What you need to know now that it's handicap season again
Many golfers will readily admit there are times when playing a solo round is sublime. However, Rule 2.1 of the Rules of Handicapping states that if you play by yourself, you can’t post your score. (The USGA's explanation is that without a witness, the handicap system’s foundational tenet of peer review is missing.) But what happens if you bring along a “witness” to your round? Or how about when you sneak out with a buddy on a fairly empty course and play 18 holes, but jump around and don't play the course in its intended order?
Here’s another situation to ponder: You’re playing a match but also recording your score as if it’s a regular stroke-play round. Which score counts for handicap purposes? Do you post a 5 on No. 2 when your putt was conceded for the match or a 6 when you missed the putt for stroke-play purposes? How about that temp green on No. 11? Can you post a score for that hole?
With the "active" season for handicap posting beginning in March and April for more than 30 U.S. states (you can check when your state starts here), the question of what constitutes an official round for index purposes is worth revisiting. We’ll assume you know that you can’t post your round from a scramble-format tournament, but if you’re not sure whether to post or not post in any of the above scenarios, read on.
1. Playing a solo round with a “witness” in the cart: You can post a round if you have a marker accompany you. If someone can attest to your score, regardless of whether you’re married to that person or not, you're supposed to log in that round. All the Rules stipulate is that you have to be “in the company of at least one other person” subject to satisfying any other requirements of the Rules of Golf.
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2. Playing a golf course out of order: So long as you meet the minimum-holes-played requirement for nine holes (must play nine) or 18 holes (must play 10), you can post a score when you and your buddy are jumping around while chasing daylight or trying to avoid getting caught behind a slow group/s.
3. Playing match play and stroke play at the same time: Your foursome intends on playing stroke play, but then someone in the group suggests you play a friendly match at the same time. You can do it, but when it comes to posting handicap rounds, the score you post is dependent on holing out (and/or taking the maximum score allowed for handicap purposes). In other words, if your putt is conceded in the match but you miss it in the stroke-play round, count the miss toward your posting score.
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4. Posting a score on a hole with a temporary green or teeing area: This one is dependent on the course's staff or committee. Inquire with the “Authorized Association” as to whether you can post for a hole or holes with temporary tee boxes or putting surfaces. You might be able to, but it’s not a blanket yes. There also might be adjustments made to the Course Handicap and Slope if the temporary status is long term.
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