What if my marker refuses to sign my scorecard?

No penalty to you. If your marker refuses to certify a hole score they think is wrong, the Committee reviews the evidence and decides your score for that hole. If the marker still won't sign, the Committee can certify it themselves or accept certification from someone else who saw you play the hole.

What the marker can and can't do

After the round, your marker has to certify the hole scores on your scorecard. They can refuse to certify a specific hole score if they genuinely believe it's wrong — that's their right under Rule 3.3b. But they can't just refuse to sign the whole card because they're annoyed or unsure about one hole. The refusal has to be about a specific score they witnessed and believe is incorrect.

What the Committee does next

Once a marker refuses, the Committee steps in. They look at all available evidence — what the marker saw, what you say, any other witnesses, maybe even video if it exists — and they make a decision on what your score for that hole actually is. Their decision is final. You don't get penalized because your marker disagreed with you, and you don't have to replay the hole.

If the marker still won't budge

If the marker keeps refusing even after the Committee has decided the score, the Committee can certify that hole score themselves. Or they can accept certification from another person who saw you play that hole — like a fellow competitor, a caddie, or a spectator. The round still counts, your scorecard gets returned, and you move on.

Exceptions that change the answer

• The marker is also a player and knowingly certifies a wrong score for you → That marker should be disqualified under Rule 1.2a for serious misconduct.
• You played holes without your marker present → The scorecard can't be properly certified at all — you should have insisted they accompany you for every hole (Interpretation 3.3b/1).

Frequently asked questions

Do I get a penalty if my marker refuses to sign?

No. You don't get penalized because your marker disagrees with a hole score. The Committee decides the correct score based on evidence, and that's the score that stands.

Can my marker refuse to sign the whole scorecard?

They can only refuse to certify specific hole scores they believe are wrong. A blanket refusal to sign the entire card isn't how the rule works — the Committee will still step in and resolve it hole by hole.

What if my marker just disappears and won't sign at all?

The Committee can certify the scores themselves or accept certification from someone else who saw you play. Your round doesn't get voided because a marker ghosts you.

What happens if my marker signs a score they know is wrong?

If the marker is also a player in the competition and knowingly certifies a wrong score for you, they should be disqualified under Rule 1.2a for serious misconduct.

Can I just get a different marker to sign after the round?

Only the Committee can authorize a different person to certify. If your original marker refuses and the Committee agrees the score is settled, they can certify it themselves or accept another witness's certification.