Posting handicap scores for Michigan Golf Courses ended October 31. However, if you travel over the winter months to Florida, Arizona, or some other warm weather location, you can keep your handicap up to date.
Here is the official handicap posting rules from GAM. 
To Post or Not to Post – Winter Edition
Q: I am playing a round of golf in Florida/Arizona this winter. Can I post that score?
A: Yes, provided the round does not fall into one of the categories listed in the next question, it can be posted.
Q: What are examples of rounds I should I not post?
A: Rounds played by yourself, alternate shot and scramble formats, when you don’t play the minimum amount of holes (9), or rounds played at courses without active Course and Slope Ratings.
Q: Is there a list of states and dates, where scores can be posted for my Handicap Index?
A: Yes, you can view a full list of “Active Score Posting Seasons” across the country at: https://bit.ly/3FKz8gb.
Q: What is the required minimum number of holes played to post a 9-hole score and an 18-hole score?
A: If you play at least 7 holes you must post a 9-hole score and if you play at least 14 holes you must post an 18-hole score.
Q: If I play 11 holes what do I post?
A: You would post a 9-hole score and disregard the scores on holes 10 and 11.
Q: How do I come up with scores for the holes I don’t play or finish?
A: If you have not started the hole, you apply what is known at Net Par or “Par-Plus” which is Par + any handicap strokes you would get on the 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.
A: If you have started the hole but did not finish it, you apply the “most likely score” which is the number of strokes and penalty strokes already taken plus the number of strokes the player would most likely require 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*
*Depends on the position of the ball, the difficulty of the green and the ability of the player
Q: Can I post Four-Ball (best-ball) scores even if I pickup on certain holes?
A: Yes, you would apply the concept of “most likely score” in those scenarios where you picked up.
Q: If I am playing Match Play should I post my score?
A: Yes, you would post your score 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 Ratings and Slope Ratings?
A: At the USGA’s Course Rating and Slope Rating Database: https://ncrdb.usga.org/. The USGA and R&A require that courses be re-rated every 10 years. Posting scores at these courses who choose not to get it redone by their local golf association is not allowed.
For any other questions, please contact handicap@gam.org.
