How to Score Professional Golf

Professional golf is not scored the same way as an amateur game. While the system may seem confusing at first view, it is actually fairly straightforward once you learn the basics of how to keep score and what constitutes a point, a fault or a penalty. If you have never kept score in professional golf before, start by practicing at your next game and you will eventually gain a good understanding of what the system requires.

Instructions

  1. Score Professional Golf

    • 1

      Use the official scorecard provided by the tournament organizers or course owners. The scorecard is created so you can input all the basic information about yourself and your game. It also allows judges to review it fairly quickly at the end of the round.

    • 2

      Make a mark every time you strike the ball. Resist the temptation of waiting until a particular hole is finished before you write down the strokes. It's all too easy to forget the number of strokes or get confused after a few holes.

    • 3

      Don't forget to add up your score after half of the round is over. In professional golf, a game is divided into the front nine (the first 9 holes in a course) and the back nine (the remaining 9). While the final score is more important than the score from each nine, some judges do take it into consideration to help them during tied games.

    • 4

      Keep in mind that you probably won't be scoring your own card. In most games, a golfer switches cards with another player and each of them keeps the score for the other person. This is done to avoid misinterpretations and confusions, but it can lead to mistakes too. Always double-check the card before you agree to whatever is written on it.

    • 5

      Double-check your final score before you hand in your scorecard to the judges. Once you sign the card, you agree to whatever is written on it and there is no room left for confrontations or discussions. Verifying information is especially important if somebody else is keeping your score.

    • 6

      Make a note in your scorecard if you hit a penalty shot. This includes balls that fall in water or sand and must be removed by hand before taking the next shot. You also receive penalties for lost balls, hitting a flag stick and carrying more clubs than allowed by local rules, which vary from game to game.