By GAM.org
Keeping an honest handicap is important to every golfer, but even more so, when competing in a scramble, or amateur event, where net score will determine the winner.
The rules for posting handicaps have changed and most golfers are unaware of what scores are important to post to maintain an accurate handicap.
The Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) recently answered some of the questions surrounding handicapping issues.
Q: I just posted my score, when will my Handicap Index update?
Handicap Indexes update overnight. Any scores posted by midnight EST will be used in your new calculation in the morning of the following day.
Q: Can I post scores from the past?
Yes, it is best to post scores the day you play, however past scores can be posted. This is very handy for people just starting a Handicap Index, who want to establish one quickly.
Q: Why are some 27-hole courses giving me an error message when trying to post scores?
New USGA requirements reduce the options for 27-hole courses, only 18-hole rotations are listed. A 9-hole score can be posted, but you may need to search for the course again instead of selecting from a “recently played” course that only listed one of the nines.
Q: Why can’t I find the course I played?
We recommend typing in the first part of the course name and not including things like GC, CC, Golf Course, etc. For example, search Hawk Hollow, not Hawk Hollow GC.
Q: What are examples of rounds I should not post?
Rounds played by yourself, alternate shot and scramble formats, playing less than the minimum number of holes and rounds played at courses without an active Course and Slope Rating.
Q: What is the required minimum number of holes played to post a 9-hole score, or an 18-hole score?
Seven holes must be played to post a 9-hole score, or a minimum of 14 holes for an 18-hole score.
Q: If I play 11 holes what do I post?
Post a 9-hole score and disregard holes 10 and 11.
Q: How is a score arrived at for the holes I don’t play or finish?
If a hole has not been started, Net Par, or “Par-Plus.” Par Plus is any handicap strokes received on the missed hole.
For example, if you are a 12 Course Handicap and the hole you didn’t play was the 7th Stroke Index (handicap) hole you would post Par + 1 ( or bogey) for that hole.
If a hole was started the hole, but not completed, apply the “most likely score” which is the number of strokes and penalty strokes already taken plus the number of strokes most likely required to complete the hole using the following guidelines.
– On the Putting Green less than 5 feet from the hole: Add 1 Additional Stroke
– Between 5 feet and 20 yards from the hole: Add 2-3 Additional Strokes*
– More than 20 yards from the hole: Add 3-4 Additional Strokes
Q: Can a Four-Ball (best-ball) score be posted even the player picked up on certain holes?
Yes, the “most likely score” concept would be used for the holes which were not played.
Q: If I am playing Match Play should I post my score?
Yes, scores should be posted using both “most likely score” guidelines, for holes not completed (including concessions) and Net Par (Par Plus) for holes not played, if your match ends early.
Q: Where can I find a list of courses that have active Course and Slope Ratings?
The USGA’s Course Rating and Slope Rating Database has a complete listing of all courses with a rating. Both the USGA and The R&A require courses be re-rated every 10 years. Posting scores from courses, who have do not had a current rating by their local golf association is not allowed.
For questions, please contact handicap@gam.org.
