The following blog was issued from GolfWA:-
Is it the score on their scorecard their official score or does it become what the player has entered into the computer system? If it has been incorrectly entered will this disqualify them?
Good question! Modern scoring systems are quickly taking over at clubs all around WA, as communities save time by utilising computers to organize the leaderboard and calculate handicaps.
The upside is that it frees up these volunteers to do something else, such as enjoy their evening at the golf club, instead of slaving away in the captain’s office.
But there is a downside, and that is an increased margin for error on behalf of the player.
We all know the consequences for submitting an incorrect scorecard, but what if the player submits a correct scorecard but then incorrectly inputs their score into the computer?
While the R&A says it “recognizes that the use of computers to log competition scores can greatly assist committees in the administration of competitions” it will not allow the submission of computer scores to have the same level of importance as the sacrosanct scorecard.
“The use of a computer in such a way does not override the requirement in the Rules of Golf that a scorecard, containing the competitor’s handicap (Rule 6-2b) and signed by the marker and competitor, must be returned to the Committee as soon as possible after completion of the round (see Rule 6-6b).”
The R&A is basically saying that there is never an obligation to submit your scorecard electronically. As long as you drop a correct and signed card into the competition office you’re all good.
Well……kinda.
The R&A are after all, administrators of the game, and they’ll certainly sympathize with any competition committee. If a player refuses to input their electronic score out of laziness, or accidentally inputs an incorrect score, they will never be disqualified – however the R&A has made an allowance for the committee to come up with any other punishment that they desire.
Here is a quote from decision 6-6/b8.
“While it is not permissible to penalize a player under the Rules of Golf for failing to enter his score into a computer, a Committee may, in order to assist in the administration of the competition, introduce a “club regulation” to this effect and provide disciplinary sanctions (e.g. ineligibility to play in the next club competition(s) for failure to act in accordance with the regulation.”
Is there any term more wonderful to a vengeful committee than “disciplinary sanctions”? While the R&A gave just one suggestion, they have not ruled out any other sort of punishment, such as public shaming, or permanently giving the offender a 6am tee off time in perpetuity.
So next time you stand over the computer fretting over inputting the correct score, you do not need to fear a DQ, but just be wary of committee members stocking up on rotten fruit and vegetables from the kitchen, as they might come flying your way!