Write the number of strokes taken on every hole, not the running total. The card also shows each hole’s par, distance and Stroke Index, plus course information. In a competition, the player and marker must follow the required checking and certification process.
Scorecards look busy at first, but only a few columns matter during a normal round. The printed course data should not be confused with the score you enter.
What the printed columns mean
- Hole: the number from 1 to 9 or 18.
- Distance: the length from a particular set of tees.
- Par: the target score for the hole.
- Stroke Index: the order used to allocate handicap strokes.
- Out and in: totals for the first and second nine holes.
How to record the score
Count every stroke plus any penalty strokes and enter the total for that hole. Do not enter a score relative to par unless the competition specifically uses that format.
- 01
Four strokes on a par 4: write 4.
- 02
Five strokes plus one penalty stroke: write 6.
- 03
In Stableford, the card may contain both the gross score and a points column.
Check before returning it
In stroke play, the marker is responsible for certifying the hole scores and the player must certify them too. The committee is normally responsible for adding the scores and applying the handicap, although digital procedures can vary.
Follow the exact instructions issued by the club or competition committee.
The essential point
Record one clear gross score for every hole, check it with the marker and follow the competition’s return procedure. The printed par and Stroke Index are reference information, not your result.
Sources
The following official or specialist sources were used to verify this independently written guide.
- The R&A – official guidance Source used to verify the rules or factual information in this guide.
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