beach: Know Your Bunkers

    July 1, 2016
    By Jimmy Becker
  • know the rules
    Know the RulesSpring 2015

    Helpful Rules: If you think the rules exist to penalize, think again

    April 1, 2015
    By Jimmy Becker
  • At The TurnSummer 2022

    Show Up, Keep Up, Shut Up: The Adventures of an Amateur Looper

    July 21, 2022
    By Judd Spicer
  • Know the RulesSpring 2019

    Rules Mailbag: Our Rules Czars Answer Your Questions

    April 26, 2019
    By The Rules Crew

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Recent Posts

  • FeaturedHandicap HintsWinter 2023

    New Year’s Daze: Looking Forward and Looking Back at your Handicap

  • At The TurnFeaturedWinter 2023

    Pins & Needles: An Ancient Remedy for an Age-Old Problem

  • FeaturedPublic AffairsWinter 2023

    Grass by Design: Pure Research Yields New Strains of Drought-Tolerant Grass

  • FeaturedThe PodiumWinter 2023

    Changing of the Guard: New Galleri Classic Set to Debut in the Desert

  • FeaturedProfilesWinter 2023

    A Steady Hand at the Helm: A Fond Farewell to SCGA Stalwart Kevin Heaney

FeaturedThe PodiumWinter 2023

Changing of the Guard: New Galleri Classic Set to Debut in the Desert

In what can be viewed as an unprecedented, albeit unofficial baton pass, the Coachella Valley is trading one pro golf tour for another this spring. As many will recall, last ...
  • New Year’s Daze: Looking Forward and Looking Back at your Handicap

    By Kevin O'Connor
    February 7, 2023
  • Grass by Design: Pure Research Yields New Strains of Drought-Tolerant Grass

    By Craig Kessler
    February 7, 2023
  • Best Ball Bar & Grill: Woodley Lakes GC Gets a Big Culinary Upgrade

    By David Weiss
    February 7, 2023
  • Making a Future in Golf a Reality: Skylar Graham and the Pathways Internship

    By Ken Van Vechten
    February 7, 2023
© 2016 FORE Magazine About Us | Contact Us | Advertise