Score Card Questions

….. The Score Card

Q1: There is no requirement in the Rules of Golf for match play opponents to keep a score card. True or False?

A1: True. But I understand that in some countries score cards may have to be kept for handicapping purposes.

Q2: Which of the following result in disqualification if they are missing from the score card returned to the Committee? a) The player’s name in the box provided. b) The date. c) The player’s full handicap in a handicap competition. d) The player’s signature. e) The marker’s signature. f) All of the above.

A2: c) The player’s full handicap, d) The player’s signature and e) The marker’s signature. Absence of any of these results in the player’s disqualification.

Q3: When should a marker check the player’s score for the hole and record it? a) Before leaving the putting green. b) Between the putting green and the next teeing ground. c) On the next teeing ground or behind the 18th green. d) After every 3 holes.

A3: Between the putting green and the next teeing ground. Rule 6-6a.

Q4: A player drops their score card in a bunker next to their ball. As they remove the card they cause their ball to move. They incur a penalty of one stroke and must replace the ball. True or False?

A4: False. The score card is a movable obstruction and there is no penalty for causing the ball to move while removing it, but the ball does have to be replaced. Rule 24-1.

Q5: The score card that is signed and returned at the end of the round must be the original card that was issued to the player at the beginning of their round. True or False?

A5: False. Decision 6-6a/7.

Q6: Which of the following incurs a penalty? a) Returning a score card with no handicap on it in a scratch competition. b) Failing to initial a material alteration on a score card. c) Failing to enter the points scored for each hole in a Stableford competition. d) Failing to identify which partner scored on each hole in a four-ball better-ball competition.

A6: d) Failing to identify which partner scored on each hole in a four-ball better-ball competition. Rule 31-3.

Q7: A player is disqualified if they return a signed score card to the Committee that shows that they had a 5 on the 4th hole and a 4 on the 5th hole, when in fact, they scored 4 on both holes. True or False?

A7: False. But the Committee must accept the wrong, higher score of 5 for the 4th hole.

Q8: In four-ball better-ball and foursomes competitions both partners must sign the score card. True or False?

A8: False. Only one of the partners is required to sign the side’s score card. Rule 31-3.

Q9: After finishing their round a player and their marker both sign the score card. The player goes home for lunch and then returns to the Club before the end of the competition dropping their card into the scoring box provided by the Committee. What is the ruling? a) No penalty has been incurred. b) The player incurs a penalty of two strokes. c) The player is disqualified.

A9: c) The player is disqualified. The score card must be returned to the Committee as soon as possible after the completion of the round. Rule 6-6b.