The AGA licenses the MPWGA to issue USGA Handicap Indexes to our members. There are numerous requirements that must be met in order to maintain our status as a “certified club”.
One requirement is the golf club must “require the posting of all scores made at home and away.” Another requirement is that “a player’s Handicap Index must be adjusted up or down (by the Handicap Committee) if the player does not turn in all acceptable scores or otherwise does not observe the spirit of the USGA”.
Random reviews are an important part of meeting our certification requirements. They are conducted to protect the integrity of the handicap system and to maintain our AGA certification. Clubs are subject to random audits by the USGA to ensure they are in compliance.
It is important to note that the requirement to monitor posting of scores applies to all of our members, including those registered as “HANDICAP ONLY”.
Not Posting a Round?
We realize there are instances when a golf score cannot be posted, e.g., groups play a scramble format or a golfer withdraws before completing seven holes. When this happens, please use the “Didn’t Post” link on the MPWGA Website Home Page. This link opens up a form that will send an email to the Handicap Committee with your reason for not posting.
Most Rounds of Golf Can and Should be Posted
Members will follow these guidelines for posting or not posting scores:
1. Members are required to post all non-Play-Day scores whenever they play. If they cannot post a score, they should utilize the “Not Posting?” link on the MPWGA home page to notify the Handicap Chair. By completing all of the information on the form, including the valid reason for not posting (e.g. did not play enough holes to post a nine-hole score or did not follow the Rules of Golf and why), the member will eliminate the risk of being assessed a penalty score for not posting.
2. Post an eighteen-hole score when at least ten holes have been played.
3. Post a nine-hole score when at least nine holes have been played.
4. Holes Not Played: When a hole is not played, a player’s score for the hole is Net Par, which is par plus any applicable handicap strokes to which she is entitled (also known as Par + Pops). This also applies to any hole that the player does not follow the Rules of Golf.
5. Maximum Hole Score (Par + 2 + Pops): For handicap purposes the maximum hole score a player can post is limited to a Net Double Bogey, 7 calculated as Par + 2 + any handicap strokes (Pops) awarded on the hole.
6. Uncompleted Holes: If a player ‘picks up’ on a hole, she will record the score she most likely would have made. That score, however, must not exceed her maximum hole score of Net Double Bogey (Par + 2 + Pops).
7. Conceded Strokes or Putts: The player will post the score she most likely would have made on that hole, not to exceed her maximum hole score of Net Double Bogey (Par + 2 + Pops). Conceded putts may only be given during Match play events.
8. DO NOT POST SCORES when you play alone, when the competition limits the number or types of clubs used (such as a five-club tournament), or when the majority of the holes are not played under the Rules of Golf (such as a Scramble or Scotch).
How long do you have to post a score?
Per the Rules of Handicapping (Rule I.3.) “A player is expected to submit acceptable scores for handicap purposes as soon as possible after the round is completed and before midnight local time.”
It is crucial that scores are posted on the same day of play for two reasons: 1) Daily Revision and 2) Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC) will use scores submitted at a course each day.
Regular golf groups are encouraged to designate one person who will check to ensure all members of the group post their scores. This is the preferred method endorsed by the AGA to ensure timely and accurate posting of all scores. It is also a good method to “help” partners and friends with posting.
You can use your home computer (www.ghin.com) to post scores or download GHIN Mobile App.
If you have questions or concerns about your own Handicap Index or any of the handicap procedures, please contact the MPWGA Handicap Chair.
Need to correct my posted score?
If you have a score that needs to be corrected, use the “Posting Corrections” link on the MPWGA Website Home Page and fill out the Posting Correction Form.
