Ask Linda #7 - post nine-hole score

Dear Linda,
Can you tell me how I can post a nine hole score on an away course? It's 18-hole rating was 68.7 and slope 118. Do I just cut these in half?
Thanks,
Lulu

Dear Lulu,

To be acceptable for handicap purposes, nine-hole scores must meet the following conditions:

1. The course must have a nine-hole USGA Course Rating and USGA Slope Rating;
2. At least seven holes must be played.

You will need to check in the pro shop and ask if there is a 9-hole rating for the holes you played. Often the score card will not show a 9-hole rating, but the course will have that information in its records. Alternately, you may be able to find a 9-hole rating in the GHIN system. There is a look-up feature for course ratings. A third possibility, if you are really ambitious, is to inquire as to what organization is responsible for rating the course you played – a call to that organization should yield a 9-hole rating for you.

If you play nine holes on that course often, you will need to find the nine-hole rating, as you are required to post all your acceptable scores in order to have a USGA Handicap. If this was just a one-time experience, and an accurate rating is nowhere to be found, enjoy the day and we will forgive you this one time for not posting your score.

Linda

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