For example, a scorecard will always have the "Hole" row, the numbers 1 through 18 corresponding to the holes being played. Beneath that will likely be at least three more rows (let's say, for example, "Red," "White," and "Blue;" or "Forward," "Middle," and "Back") that identify the tees being played and the yardages for each hole on the course.
Full Answer
What is on a golf scorecard?
Typically, the first thing on a golf scorecard is the list of holes. Golf courses vary between 9 hole courses and 18 hole courses. Some scorecards will have a map of the course with each hole on the map having its number next to it. Holes are typically played in order from 1 to 18.
How do you match a golf scorecard?
Matching scorecards involves using the handicap ranking of the golf holes. Look at the handicap row on the scorecard (often designated by "HCP") and find the No. 1 handicap hole. Now, both players check their score on that hole.
What is the front 9 on a golf scorecard?
Holes 1 to 9 are known as the front 9 and holes 10 to 18 are known as the back 9. After the 9th and 18th hole sections of the scorecard you will see the words "Out" and "In" respectively.
What is countback on the scorecard in golf?
Counting back on the scorecard, also called a countback playoff or the countback method, operates exactly the same as matching scorecards except that golfers do not use the handicap row. Instead, you start with the 18th hole and compare scores. If everyone tied on the 18th hole, then you go to the 17th, then to the 16th, and so on.
How do you read a golf score card?
0:062:38How to Read a Golf Scorecard - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn means the back nine the total is it would be your total score for the two 18s two nines then anyMoreIn means the back nine the total is it would be your total score for the two 18s two nines then any handicap that you have subtracted from your total would be the net.
How do you fill out a golf handicap with a scorecard?
If that handicap column appears, just write your course handicap (in our example, "11") in the appropriate box. Mark your actual strokes taken (gross score) on each hole throughout play, then tally up your strokes at the end of the round. For example, the total strokes were 85 and the course handicap was 11.
What do the symbols mean on a golf scorecard?
No symbol - Par; Circle - Birdie; Solid circle - Eagle or better; Square - Bogey; Solid square - Double-bogey or worse.
How do you read a handicap scorecard?
The "Handicap" line of the scorecard is how those holes are designated. The hole identified as "1" on the handicap line has been rated the hole where a golfer is most likely to need a stroke in competition against a better player.
What is the back 9 in golf?
the final nine holes on an eighteen-hole course.
What is DQ Rule 3.3 B in golf?
3.3b/1 – Players Must Be Accompanied by a Marker for the Entire Round. The purpose of a marker. The marker may be another player, but not a partner. (... Continued) is to certify that a player's score for each hole is correctly shown on the player's scorecard.
What are the 7 golf scoring terms?
We've compiled a list of 100+ golf terms that are useful to know, but the golf scoring terms we'll cover in this guide are among the most essential when you're out on the course or watching televised golf.
What are the dots on a golf scorecard?
Well, the dots on your scorecard are used to indicate the number of handicap strokes you get on that hole. They're on the card to let you know those holes so you can play accordingly and make doing the math of your net score -- your gross score minus your handicap -- easier.
What does E mean in golf?
even parMost 18-hole golf courses range from par 70 to 72. When the number of strokes taken matches par, it's considered even par, signified with an "E" on most scoreboards. ADVERTISEMENT. If a player completes the hole in one shot less par, or birdie, minus 1 is calculated on the scoreboard.
What does +1 mean in golf?
1-up. As a final score, 1-up means that the match went the full 18 holes with the winner finishing with one more hole won than the runner-up. If the match goes 18 holes and you've won six holes while I've won five holes (the other holes being halved, or tied), then you've beaten me 1-up. 2 and 1.
What do handicap numbers mean in golf?
The United States Golf Teachers Federation USGTF defines handicap as "a measure of his current ability over an entire round of golf, signified by a number. The lower the number, the better the golfer is." A handicap essentially signifies how many strokes above or below par a golfer should be able to play.
What are the scoring terms in golf?
