Posting Your Scores
If you post hole-by-hole, the GHIN program will automatically adjust the score. If you post the front and back total scores you must adjust those scores yourself. To adjust your score, the max score you can take on a hole is a double bogey plus the strokes you are getting on that hole, if applicable.
For example, a player with an 18 handicap who gets a stroke a hole could post a triple bogey max. However, if a player is a 9 handicap he gets 9 strokes on the 9 hardest holes, he could post a triple but on the other 9 least hardest holes he can only post a double bogey. Please note that beginning January 1, 2020, the USGA no longer uses the Equitable Score Control (ESC) system. You MUST use this new technique to post your score.
- Which courses: Post all scores from home and away courses, and designated tournament scores should be posted with a T.
- What events: Post scores in all forms of play; match play, stroke play, even team competitions in which you are requested to pick-up.
- Abbreviated Round: Post your score whenever you play at least 14 out of 18 holes or at least 7 out of 9 holes. On the holes you did not play, record par plus any handicap strokes you would have received. If you pick-up on a hole or are conceded a stroke, record the score you would have made. This score would be the number of strokes (including penalty strokes) taken thus far, plus the number of strokes it would take you to complete the hole from that point.
- If you play more than 9, but fewer than 14 holes, you must post a nine-hole score. Post a score if you play two nines even if it is the same nine, or nines from different days.
- What time of year: Post scores played in an area, e.g., Florida observing an active season even when your home club is in an inactive season.
Failure to post scores from a reasonable percentage of the rounds you play could result in a manual adjustment of your handicap per USGA Handicap Rules.
When should you not post scores in the system?
-
If you played fewer than 7 holes.
-
When you play in a competition limiting the types of clubs used, such as a one-club or irons-only tournament.
-
When the format you play is not under the official rules of golf, as in a scramble or shamble.
-
When an 18-hole course is less than 3,000 yards.
-
Do not post scores in location (part of the country) observing an inactive season.