Key Facts - Introduction to strokeplay golf

Golf is the only sport where the scores are kept by fellow competitors, not by officials.

Players swap cards at the start of a round, marking each other's score as well as their own.

Both players must sign both cards if the card is to be submitted to a competition or for handicapping.

In a tournament, failure to sign a cards or signing for a wrong score can lead to disqualification.

Strokeplay is the simplest form of scoring.

Each player adds up his score for the round and, once handicaps have been deducted if they are being used, the lowest score wins.

Strokeplay tournaments are often called medals.

Because the player is playing against the course rather than an opponent, every putt must be holed no matter how short.

Most professional tournaments are played like this.