Beta ProgramScoring TermWhat It MeansBirdieOne stroke under par on a holeParScore a good player would expect to make on a hole or roundBogeyOne stroke over par on a holeDouble bogeyTwo strokes over par on a hole3 more rows•Mar 15, 2022
What is the symbol for par?
Pilcrow¶PilcrowIn UnicodeU+00B6 ¶ PILCROW SIGN ( ¶)Different fromDifferent fromU+00A7 § SECTION SIGN2 more rows
What does a triangle on a golf scorecard mean?
Step 4. Draw a circle around the score to indicate a birdie, or a double circle to indicate an eagle, unless you score a hole-in-one, which is represented by a triangle. Draw a square around a score if the player gets a bogey, or two squares for a double-bogey.
What does a circle mean on a golf score card?
score under parA circle around a number on a scorecard indicates a score under par. So, for a birdie, a player puts one circle around the score. For an eagle, a player puts two circles around the score. And in the event of the very rare albatross (incorrectly called a double eagle), a player puts three circles around the score.
How do you read a golf slope and rating?
The higher the slope number, the harder the course is for the bogey golfer relative to the difficulty of the course for the scratch golfer. Slope numbers can range anywhere between 55 and 155 with the average slope in the United States being 120.
What does the circle symbol on a golf scorecard mean?
These represent a golfers score on a particular hole. Solid circle symbol – Represents an Eagle or better score (e.g. an Albatross or hole in one) By using these golf symbols for scores it makes it quicker and easier to identify scoring when reading a golf scorecard.
Why do golfers use scorecards?
The golf scorecard is used by golfers all over the world when they are playing a round of golf at any of the vast amount of golf courses. This can range from the PGA Tour to even crazy golf! It helps players to track their performance both individually and in competition against others.
What is handicap strokes?
The handicap strokes section of a scorecard is fundamental for golfers when calculating their score based on their golf handicaps. This is the case both individually and in competition. The best way to illustrate this is to use an example golfer of with a 9 golf handicap. What happens in this case is you will deduct one stroke for the each ...
What does 18 mean on a golf scorecard?
18 means that it is the expected easiest hole on the golf course and 1 means that it is the expected hardest hole on the golf course. The handicap strokes section of a scorecard is fundamental for golfers when calculating their score based on their golf handicaps.
How long is a golf scorecard?
Typically the scorecard will be around 6 inches long by 4..5 inches when it is folded. This makes it easy to carry in a pocket or golf bag without taking up too much room. Each golf scorecard has some common elements that are important to understand when playing a round of golf.
How to score a birdie in golf?
They work as follows: 1 Solid circle symbol – Represents an Eagle or better score (e.g. an Albatross or hole in one) 2 Circle symbol – Represents a Birdie 3 No symbol – Represents a Par 4 Square symbol – Represents a Bogey 5 Solid square symbol – Represents a Double-bogey or worse
What format is golf played under?
Pay Attention To The Format. There are different formats that golf is played under. Ranging from stroke play to stableford. It is important to factor this in when completing your score card, especially in competition. Depending on the type of competition that you are playing will impact how you mark your scores.
The Scorecard Layout
The golf scorecard is usually a card stock folded with the various elements of the course laid out horizontally across the card in columns. It’s foldable so that you can fit it into your pocket, onto your golf trolley, or on the golf cart steering wheel.
How To Read A Golf Scorecard: Marking Your Card
The first step is to fill in your name and the names of the players in your group. Then, as you progress from hole to hole, fill in the score on each hole after completion. This should be done honestly to get a correct score and indication of how well you played.
Handing In Your Scorecard
Before handing it in, make sure you sign it as the player and the marker, especially if you are playing competition; failure to sign your card will get you disqualified. Similar to how pro golfers keep score and turn in their scorecards.
What is a golf scorecard?
Golf scorecards allow golfers to track their score as well as providing vital information about the course. The total score is based upon strokes and handicaps and compared to the other players to determine a winner. If you are tracking your own progress as a golfer, scorecards can also be useful as a non-competitive reference.
