Must each player record an even number of holes on the scorecard? May one player keep it the whole round? If someone is suspect of pencil-whipping, can the group keep the card from the cheat?

Always go to the rule book first:

804.03 Scoring
A..... Players in the group shall rotate the scorekeeping responsibility proportionally, unless a player or a scorekeeper volunteers to keep score more and this is acceptable to all members of the group.
B. After each hole is completed, the scorekeeper shall call out each player�s name. The called player shall answer with the score in a manner that is clear to all players of the group and the scorekeeper. The scorekeeper shall record that score and read it back, in a manner that is clear to all players of the group. If there is any disagreement about the score a player reports, the group must review the hole and attempt to arrive at the correct score. If the group cannot reach consensus on the player�s score, they shall consult 803.01 D.

and

E. At the end of the round, each player shall sign his or her scorecard indicating that he or she attests to the accuracy of the score on each hole and the total score. If all the players of the group agree that a hole score was recorded in error, the score may be changed prior to the scorecard being turned in. Players whose scorecards are turned in unsigned accept responsibility for the scores reported.

So, it does not have to be exactly even, but it should be proportional and if everyone agrees, one player can carry the card the whole time. If you believe that there is pencil whipping involved, get the whole group together and go through the card TOGETHER after the round. You cannot take the card from one player without having the group agree. Several tricks, ask if the group minds if you keep the card the whole round. Usually if most players say yes, those that may have any bad motives may give in as well. I would also make sure that said pencil whipper did not turn the card in alone.

Another suggestion I have seen is to keep a seperate card. You can even state during the round that you keep a seperate card so that you can analyze your game against other players when the round is over. This lets you determine if one approach yields better average results on a hole than another. Often just stating that you will be keeping a seperate card will stop pencil whipping in it's tracks.

I have a novel idea....Use ink.

I have a novel idea....Use ink.


Pen whippers? /msgboard/images/graemlins/smirk.gif