What Does Attest Mean in Golf?

When you're new to competitive golf, the process of finishing a round can feel almost as complicated as the swing itself. You walk off the 18th green, happy or frustrated with your play, and someone hands you a scorecard and a pen. It’s here that you'll hear the term attest. Far from being a mere formality, understanding what it means to attest is fundamental to the integrity of the game. This guide will walk you through exactly what attesting means, why it’s so important, and how to do it correctly every single time.

What 'Attest' Really Means in Golf

In the simplest terms, to attest a scorecard in golf means to sign it as a formal declaration that the scores recorded on it are accurate. It’s a certification. Think of it less as an autograph and more as co-signing an official document. When you sign that card - whether as the player or the marker - you are vouching for the validity of the numbers written down for each hole.

According to the Rules of Golf (specifically Rule 3.3b), the player has a direct responsibility to ensure their scorecard is correct and signed. The marker, a fellow competitor who keeps the player's score during the round, has the responsibility to check the scores and also provide their signature. This interlocking system of checks and balances is what maintains the fairness of official competition, from your weekend club championship all the way to The Masters.

When you attest, you’re not just confirming the score on the 18th hole. You are verifying the score for all 18 holes of the round. It's a serious responsibility that signals the completion of your official play for the day.

The Two Key Roles: The Player and the Marker

The act of attestation involves two people, each with distinct but equally important duties. Let's break down what's expected of both the player and the marker.

Your Responsibility as the Player

As the player, you are the ultimate owner of your score. While your marker keeps the score during the round, the final scorecard is your responsibility. Before you even think about signing, your job is to:

• Carefully check every hole: Go through the scorecard hole by hole. Don't just glance at the total. Verify the gross score you made on hole #1, hole #2, and so on. This is where most errors are either caught or missed.
• Raise any questions or disagreements: If you believe the score on a hole is incorrect, now is the time to discuss it with your marker. A friendly conversation is usually all it takes to clear up a misremembered putt or a penalty stroke. If you can’t agree, you can bring the issue to the tournament committee before signing.
• Ensure your marker has signed: Your scorecard isn't valid without the marker's signature (the attestation). Politely remind them if they forget.
• Sign your scorecard: Your signature is the final confirmation that you accept the scores as they are presented. An unsigned scorecard will almost always lead to disqualification.

Your Responsibility as the Marker (The Attester)

If you're tasked with being the marker for someone else, you are the official "attester." Your role is just as important. Your job is not to be a watchdog, but an accurate record-keeper.

• Record the player's score accurately: On each hole, ask the player what they scored and write it down on their scorecard in the correct box. It's a good practice to confirm the score verbally as you exit each green.
• Review the scores with the player: After the round is complete, sit down with the player and review the scorecard together. They might call out their score for each hole, and you confirm it matches what you've written down.
• Sign (attest) the scorecard: Once you and the player are in agreement on all 18 hole scores, you sign the card in the designated "Marker" or "Attest" area. Your signature certifies that the hole-by-hole scores shown are correct to the best of your knowledge.

It's also worth noting what the marker is not responsible for. As the marker, you don't need to worry about the player's handicap, their math when they add up the scores, or any penalties they may have forgotten to apply to their score. Your sole duty is to record the correct gross score on each hole and attest to that fact.

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Attesting Process

To make it perfectly clear, here is the exact process you should follow every time you finish a competitive round of golf:

1. Find a Good Spot: Don't try to sort out the scorecard on the 18th green while the next group is waiting. Head over to the clubhouse porch, scoring area, or a quiet table where you won't be rushed.
2. Player Recites, Marker Confirms: The best method is for the player whose card it is to read their score for each hole out loud. "Okay, on one I had a 4, on two a 5..." The marker follows along on the scorecard, confirming each number matches what they wrote down.
3. Address Any Discrepancies: If there's a disagreement - say, the player says they had a 4 but the marker wrote down a 5 - this is where you talk it out. "Oh yeah, I remember now, I three-putted that one." Once everything is agreed upon, move on.
4. The Marker Signs First: It's good practice for the marker to sign the scorecard first once the scores are verified. Their signature officially "attests" to the hole scores.
5. The Player Signs Second: The player does one final review and then adds their signature. This signifies their acceptance of the attested scores.
6. Return the Scorecard: Hand the completed and doubly signed scorecard to the tournament committee or place it in the official scoring box. Once the scorecard has been submitted, it is considered final.

Why Is Attestation So Important in Golf?

Attesting might sound like a bit of administrative red tape, but it's one of the cornerstones that supports the entire structure of the game.

• It Upholds the Integrity of the Game: Golf is famously a game of honor and self-regulation. The act of attesting is a final, formal step in this tradition. It's each golfer taking personal responsibility for fair play.
• It Ensures a Level Playing Field: In a tournament setting, accurate scores are everything. The attestation process is the official mechanism that ensures every player is being judged by the same standard, and prevents accidental or intentional errors from affecting the outcome.
• It Creates Personal Accountability: Going through the process forces you to own your performance. You have to face every double bogey and celebrate every birdie. This accountability pushes you to be more focused and honest on the course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Most issues with attestation come from being rushed or inattentive. Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• The Rush Job: You just finished, you're hungry, and you just want to get to the bar. You and your marker do a quick glance at the scorecard and sign. This is where scores get missed. Fix: Always take your time. Budget five minutes for the attesting process after every round.
• Forgetting to Sign: It happens more than you think. A player verifies their card, but in the blur of finishing, they forget to put their own signature on it. This will almost certainly lead to disqualification. Fix: Make it a routine. Don't walk away from the scoring table until both signatures are on the card.
• Signing for an Incorrect Score: This is the most serious error. If you sign for a hole score that is lower than what you actually made, you will be disqualified. If you sign for a score that is higher, the higher score stands. Fix: As stated before, check hole-by-hole, not just the final total. Never compromise on this step.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to attest a scorecard is a mark of a knowledgeable, respectful golfer. It's the simple, structured ritual that concludes every formal round, reinforcing the game's deep-held values of honor, accountability, and fair play. By taking responsibility for your score and your partner's, you actively participate in upholding the integrity that makes golf such a unique sport.

Navigating the rules and procedures of golf can feel intimidating when you're starting out, but it doesn't have to be. Here at Caddie AI, our goal is to take the guesswork out of the game so you can play with more confidence. While our app won't sign your scorecard for you, it serves as a 24/7 golf coach in your pocket, ready to answer questions you might feel embarrassed to ask anyone else - from "what's the ruling on this weird lie?" to "what's the smart play on this dogleg left?". We give you the clear, simple answers and strategy you need, so you can focus on hitting great shots and enjoying your round.