What is the back 9 of golf?
Holes 1 to 9 are known as the front 9 and holes 10 to 18 are known as the back 9. After the 9th and 18th hole sections of the scorecard you will see the words "Out" and "In" respectively. The 9th hole marks the end of the "Out" section which means playing away from the clubhouse.
What is it called when you take 2 shots on a par 5?
Getting the ball in the hole from the tee is a "hole in one." Taking 2 shots on a par 5 is called an "albatross" or a "double-eagle." Taking 2 shots on a par 4 or 3 shots on a par 5 is called an "eagle." Taking 2 shots on a par 3, 3 shots on a par 4, or 4 shots, on a par 5 is a "birdie."
What does it mean when you take 72 shots on a par 72 course?
If they take 72 shots on a par 72 course, they take 3 from 72 to give them 69, meaning they've shot 3 under par with their handicap. Your handicap is essentially an allowance to help you. Better players have lower handicaps and less-skilled players have higher handicaps. ...
How many shots do you need to play a par 72?
Handicaps make things a little more tricky. If you have a -15 handicap and it takes you 85 shots to play a par 72, take 15 from 85. This leaves you with 70 shots on a par 72, or 2 under par. A player with a -3 handicap will take 3 from their total.
What is the longest hole in golf?
Par 3s are the shortest holes on golf courses and par 5s are the longest holes. The most common par on a course is a par 4. If you look at the "Out" and "In" columns on the scorecard you will see the par for each set of 9 holes. A par 72 golf course will usually have 2 9 holes that are both par 36.
What do blue markers mean on a golf course?
Blue markers reflect the tee boxes for local competitions. These tees are normally used by very good amateur players. If a course doesn't have black or gold tees, the blue tee boxes are the furthest from the hole. White tees are the middle tees, most often used by golfers with middle to high handicaps.
When is a golf match square?
This can occur when neither golfer or team has managed to win a single hole. Otherwise, it can also occur when the number of holes won by each golfer or team is equal, or in other words when both golfers or teams have won the same amount of holes.
What does it mean when a golfer is down?
In Match Play, a golfer is said to be down when he is trailing his opponent in the match. For example, a golfer who is 2-down trails his opponent by 2 holes. That means that his opponent has bested him on 2 occasions more than he has bested this opponent.
What does it mean to halve a hole?
In match play a golfer or a team is said to halve a hole when its score is identical to that of its opponent. In essence, it is a term used to indicate that the hole was tied. In addition to a single hole, the term halve is also used to describe a match that ends in a tie, with no winner which can be referred as a halved match. Note that this can only apply when the rules of the tournament or round allow for a match to end in a tie. Indeed, in many cases if a match were to stand at all square after 18 holes, extra holes of sudden death are played as long as needed in order to determine a winner.
How many strokes does it take to score an eagle?
As such, a golfer that posts an eagle is said to be 2 under par on that hole. In practice, an eagle is achieved when requiring 3 strokes on a par-5, two strokes on a par-4, and 1 stroke on a par-3 for a hole-in-one. On the scorecard a golfer who has scored an eagle will either mark his score as -2 or will put the number ...
What is a birdie on a hole?
As such, a golfer that posts a birdie on a hole can be referred as having shot one under par. Consequently, a birdie is achieved when using 4 strokes on a par-5, 3 strokes on a par-4, and 2 strokes on a par-3. On the scorecard the golfer who has hit a birdie will ...
What is par in golf?
A par is obtained on a hole when a golfer uses a number of strokes that is in line with what is deemed standard. It is a score that golfers strive to match – if not beat – and is referred to as “even”, or “even-par”.
How many strokes do you need to par on a par 5?
For example, on a hole that is a par-5, a golfer will par the hole if he requires 5 strokes. On a par-4, 4 strokes and finally 3 strokes on a par-3. On the scorecard, a golfer can write down the letter ‘E’ to designate a par or alternatively can simply mark down the number of strokes that was required for that hole.
