In stroke play, a hole score on your card that is higher than what you really made stands. A lower score, or a hole left blank, disqualifies you. Adding up the card is not your job: that belongs to the Committee, and a mistake there costs you nothing.
This page is about stroke play. The Rules say stroke play has its own Rules for scorecards. Match play has its own Rules instead, on concessions and on giving information about the number of strokes taken, because the two players compete against each other on every hole and can see each other’s play. If you want to know how to read the card itself, start with how to read a golf scorecard.
The ChartWhat happens for each scorecard mistake
| The mistake | What happens | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| A hole score on your card is higher than the strokes you made | The higher score for the hole stands | 3.3b(3) |
| A hole score on your card is lower than the strokes you made | You are disqualified | 3.3b(3) |
| A hole has no score on it | You are disqualified | 3.3b(3) |
| A hole score is lower only because you left out penalty strokes you did not know about before you returned the card | You are not disqualified. If the mistake is found before the close of the competition, the Committee adds the penalty stroke(s) that should have been included | 3.3b(3), Exception |
| The same mistake, but the penalty you left out was disqualification, or you were told a penalty might apply (or were unsure) and did not raise it with the Committee before returning the card | The exception does not apply, so the lower score disqualifies you | 3.3b(3), Exception |
| You do not certify your hole scores, or you do not return the card promptly | You are disqualified | 3.3b(2) |
| You change a hole score your marker entered without the marker’s agreement or the Committee’s approval, or you change the card after returning it | You are disqualified | 3.3b(2) |
| Your marker did not certify the card or left with it, and you could not control that | No penalty, if the Committee finds your breach was caused by the marker’s failure to carry out their responsibilities | 3.3b(2), Exception |
| A mistake in adding up the scores | No penalty. The Committee adds up your scores | 3.3b(4) |
| A mistake in showing or applying your handicap | No penalty, and you do not have to show a handicap at all. The Committee works out your handicap strokes and your net score | 3.3b(4) |
| Your marker, who is also a player, knowingly certifies a wrong score for a hole | The marker should be disqualified under Rule 1.2a | 3.3b(1) |
Source: The R&A, Rules of Golf, Rule 3.3b.
The word the Rules use is certify. Most players say “sign your card,” and on the course that is what it feels like, but certify is the word in the Rules, so it is the word on this page. Your marker certifies the hole scores, and so do you.
One handicap detail. Some Committees switch on Model Local Rule L-2, which makes the player responsible for the handicap on the card. Under it, a handicap that is too high or missing disqualifies you from the handicap competition if it affects the number of strokes you get, and there is no penalty if it does not. A handicap that is too low carries no penalty, and your net score stands using the lower handicap as shown. Check the notice for your event if you are unsure which applies.
Who does whatThe marker, you and the Committee, in order
Your marker is the person who keeps your score on your card. The Committee, the officials running the event, either names your marker or lets you choose one in a way it approves. You keep the same marker for the whole round unless the Committee approves a change, either before or after it happens.
- After each hole, the marker. The marker should confirm with you the number of strokes on that hole, including strokes made and penalty strokes, and enter that gross score on the card.
- During the round, you. You should keep track of your own score for each hole, so the card is never a surprise.
- When the round ends, you check. You should carefully check the hole scores your marker entered and raise any issues with the Committee.
- The marker certifies. The marker must certify the hole scores on the card. If you had more than one marker, each certifies the holes they marked, but a marker who saw you play every hole may certify them all. You must make sure your marker certifies the card.
- You certify and hand it in. You must certify the hole scores and promptly return the card to the Committee. After that you must not change it.
- The Committee adds up. Once it has your card, the Committee adds up your scores and works out your handicap strokes and net score.
If your marker will not certify a score. A marker may refuse to certify a hole score the marker believes is wrong. The Committee then considers the available evidence and decides your score on the hole. If the marker still refuses, the Committee may certify the hole score itself or accept certification from someone else who saw your play on that hole.
When the card counts as returned. The Rules leave it to the Committee to specify when the scorecard is considered returned. Ideas in the Committee Procedures include a defined scoring area, where you can make alterations until you leave it, or a box to deposit the card in. A Committee can also use a time window, such as 15 minutes, to correct a mistake. Whichever your event uses, you are still expected to go to the scoring area promptly. Ask at the desk before you play if you are not sure.
ChecklistBefore you hand it in
Run through these at the scoring area. They are the points where a card goes wrong. Print the page if you want a copy for your bag.
- ☐ Every hole has a score. A blank hole means disqualification.
- ☐ Each score matches the strokes you really made, with your penalty strokes included. A lower score than you made disqualifies you.
- ☐ If a penalty might have applied on any hole, or you are unsure, raise it with the Committee before you return the card.
- ☐ You have read your marker’s entries and spoken up about anything that looks wrong.
- ☐ If you changed a score your marker wrote, your marker agreed or the Committee approved.
- ☐ Your marker has certified the hole scores.
- ☐ You have certified the hole scores.
- ☐ You hand it in promptly, and you do not change it afterward.
Adding up the card and working out handicap strokes are not on the list, because under the standard Rule they are the Committee’s job. If you want a penalty reference for the rest of the round, the golf penalty chart lists the cost of each breach.
FAQQuick answers
Do I have to add up my own scores?
No. There is no requirement for you to add up your own scores or to show your handicap on the card. If you make a mistake adding up, there is no penalty. The Committee adds up your scores and works out your net score.
What if I wrote down a higher score than I made?
The higher score stands for that hole. Say you made a 4 and the card shows a 5. The 5 is your score. Only a score lower than the strokes you made, or no score at all, disqualifies you.
What if I left out a penalty I did not know about?
You are not disqualified. If the mistake is found before the close of the competition, the Committee adds the penalty stroke(s) to that hole. This does not cover a penalty that was disqualification, or a case where you were told a penalty might apply, or were unsure, and did not raise it with the Committee before you returned the card.
What if my marker leaves with my card, or never certifies it?
There is no penalty if the Committee finds your breach was caused by the marker’s failure to carry out their responsibilities, such as leaving with your card or without certifying it, and it was beyond your control. The Committee makes that call.
Can I change a score my marker wrote?
Only with your marker’s agreement or the Committee’s approval. Neither of you needs to make an extra certification of the changed score. Once you have certified the card and returned it, you must not change it.
Does the wrong handicap on my card disqualify me?
Under the standard Rule, no. A mistake in showing or applying a handicap carries no penalty. The exception is a Committee that uses Model Local Rule L-2 and makes you responsible for it: then a handicap that is too high or missing disqualifies you from the handicap competition if it changes your strokes.