---
title: "Know Your Scorecard: If Only They Could Talk - FORE Magazine"
description: "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 […]"
---

[FORE Magazine - The Official Magazine of the SCGA ](https://fore.scga.org)

# [Know Your Scorecard: If Only They Could Talk - FORE Magazine](https://fore.scga.org/know-the-rules/know-your-scorecard-if-only-they-could-talk)

 Written by [Jimmy Becker](https://fore.scga.org/author/jimmy-becker) | Jul 22, 2022 7:00:00 AM

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.

[View full post](https://fore.scga.org/know-the-rules/know-your-scorecard-if-only-they-could-talk)

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