Rule 3: The Competition

Every competition is played either as match play or as stroke play; other formats are variations of these.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.1a · recall

Match play is decided hole by hole: each hole is won, lost or tied.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.1a(1) · recall

Regular stroke play adds up every stroke made and every penalty stroke on each hole of every round.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.1a(1) · recall

The gross score is the total number of strokes: strokes made plus penalty strokes, with no handicap applied.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.1c(1) · recall

Adjusting the gross score by handicap strokes lets players of differing abilities compete in a fair way.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.1c(2) · recall

Rules 1-20 focus on individual play but also apply to partner formats, as modified by Rule 22 (Foursomes) and Rule 23 (Four-Ball).

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.1b · recall

In a scratch competition the player's handicap is not applied; the gross score decides.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.1c(1) · applied

Penalty strokes are added to the strokes made first; handicap strokes are then taken off to reach the net figure.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.1c · applied

Rule 3 covers match and stroke play, Rule 21 Stableford, Maximum Score and Par/Bogey, Rule 22 Foursomes, Rule 23 Four-Ball and Rule 24 teams.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rules 3.1a and 3.1b · recall

Gross counts every stroke made (12) plus every penalty stroke (3), so 15; handicap strokes are not part of it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.1c(1) · applied

A hole is won by taking fewer strokes, by the opponent conceding it, or by the opponent getting the general penalty (loss of hole).

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2a(1) · applied

Agreeing to halve a hole is allowed, but only after at least one player has made a stroke to begin it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2a(2) · recall

A match is won once the lead is greater than the number of holes left, or by concession or the opponent's disqualification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2a(3) · recall

A tied match is extended hole by hole until there is a winner, unless the Terms of the Competition say it ends tied.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2a(4) · recall

An extended match continues the same round rather than starting a new one.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2a(4); Rule 5.1 · recall

Extra holes follow the round's order unless the Committee sets a different one.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2a(4) · recall

The Committee decides when a result is final, for example when it is recorded on an official scoreboard or reported to a named person.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2a(5) · recall

An extended match continues one hole at a time, and the first player to win a hole wins the match.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2a(4) · applied

Three up with two to play has already won; two up with two to play can still be tied; all square is level; one down is behind.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2a(3) · applied

The player won seven holes and lost two, so leads by five with three to play: more holes than remain, so the match is won.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2a(3) · applied

A player may concede the opponent's next stroke, a hole or the whole match.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2b(1) · recall

A hole can be conceded at any time before it is completed, including before play of it begins.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2b(1) · recall

Agreeing to concede holes to shorten a match is not allowed; doing so knowingly disqualifies both players.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2b(1) · applied

A concession must be clearly communicated, either verbally or by a clear action such as a gesture.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2b(2) · recall

Once made, a concession is final: the player cannot withdraw it and the opponent cannot decline it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2b(2) · recall

Lifting the ball because of a reasonable misunderstanding about a concession carries no penalty; the ball is replaced.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2b(2) · applied

A concession made while the ball is moving applies to the next stroke, unless the ball is holed, when it makes no difference.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2b(1) · applied

Once the next stroke is conceded, the opponent has completed the hole with a score that includes it, and anyone may remove the ball.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2b(1) · applied

The Rules allow three levels of concession: the next stroke, a hole and the whole match.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2b(1) · recall

Stopping the ball to concede is allowed only when it has no reasonable chance of being holed, as at C, rolling away past the hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2b(1) · applied

Players should declare their handicaps to each other before the match.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2c(1) · recall

A declared handicap that is too high, and affects the strokes given or received, disqualifies the player if not corrected in time.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2c(1) · applied

Declaring too low a handicap carries no penalty, but the player must play off the lower handicap they declared.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2c(1) · applied

In a handicap match strokes are given on particular holes, and the lower net score wins each hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2c(2) · recall

Each player must know where strokes fall, based on the stroke index set by the Committee, usually printed on the scorecard.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2c(2) · recall

When asked, the player must give the right number of strokes, including penalty strokes; not answering counts as a wrong number.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(1) · applied

Giving the wrong number of strokes taken and not correcting it in time is the general penalty, loss of hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(1) · applied

A wrong number given during a hole carries no penalty if it is corrected before the opponent's next stroke.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(1) · applied

Handicaps are declared, the strokes are worked out and then given on the holes picked out by the stroke index.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2c · applied

Three strokes fall on the holes with stroke index 1, 2 and 3 (A, C and B); hole D, stroke index 7, gets none.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2c(2) · applied

A penalty must be reported to the opponent as soon as reasonably possible, allowing for distance and other practical factors.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(2) · recall

The requirement applies even when the player is unaware of the penalty, because players are expected to recognise their own breaches.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(2) · recall

Failing to tell the opponent about a penalty, and not correcting it in time, is the general penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(2) · applied

A wrong match score can be fixed until a stroke begins the next hole; after that it becomes the actual score.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(3) · applied

In match play each player protects their own interests and may decide whether to act on an opponent's breach.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(4) · recall

Either player may protect their rights by making a request for a ruling.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(4); Rule 20.1b · recall

A referee assigned to a single match for the whole round is responsible for acting on any breach they see or are told about.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(4); Rule 20.1b(1) · recall

A wrong match score must be corrected when a timely ruling request finds the opponent gave a wrong number of strokes or did not report a penalty.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(3) · applied

Players are expected to know the match score: how many holes up one of them is, or all square when level.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(3) · recall

