I am new at golf and initially tried to keep score no matter how high it got with penalties, etc. I ditched the score card and began playing better also. Don't get me wrong, I still suck, just not as bad. Removing the score card for some reason removed some stress and allows me to concentrate on my shots and trying to keep the ball on the course.I'll start scoring again when I have the basics of the game down. Right now I judge my improvement by the number of balls I manage to lose. Last time out it was only 4, compared to the first time i played and lost 12.