Ask Linda #32 - posting scores

Dear Linda,
Most of the golf I play is in a 2-person scramble format. Should I be posting a score for these rounds?
Lulu


Dear Lulu,

While the USGA would like you to post all your scores, it does not want you to post scores that are not played under the Rules of Golf. In such formats as scrambles, alternate shot, Scotch Chapman, Ryder Cup, etc., you are not playing your own ball and consequently not observing the rules. You do not post these scores.

Since you have raised the topic of posting scores, I would like to remind my readers to post 9-hole scores when you play at least 7 holes, and post 18-hole scores when you play at least 13 holes. The score you record for the holes you do not play is par plus any additional strokes you would receive based on your Course Handicap. For example, let’s say you are playing a course where your Course Handicap is 13. The hour is growing late, and you and your friends decide to call it a day and not play the last 2 holes. The 17th hole (par 5) is the #3 handicap hole, and the 18th hole (par 4) is the #14 handicap hole. For handicap purposes, you would record a 6 on the 17th hole (par plus 1, according to your Course Handicap of 13, which would entitle you to a stroke on the #3 handicap hole), and a 4 on the 18th hole (with a Course Handicap of 13 you would not be entitled to a stroke on the #14 handicap hole).

Also, please remember that when you pick up on a hole you should record your most likely score, which is not the most likely score you would like to have! For example, if you are lying 4 on the green facing a 30-foot putt, you would record a 6 (come on, Lulu, even you know that a 30-footer is not a gimme!).

For those of you hardy souls that remain up north and play winter golf, you will not be posting any scores until the season reopens on April 1. This is your chance to shed the shackles of course management and play with complete abandon. For those of you who escape to warmer climes, please be aware that you can now post them at the club (if it has a GHIN computer) or you can post them online at GHIN.com. If neither of these options are available to you, please remember to keep a record of all your golf rounds (date, name of course, course and slope rating, ESC score), and post them at your home club after April 1.

“ESC” refers to Equitable Stroke Control. If you have an unusually bad hole, you must lower that score before you total your score and post it. If your Course Handicap is 9 or less, the maximum number you are allowed to post for any hole is double bogey; from 10 to 19, your maximum is 7; from 20 to 29, your maximum is 8; from 30 to 39, your maximum is 9; and for 40 or more, your maximum is 10.

Linda

Copyright © 2008 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.