There is no penalty for not reporting a penalty the opponent already knew about, such as seeing the player obviously take penalty relief.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.2d(2) · applied

The winner completes all rounds in the fewest total strokes, counting strokes made and penalty strokes.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3a · recall

After the round the marker and the player must both certify that each hole score is right.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3 (Purpose); Rule 3.3b · recall

In stroke play the player's score is kept on their scorecard by the marker.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b · recall

The marker is either identified by the Committee or chosen by the player in a way the Committee approves.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b · recall

The player must keep the same marker for the whole round unless the Committee approves a change, before or after it happens.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b · recall

The marker's job at the end of the round is to certify the hole scores; adding up and handicaps are for the Committee.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(1) · recall

Knowingly certifying a wrong score is serious misconduct, and the marker should be disqualified under Rule 1.2a.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(1); Rule 1.2a · applied

After each hole the marker should confirm the strokes with the player and enter the gross score, then certify all hole scores at the end.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(1) · recall

The Committee decides on the evidence and, if the marker still refuses, may certify the score itself or accept someone else who saw the hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(1) · applied

In a handicap competition the fewest net strokes wins: A 72, B 73, C 71, D 74, so C wins despite the highest gross.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3a · applied

The player must certify the hole scores and promptly return the scorecard to the Committee.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(2) · recall

A player must not change a score the marker entered unless the marker agrees or the Committee approves.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(2) · recall

Breaching any of the player's scorecard duties in Rule 3.3b(2) is disqualification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(2) · applied

There is no penalty when the Committee finds the player's breach was caused by the marker's failure and was beyond the player's control.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(2), Exception · applied

Once the player has returned the scorecard to the Committee, the player must not change it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(2) · applied

The player should check the scores entered by the marker carefully and raise any issues with the Committee.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(2) · recall

During the round the player should keep track of their own score on each hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(2) · recall

A score entered by the marker may be changed with the marker's agreement or the Committee's approval, before the card is returned.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(2) · applied

The player checks the scores, makes sure the marker has certified them, certifies them too and returns the card promptly.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(2) · recall

Both the player and the marker must certify the hole scores, as on card C; each of the others is missing at least one certification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(1) and (2) · applied

A returned hole score higher than the actual score stands.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(3) · applied

Returning a lower score than actual, or no score for a hole, is disqualification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(3) · applied

If an unknown penalty was left out, the player is not disqualified and the Committee adds the penalty strokes to that hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(3), Exception · applied

The exception does not cover a disqualification penalty, nor a player who was warned or unsure and did not raise it.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(3), Exception · recall

The Committee revises the hole score if the mistake is found before the competition closes.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(3), Exception · recall

The Committee revises the score for the hole by adding the penalty strokes that should have been included.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(3), Exception · recall

A player who was uncertain about a penalty and did not raise it with the Committee before returning the card cannot use the exception.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(3), Exception · applied

An unknown penalty left off the card does not disqualify the player; the Committee adds it if found before the competition closes.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(3), Exception · applied

A correct score counts as it is, a higher score stands against the player and a lower score is disqualification.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(3) · applied

C's card shows 4 where 5 were taken, and a card below the truth means disqualification; B's 6 costs a stroke, A and D are right.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(3) · applied

The Rules do not require the player's handicap to be shown on the card; the Committee works out the handicap strokes.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(4) · recall

Once the card is received, adding up the scores is the Committee's job, not the player's.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(4) · recall

There is no penalty for a mistake in adding up scores; the Committee is responsible for the total.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(4) · applied

The marker confirms the number of strokes, penalties included, and enters the gross score; net scores come later.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(1) · recall

With more than one marker, each certifies their own holes, unless one of them saw every hole and certifies them all.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(1) · applied

A Model Local Rule lets a Committee make the player responsible for the handicap on the scorecard.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(4); Model Local Rule L-2 · recall

A scorecard may be paper or electronic, in any form the Committee approves that lets scores be entered and certified.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Definitions (Scorecard) · recall

Once the card is received, the Committee adds up the scores and uses the handicap to calculate the net score.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(4) · recall

The marker records and certifies, the player checks, certifies and returns it, and the Committee does the arithmetic.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b · recall

Players need not add up their scores or show their handicap; the Committee totals the card and applies the handicap.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3b(4) · applied

A player must hole out at each hole in a stroke play round.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3c · recall

A failure to hole out must be corrected before making a stroke to begin another hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3c · applied

On the last hole of the round, the mistake must be corrected before the scorecard is returned.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3c · recall

Stableford, Maximum Score and Par/Bogey score differently, so failing to hole out does not disqualify the player there.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3c; Rule 21 · recall

Conceding strokes is a match play idea; in stroke play every player must hole out.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rules 3.2b and 3.3c · recall

In stroke play each player competes against all the others in the competition, which is why scorecards and holing out matter.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3 (Purpose) · recall

The Terms of the Competition should say how ties are decided.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3a · recall

The mistake is fixed in time as long as the player holes out before the first stroke on the next hole.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3c · applied

A missed hole-out mid-round must be fixed before the next hole starts, on the last hole before the card is returned; an unknown penalty can be added until the competition closes.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rules 3.3b(3) and 3.3c · applied

Once a stroke has begun the next hole, the failure to hole out can no longer be corrected and the player is disqualified.

Source: Rules of Golf (2023), Rule 3.3c · applied