On Course ..... with Tom Casady "Responsibility of the Marker"

Tom Casady, Edmond, OK (April 14, 2010)  We have all had the displeasure of wondering how to handle an awkward situation. It is unpleasant to have to speak to someone about something that is incorrect, feeling it is not our place to correct. So we find ourselves on the golf course, pencil in hand, and about to write a score upon an official document that we will have to sign later showing our approval, when all of a sudden, a score is given with which we don't agree. What do I do as a marker?


Probably the most important rule for us to remember is Rule 6-1 of the Rules of Golf: “The player and his caddie are responsible for knowing the rules.” If you want to know where the buck stops, you found the spot. It's not the Markers responsibility to teach a player the rules of golf. The player, should he chose to play this wonderfully civil game, is the sole responsible party.

If there is any confusion about this point, Rule 6-6d gives a splendid clarification: “The competitor is responsible for the correctness of the score recorded for each hole on his score card.” Pretty well sums it up for those who may want someone else to take the blame.

And then there's that awkward Rule 6-6a: “After each hole, the marker should check the score with the competitor and record it.” Now there's confrontation about to happen. Who wants to tell, and who wants to hear, about the worst hole they ever played?

Well, that's the plight of the Marker, who is defined in the Rules of Golf as “... 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.” He has to hear the sad (and sometimes good) results of his opponent. But he should never have to question the results. It is up to the competitor to give the correct score – always.

So don't worry about a conflict. Just enjoy the game, and figure it out before you leave the scorecard with the committee. And use their help, if questions arise – that's what they're there for: to handle those awkward situations.

Tom Casady is the Oklahoma Tour Handicap Chairman, a member of the Tournament Committee and is a partner with Scott Chilcutt and Loyd Welch in the operation of the Oklahoma Tour.  Tom can be reached @ TC3ofCnC@aol.com