card not handed in

Question
I played in a golf competition today and thought I was due for a prize of at least 3rd I had 32 stableford, the third went to my husband with 31, and the second with 32 points.  I couldn't understand why I hadn't won anything and ask to  see my card, only to find my marker had it in his pocket and not presented it, it was all very embarrassing as photos had been taken of the winners, and it would have meant taking the trophy off my husband!!! but what is the rule of this, have you come across this before?  Thanks

Answer
Hello Marilyn:  The player is responsible for his/her own scorecard; insofar as its accuracy, the inclusion of two signatures (his/hers and the markers)and seeing that it is turned in to the officials.  Had there been a scoreboard, there would probably have been a N/C posted in place of your final score.  Up until the prizes were announced, you could have corrected the oversight.  Once the results are posted or announced, the tournament is closed and all results stand.

Be thankful this lesson did not cost you the club championship or some other huge title.  What happened to you isn't that common; more common is an incorrect scorecard; one which has one or more scores lower than actually shot or a card turned in with only one signature.

Histories of all the professional tours include many instances of players being disqualified for incorrect scorecards; even as late in the tournament as the 4th round for incorrect 1st round cards.  Here is a good example taken from Wikipedia:

"Roberto De Vicenzo (born 14 April 1923) is a former professional golfer.

De Vicenzo was born in Villa Ballester, Buenos Aires, Argentina. He won more than 230 tournaments worldwide in his career, including six on the PGA Tour and the 1967 British Open.[1]

De Vicenzo is best remembered for his misfortune in the 1968 Masters.[1] On the par 4 seventeenth hole, Roberto De Vicenzo made a birdie, but playing partner Tommy Aaron inadvertently entered a 4 instead of 3 on the scorecard. He did not check the scorecard for the error before signing it, and according to the Rules of Golf the higher score had to stand and be counted. If not for this mistake, De Vicenzo would have tied for first place with Bob Goalby, and the two would have met in an 18-hole playoff the next day. His quote afterwards became legendary for its poignancy: "What a stupid I am!"[2]"

Good luck to you Marilyn.  I advise you to learn more about the rules of golf; doing so will save you much more embarrassment as well as many many unnecessary strokes.

Fairways and Greens,

John
www.golfnutts.com