TO POST OR NOT TO POST

The success of the World Handicap System™ calculation is only as good as the data entered.

Short and sweet: the vast majority of scores are acceptable — there are very few good excuses for not entering a score.

Miami Valley Golf offers several ways to post acceptable scores, including course kiosks, the GHIN mobile app, and ghin.com.

A key tenet of the World Handicap System is the expectation that golfers attempt to make their best score on every hole. If you play at least 14 holes, you have an acceptable 18-hole score. If you play 7–13 holes, you may post a 9-hole score. Holes not played are posted as net par.

Both a Course Rating and Slope Rating are required to post a score.

Courses under 3,000 yards for 18 holes (or 1,500 yards for nine holes) do not receive a Slope Rating, as it is difficult to translate performance on very short courses to regulation-length courses.

Scores from both match play and stroke play are acceptable for handicap purposes.

When strokes are conceded, players should record their most likely score. This same concept applies in four-ball when a player picks up because they cannot better their partner’s score.

Rounds played under preferred lies or winter rules are acceptable and should be posted.

“Bad” rounds should still be posted. These scores may replace older rounds and improve the accuracy of your Handicap Index.

High scores are adjusted automatically using the Maximum Hole Score / Net Double Bogey procedure.

• Scores cannot be verified
• Player is being coached during the round
• Non-conforming equipment is used
• Minimum number of holes is not played
• Player does not play their own ball (scrambles, shambles, foursomes)

Playing alone? Solo rounds are not acceptable for posting.

Didn’t finish 18 holes? If at least 14 holes are played, post an 18-hole score using net par for holes not played.

Mulligans? Mulligans are not permitted. Record net par for that hole.

Skipped holes due to pace? Post net par for skipped holes.

You obtain an official handicap by joining a recognized golf club. A club must have at least ten members, peer review, bylaws, and a Handicap Committee.

If you do not have a regular playing group, Miami Valley Golf’s eClub meets all requirements.

Join a Public Access Club or eClub

Cost: Varies by club. eClub pricing is $55 per season.

Activation: A Handicap Index is issued the day after your 54th hole is posted.