Abstract: A method to score a round of golf using a golf scoring system. The method includes capturing a photograph of a physical scorecard including handwritten text using a camera of a user device, wherein the physical scorecard includes handwritten characters disposed at least partially within rectilinear boxes. The method also includes accessing the photograph in an application of the user device. The method also includes identifying the rectilinear boxes by using a color contrast between the rectilinear boxes of the physical scorecard and a background color of the physical scorecard. The method also includes removing the rectilinear boxes. The method also includes after removing the rectilinear boxes, extracting at least the handwritten characters from the physical scorecard. The method also includes after extracting at least the handwritten characters, calculating a score of the round of golf using the extracted handwritten characters on the application.