Golf is a complex and hugely variable game. No two rounds have ever been, nor ever will they be the same. There are countless scenarios that a player will encounter on the golf course and that means a comprehensive set of Rules is required to cover every possibility. The modern Rules of Golf have evolved and are constantly evolving to be as all-encompassing as possible, but also as concise as possible.
Scoring is a fundamental part of competitive golf and the Rules are explicit on the requirements for recording, checking and verifying scores in strokeplay competition. With the best will in the world, players and markers will make mistakes when recording scores on a card and the Rules cover those situations. Rule 3.3b covers Scoring in Strokeplay.
What Are The Rules For Signing A Scorecard In Golf?
At a basic level, in strokeplay competition, the player’s score is kept on their scorecard by the marker.
After each hole, the marker should confirm the player’s gross score and enter it on the scorecard.
After the round the marker must certify the scores entered on the scorecard. That can be by signature, by printed name, by initial even. We say “sign your card.” But, actually, the requirement is to certify the scores. The marker is not required to add the scores together, nor are they required to do other calculations like working out Stableford points totals – That is the committee’s responsibility.
It's worth knowing though, a marker will be disqualified if they knowingly certify a wrong score for a hole.
Can You Be Disqualified For Not Signing Your Golf Card?
Not exactly. As a player, you must certify the hole scores on the scorecard but that doesn’t specifically require you to sign the card. If you were to initial the card or make a squiggle on the card to show your certification, that would be acceptable. But if you handed a card in with no certification, you would be disqualified.
As a player, your responsibilities are to check the hole scores entered by your marker, make sure the marker certifies the scores and then certify the hole scores yourself. Like the marker, the player is not responsible for adding scores together. If you do add the scores incorrectly, but the individual hole scores are correct, there is no penalty and the actual total score will stand.
As a player, you are not responsible for putting your name on the card, nor the date, nor your handicap. That is the committee’s responsibility.
And, as a player, you will not face a penalty if the breach is a result of a marker failing to carry out their responsibilities.
For example, there is no penalty if the marker leaves the course without certifying a player's scorecard or if they leave the course with the scorecard in their possession so long as this was beyond the player's control.
In these instances, report it to your competition committee or Club Professional. They will attempt to contact the marker and any additional playing partners to verify the score but if that's unsuccessful, they can certify the score themselves.
What happens if you sign for the wrong score on a hole?
If you certify a score where an individual hole score returned is higher than the actual score, there is no penalty but the higher returned score will stand.
But, if you certify a score where an individual hole score returned is lower than the actual score, you will be disqualified.
The only exception to that would be if you had failed to include an unknown penalty. If that was discovered before the close of competition, the committee will revise the individual hole score to include the penalty and the total would be altered accordingly.
Who Lost The Masters By Signing An Incorrect Scorecard?
At the 1968 Masters, Roberto De Vicenzo of Argentina certified a score at the end of the final round that stated he had made a four at the 17th when in fact he had made a three. That meant his total was 66 rather than the 65 he had actually shot. Under the Rules the higher score had to stand and De Vicenzo ended up missing out on a playoff with Bob Goalby by a single stroke.
That shows why it pays to make sure you check your individual hole scores very carefully before you certify your card and pass it to the committee!
