MY GOLF BLUEPRINT
Stroke play: count the whole round
Rule 3.3 · Official source checked 6 November 2026
In ordinary stroke play, your total is the strokes taken plus penalty strokes. You must normally hole out on every hole and return the required scorecard correctly.
On the course
- Count strokes as you play and confirm the hole score with your marker.
- Include penalty strokes once, in the correct hole score.
- Check and certify the scorecard according to the competition's procedures.
Worked situation
Four strokes and one penalty make a score of five. Picking up without holing out can have serious consequences in ordinary stroke play; maximum-score formats use their own provisions.
Important distinction
Do not import casual “gimmes” into ordinary stroke play. Check the format and ask the Committee when a procedure is unclear.
Sources and further reading
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