Hi there.
I have a rather sensitive question.
what responsibility do I have as marker to ensure a players score am I meant to count his shots,
I had a situation today where my playing partner hit inti a bunker, he commented…. “well that was a waste of two great shots”, he then had two shots in the bunker and two putts.
By my reckoning that meant he had two good shots then on into bunker two out of bunker and two putts that makes it 7, he told me 6?

Happens all the time sadly… “Golf is a game where the ball lies poolry, and the players well.” Maybe using an “are you sure? I thought you made seven” is the best way to go. Normally they will do a recount and hallelujah, realise they were mistaken.

Well, I guess the question is “was he in the bunker for 2 or 3?” Did he hit “two great shots” into the bunker, or “two great shots” and then stuff his third into the bunker?

Obviously you are relying on his honesty. If you are sure he was in the bunker for 3 and saw the rest of his shots, I would point out his “adding error”. If you were not sure how many he was in the bunker for, clarify it with him. Ultimately, you are relying on his honesty. If you are not satisfied, you have every right to take your concerns to an appropriate committee member at the conclusion of your round, but do it before you sign his card!

Cheers
Brett

Yes; you are meant to count his shots.If not, then what purpose does it serve to have a marker?.You could otherwise just rely on people’s honesty (or lack of same).

Yes; you are meant to count his shots.If not, then what purpose does it serve to have a marker?.You could otherwise just rely on people’s honesty (or lack of same).

can you please point out where in the rules book, it is stated that the marker has to count the shots of the player whose card you are marking?

In etiquette section of the rule book,
“Scoring
In stroke play, a player who is acting as a marker should, if necessary,
on the way to the next tee, check the score with the player
concerned and record it.”

“Rule 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.”

There is no rule that states that the marker must count the competitors shots. Most club golfers normally have a reasonable idea what his playing partners are doing & if in doubt shoulod ask what his score on the hole was. If there is any doubt , Queery it politely. If you are sure he is incorrect & can not agree on the score take the matter to the Match Comittee. If you are unsure there is little you can do except count his strokes on the next few holes.

The marker must count the strokes.

Definition of a marker:

Marker
A “marker” is one who is appointed by the Committee to record a competitor’s score in stroke play. He may be a fellow-competitor. He is not a referee.

Yes; you are meant to count his shots.If not, then what purpose does it serve to have a marker?.

“Rule 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.”

as the rule says ” you should check the score with the competitor”.. this implies a couple of things 1. You have counted the shots he/she has taken, and 2. they (the player) are verifying the total that you have come to.. Any problems? under the rules you should record the score before the next hole as it is your responsibility as marker to record it after the competion of every hole.

If you are playing matchplay, it is your opponents obligation to tell you how many he/she lies at any point in a hole if asked ( rule 9/2)

Further, as marker, it is a competitors obligation to tell you if he has taken a penalty shot (rule9/3) as soon as it occurs.

"WOW! the Laws of Physics actually work!!" Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Sleek Geeks, ABC TV, 3 January 2008.

that would mean that i would have to follow him around whilst also trying to play my game, there are times when i am in among the trees and he is on the opposite side of the fairway.

There was lengthy and sometimes heated discussion on this topic some time back. If you’re interested (and have plenty of time to spare), check out -
Status of the marker

There was lengthy and sometimes heated discussion on this topic some time back. If you’re interested (and have plenty of time to spare), check out -
Status of the marker

I think that covers it pretty well .