9 things you should know about marking your golf score card

A quick refresher on the details of marking, signing and submitting your golf scorecard.

The rules of golf are reasonably well-known (and documented) but surprisingly the nuances of marking the scorecard are often misunderstood.

Do you have to put the date on your card? Do you need to mark your scores as well as your playing partner’s? Do you need to add up the scores correctly?

These are some of the questions I still hear around the golf course as golfers mark and sign cards.

Here are 9 things related to marking your golf scorecard that answer some of these questions… and a few more.

1. You can sign anywhere on the scorecard, not just on the line provided.
   Although it would help if you put the signature where the scorers are expecting to see it.
2. You do not need to mark the date on the scorecard
   And cannot be disqualified for not doing so. It is the Committee’s responsibility that the correct date appears on your card.
3. You do not need to mark your name the scorecard.
   Similar to adding the date to the card, it is the Committee’s responsibility to have your name on it, but if it isn’t there it’s wise to add it.
4. You are responsible for marking down the correct score on each hole.
   You are not required to add up the scores or mark the correct Stableford points on the card and cannot be penalised for not doing so. A lower score returned for any hole will result in a DQ. A higher score is fine, with that score standing.
5. Make sure your correct handicap is marked on the card (for handicapped competition).
   If there is no handicap or a higher handicap is recorded on the card you will be DQ’d, but you cannot be penalised for wrongly applying the handicap to the scores (i.e. incorrect net score).
6. Both the marker and the golfer need to sign the card at the end of the round.
   Again a DQ will result if both signatures are not recorded on the card at the end of the round.
7. If more than one marker scores your round, each must sign the scorecard.
   If your marker leaves after nine holes, make sure he signs for those nine holes before handing it to another player to mark the rest of the round.
8. The marker’s score is not required on the player’s scorecard.
   While you are not required to keep your score as well as another golfer’s score, it’s probably wise to do so to compare scores at the end of the round.
9. Anyone can mark your card,
   But they must sign it at the end of the round. Check your club for any rules relating to this as it is up to the club committee if they are required to hold a GA handicap.