You may be confused about how the scoring system in golf works. For instance, who keeps score in golf? Do pro golfers consciously track their progress on the course?
Pro golfers keep their own score while also keeping their opponent’s score. When golfers play in pairs, they need to keep track of their partner’s score, not their own. Golfers use scorecards with perforated parts for their and their opponent’s scores.
In this article, I’ll mention everything you need to know about pro golfers’ scorecards and how they use them. The rules may seem confusing, so I’ll discuss the process and the reasons behind pro golfers’ scorekeeping methodology.
The Process of Keeping Score in Golf: Pro Golfers and Scorecards
Professional golfers get official scorecards in any major golf tournament, like the PGA TOUR. These scorecards contain a removable top part where golfers keep their score (some scorecards have a removable “my score” part on the bottom). On the bottom half, scorecards have a golfer’s opponent’s name and a table that shows:
- The number of yards.
- The number of pars.
- Empty fields for scorekeeping.
Technically, golfers keep their own score, but more importantly, they keep their opponent’s score. So, why do they do it? Well, the short answer is tradition—that’s how golfers kept scores historically.
Another reason is a fairer game. There’s greater scrutiny when your opponent keeps your score and vice versa. Another example of this kind of scrutiny occurs when professional golfers play in pairs. In that case, they need to keep each other’s score (and not their own). So, while one golfer plays, their partner keeps that golfer’s score.
What Happens After the Score-Keeping?
Professional golf tournaments don’t leave scorekeeping in the hands of golfers. Pro golfers get some help with scoring.
Firstly, pro golfers’ caddies also keep the score. On top of that, there are walking scorers whose sole job is keeping the score.
In a professional golf tournament, golfers will exchange their scorecards after removing the perforated part with their own scores after each round. Then, they compare the scores to ensure everything’s in order.
It doesn’t stop there, though. Golfers and caddies or walking scorers head to the scoring tent. That’s where the real magic happens for most golfers. As Bill Pennington noted in the New York Times article, it’s a place where golfers cry tears of joy or anger. The scoring tent is where golfers verify their scores, which they must sign at the end.
Signing your scorecard has become a crucial aspect. Sergio Garcia was disqualified because he signed the wrong score. Another reason golfers could get disqualified in the past was for not swapping their scorecards. This happened to golf partners Mark Roe and Jasper Parnevik.
Final Thoughts
Professional golfers usually keep their score, but it’s more important they keep their opponent’s score. Also, golfers must keep their partner’s score rather than their own when playing in pairs. Their partner checks the score and signs it if everything is correct.
In addition to golfers, caddies and walking scorers also keep track of scores. That way, there can be no cheating or omissions.