How to do a scorecard playoff?
Another way to do a scorecard playoff: Use the aggregate score for each golfer over the final three holes as the tiebreaker. If that doesn't settle it, go back another three holes. And finally, golfers can also use aggregate score over the full back nine as a tiebreaker.
What is a match of cards?
This is one of the two most-common ways of conducting a scorecard playoff (the other being "counting back," which follows below). Matching scorecards is also called matching cards or a match of cards. Golfers might say, "we don't have time to play extra holes, so let's match cards," or "we'll have to match scorecards for the playoff."
What is the countback method?
Counting Back , aka 'The Countback Method'. Counting back on the scorecard, also called a countback playoff or the countback method, operates exactly the same as matching scorecards except that golfers do not use the handicap row. Instead, you start with the 18th hole and compare scores. If everyone tied on the 18th hole, then you go to the 17th, ...
How does scoring work in golf?
Golf scoring works by counting the number of purposeful swings, accounting for penalties, and totaling with handicaps and par. Although it may seem like a complicated system, once you understand the basics, scoring for golf becomes effortless.
How to fill out a golf scorecard?
According to Golf Week, here are the six steps to filling out a golf scorecard correctly: Name of each player – You should have a list of all the players on each scorecard, as well as the name of who is keeping track of your points (also known as the “scorekeeper”).
What is a stroke in golf?
Mark all the strokes for each player – In a game of golf, a stroke is understood to be an intentional swing at the golf ball. Even if the ball doesn’t move, if a player swings at it, that counts as a stroke. You can add or subtract the par and handicap at the end of the game.
How many strokes to score if you hit the ball with a club?
When it comes to marking penalties in golf scoring, follow these twenty rules: If you ask another golfer what club they used to hit the ball with: Add two strokes to your score for that hole. If the ball moves after you put your club behind it: Add one stroke to your score for that hole, unless it falls off the tee.
What is handicap in golf?
According to American Golf, a handicap for golf simply means the variable number of the player’s level of experience that helps people of different levels play together. Another way to think of a handicap for golf is in the context of playing tag with small children. You, a full-grown adult, wouldn’t run as fast as you actually can to give the kids a chance to catch you. It’s the same idea for a golf handicap; it’s so people of any level can play the same field.
What is match play in golf?
Match Play. According to Golf Rules and Etiquette, match play scoring for golf puts more of an emphasis on each hole, rather than the course as a complete system. To score using the match play method, a point is given to the player who had the least amount of strokes per hole.
How to play golf in numerical order?
Usually, you play in numerical order, but if the course is busy, players can start at the halfway point and wrap back to the starting hole after playing the highest-numbered hole. (e.g., from holes 1-18, start at hole ten and play until hole 18, then go to holes 1-9).
Rules of Golf explained: How to fill out a golf scorecard
Rule 3.3b is very clear on what your scorecard responsibilities are as a player. The card must contain your handicap. You and your marker have to ensure the gross scores for each hole are there, that they are correct, and that the card is signed and counter-signed.
Have a question for our Rules of Golf expert?
Despite the simplification of the Rules of Golf at the beginning of 2019, there are still some that leave us scratching our heads. And as I’ve passed the R&A’s level 2 rules exam with distinction, I am more than happy to help.
What are the rules for scoring a golf scorecard?
16 Important Golf Scorecard Rules To Remember. 1. Recording the correct handicap on the card is solely your responsibility as the player. 2. If you fail to record your handicap, or play off a handicap higher than that to which you are entitled (and this affects the number of strokes received), you will be disqualified from the handicap element ...
Do you have to return a scorecard to the committee?
It is not necessary to physically return a scorecard to the Committee provided the Committee can accept the scores in another way. But as and when normality returns, here’s what you really need to know about the scorecard….
Do you have to have a marker to score a hole?
Players may enter their own hole scores on the scorecard (it is not necessary for a marker to do it). It is not necessary to have a marker physically certify the player’s hole scores, but some form of verbal certification should take place if at all possible.