Linda, my question is: Who is responsible for making sure all 4 people in the 4-some report a correct score? I played in a tournament where 1 person out of 4 reported what I believed to be an incorrect score to the person who was writing down her score (we exchanged scorecards). I wasn't 100% sure that it was incorrect, so I said nothing. The 2nd time she did it, I challenged her and she quickly said that I was correct. The other 2 women in the 4-some seemed to think that they were not responsible for any other person's score. Thanks, Lulu.
Dear Lulu,
The bottom line is that the player must sign a card with her correct score. If the score is higher than her correct total, that number will stand; if it is lower, she will be disqualified [Rule 6-6d].
If you are not the player’s marker, then you are not officially responsible for her score. However, good sportsmanship would dictate that you speak up if you know or suspect that a player has totaled her score for the hole incorrectly. The same advice would hold true if you noticed that a player neglected to include penalty strokes for a violation she was unaware she committed. The other player may not be thrilled that you noticed, but she should be grateful that you saved her from a likely disqualification.
The player’s official marker –the one with whom she exchanged scorecards– should check the score with the player at the completion of every hole. Most disputes can be resolved on the spot, especially with two extra witnesses on hand. If the marker and the player cannot agree on the score, the marker is not obligated to sign a scorecard she believes is incorrect. Disputes will have to be settled by the Committee, which will most likely interview the other two players in the group. The marker will be asked to authenticate those scores she considers correct.
If a marker knowingly attests a wrong scorecard, she should be disqualified along with the player. Let’s say a player incurs a penalty of which she is unaware, and the marker is aware of the penalty but does not inform the player. Consequently, the player’s score for the hole will not include the penalty strokes. The player will be disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard, and the marker should be disqualified under Rule 33-7 for a serious breach of etiquette.
Players should always assist each other with the Rules, which include totaling the score for each hole correctly. Since players rarely have the luxury of playing under the supervision of a referee, and players are required to abide by the Rules, players knowledgeable about the Rules should always be willing to step up and help.
Linda
Copyright © 2011 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
