Linda,
We play maybe two times a year a game where we are only
allowed 3 clubs and a putter. Our handicap chair says she called the USGA and
they said we should not post those scores. Most players don't care, several say
they will not post, and several insist on posting. What is the protocol for
specialty games and posting?
Thanks
Lulu from Sarasota, Florida
Dear Lulu,
I am surprised that players feel they have the right to
ignore a USGA directive. Posting scores is not an option at the player’s
discretion. There are rules about posting set down by the USGA. Certain scores
are unacceptable for posting. Scores made in tournaments that limit the number
of clubs to less than 14 is one of them. Here is the exact wording from The USGA Handicap System manual, Section
5-2:
e. Unacceptable Scores
Scores made under the following conditions are not acceptable
for handicap purposes and must not be entered in the player's scoring record:
(iii) When, as a condition of the competition,
the maximum number of clubs allowed is less than 14, or types of clubs are
limited as, for example, in a competition that allows only iron clubs…
I wrote a very detailed column in 2009 explaining what
scores are acceptable and unacceptable for posting. I also explained Equitable
Stroke Control. I would strongly recommend that you click on the following link,
read the column, and share it with your group:
Dear readers,
Please remember that
my source for answers to handicap questions is The USGA Handicap System manual. Individual countries have their own
handicap systems, so my answer may not necessarily apply to you.
Linda
Copyright © 2017 Linda Miller. All rights reserved.
