COMMUNITY

Tim, see Section 5 of the Rules of Golf. In particular, 5.1 a. and Questions & Answers about Handicapping at: http://www.usga.org/Content.as.. on the USGA website. "A golfer is required to post scores whenever he plays at least 7 holes. If 7 to 12 holes are played, then that score shall be posted as a 9-hole round. If 13 or more holes are played, it shall be posted as an 18-hole round." Note also the requirement to score the unfinished holes using "most likely score" and the specific definition of same in the referenced section.

Mark, thanks for the help. I was unaware of the most likely score provision for unfinished holes. Thanks again.

I would recommend that you not include stats during these rounds. It will skew your stats and you will not get the benefit from them. Go with just 9 hole rounds so you don't have to assume too much; it's easier Tim.

You really don't use the Most-likely score concept in this particular case. There is a specific rule for it.

http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books..

Tim, I think this clears it up... Only play 13 holes of golf from now on and post 18 hole scores of "most likely" score and your handicap will go down to 10 in no time!!

Sometimes the rules hurt and sometimes they help... just post 9 holes regardless and you will stay closest to handicap and not affect anything. That's always my rule of thumb. Last thing in the world I want to do personally is post scores that aren't accurate.

Posting a Score When a Complete Round is not Played

If 13 or more holes are played, the player must post an 18-hole score. If 7 to 12 holes are played, the player must post a nine-hole score. In either case, scores for unplayed holes must be recorded as par plus any handicap strokes that the player is entitled to receive on the unplayed holes. (See Section 4-2 and 5-1a .)

I think the most likely score is used when you don't (or can't) finish a single hole.

That's a good rule of thumb.

One more add to this... Don't take some of the golf rules so literally if you feel they create a situation that is beyond "normal". You are not "required" to post all scores; don't fall into that trap.

Case in point, I played with my 10 year old son last weekend and played at the local Exec course called ECO. I didn't post the round because the only tee box open was the forward tees that my son played from. Why? It was only 2100 yards and a 102 slope rating and I felt it would skew my handicap. I shot 5 under and was on the green on every non-Par 3 in 1 putting for eagle. My "typical" round does not normally have 3 2-Putt birdies, so I felt it was unreasonable to post it. I chose not to. If I post it, my handicap goes down to +2, which not normal. I really feel you need to use the rule of thumb that when you know your game, post "most likely" when it keeps you reasonable to your handicap.

So is that what you do on all those flawless rounds Mark?

This is the most BS rule to follow in all of sports! To even have looked it up to post it is alarming to say the least. To follow it and use it is a fraud! So we all go out and play 13 and skip the last 5 holes that have potentially the 2 or 3 of the toughest handicapped holes in that stretch and just write down Pars?

Mark, we know you have used it. Please don't promote the use of this rule. Most of us want to see TRUE handicaps for the better of the game and the players playing it.

I have to agree that this is a really dumb rule. Although, I guess it would make sense if I play 13 holes, it's obviously an 18 hole round even though I missed one third of the entire course. On second thought though, no that makes zero sense and sounds like something The Onion or Sports Pickle would write if they were publishing an article detailing the rules of golf. I know it's only an amateur rule, not a professional rule, but could you imagine if in The Masters, darkness stops the final group after they play #13, and they decide to not play the final 5 holes and call if official? That's nearly as obscene as someone winning The Masters with an anchored putter.

Honestly, I just present my scenario from last week as an example of why we need to honor the spirit of the game and the handicap system. This idea of "you must post a score if you go out and play holes" is ridiculous. My advice here is to err on the side of "more is less". Be honest to your game and post a score Tim that you think is the fairest not the definition the USGA gives. We all know they can't enforce anything! I think for everyone else, just play the game and enjoy it.

Yes, shame on me. I was unable to complete a round for the first time in many years, and so I looked up the Rules of Golf and followed them. Obviously I am a terrible person.

My favorite was the commentary on the round. And the stats too! Brilliantly thought out according to those rules of golf... especially the driving distances on each hole.

Is this post just a dream? or is it real? Seems I was just having a conversation about this very same thing with someone i know. Though I can't remember why? Strange thing huh?
Rule or not, I just can't imagine carding a score for any hole that I never played. That's just me though. 40 years ago in High school I used to imagine playing my course in a golf match, and how I would like to play each hole, and the scores I might get. I called it "Fantasy Golf".
Is this the same thing?.................

.......Then again, I also knew a guy who used to line up his cheerios before he ate them for breakfast to make sure they were all the same size........ Hmmm.........Kind of anal I would venture to say..............