Expert: Michael Hoffman - 11/5/2009

Question
In a club team event teams of 3, two best scores to count, stableford. One score recorded lower than actual score - would it be right for the Committee to make the decision just to ignore the score for that person on that hole, or would it be disqualification for the team?

Would be grateful for a reply.

Answer
Melandy,

I believe that the team would be disqualified based on the following,

6-6. Scoring in Stroke Play
a. Recording Scores


After each hole the marker should check the score with the competitor and record it. On completion of the round, the marker must sign the score card and hand it to the competitor. If more than one marker records the scores, each must sign for the part for which he is responsible.


b. Signing and Returning Score Card
After completion of the round, the competitor should check his score for each hole and settle any doubtful points with the Committee. He must ensure that the marker or markers have signed the score card, sign the score card himself and return it to the Committee as soon as possible.



Penalty for Breach of Rule 6-6b: Disqualification.


c. Alteration of Score Card
No alteration may be made on a score card after the competitor has returned it to the Committee.


d. Wrong Score for Hole
The competitor is responsible for the correctness of the score recorded for each hole on his score card. If he returns a score for any hole lower than actually taken,
he is disqualified.
If he returns a score for any hole higher than actually taken, the score as returned stands.


Note 1:
The Committee is responsible for the addition of scores and application of the handicap recorded on the score card - see Rule 33-5.


Note 2:
In four-ball stroke play, see also Rules 31-3 and 31-7a.

Michael