Knowing The Score

[Phil Burr]

We've all heard the trite quotes in which someone was unaware of their score until after the card was tallied.  Is that truly possible?  Or is our awareness of our score an obstacle to going low, as we often hear?  The only time I've ever seen someone play in such oblivion was the last round I played with my mom, a 26 handicapper whose all-time low was 92.  My father, brother and I were aware of her score but she had no idea.  After she tapped in on 18 to cap a round of 87, we engulfed her in a tearful hug that I'll never forget.  Has anyone else has an experience of being utterly unaware of the numbers on the scorecard?

[Ryan Van Culin]

I don't know if it is really that uncommon, in my experience. Any time that I am going for a course evaluation, or just to see a course that I've heard is interesting, I won't carry a scorecard. Also, a lot of times that I'm just going out to enjoy the course with my son, we don't keep a score.


There have been a couple of times where I was on the cusp of a personal milestone and didn't know until after the round. I used to be very superstitious about not adding up my scores until after finishing on 18. I'm not superstitious about it anymore, but I still don't try to keep a running tally as I play.

[jeffwarne]

Happens all the time at the club level..
"The caddy kept score" is a common refrain when I question a group's number-especially when I witness a hole or two where I know the actual number that was made.
What could possibly go wrong....?

[Jim Franklin]

I was playing Nicklaus North years ago with some work colleagues that were not very good. I remember playing well but was not keeping the score. At the end of the round, the guy keeping score said I shot a 66. Beat my old best by a shot.

[John Crowley]

I usually, particularly at my home club and familiar courses, keep score mentally, not on a card.
Some of my lowest scores have been when someone-else is keeping score for the group and I don’t have the running total in my head. In those instances I had the feeling that the score was going to be good, but was unburdened by just how good.

[Tommy Williamsen]

The first time I shot my age I was fully aware. I knew I needed to make a left to right five-foot down hiller. If  hadn't known I am not sure I would ground as hard to make it.

[David Wuthrich]

I'm at the age where it is not about the score anymore.  Much, much more important to me is who I am playing with and where I am playing!!!!

[JMEvensky]

I'm at the age where it is not about the score anymore.  Much, much more important to me is who I am playing with and where I am playing!!!!

Sad but true--I'm in the same boat.

[Rob Marshall]

The first time I shot my age I was fully aware. I knew I needed to make a left to right five-foot down hiller. If  hadn't known I am not sure I would ground as hard to make it.

How old were you Tommy?

[Tim Martin]

If there is a four ball game then there is usually a designated scorekeeper. When it’s more casual I usually keep the score in my head on a familiar course and will write it down if it’s unfamiliar. Regardless I know where I stand.

[David Ober]

I generally know right where I stand at any given time. Had a round recently, though, where there were times during the round where I lost track of everything except the shot I was hitting. Was a nice experience.