Fall may have a slight chill in the air — and for overheated Texans who endured a long hot summer, that’s one of the best things about it. The idyllic autumn weather means we can finally go outside without slathering on sunscreen and sweating buckets.
Fall is also a great season for golf here in the Lone Star State. Many courses are enjoying some of their best playing conditions of the year. Perhaps the only downsides are that we lose an hour of sleep and by 5 p.m. or so, it’s dark outside.
When Daylight Savings Time ended at 2 a.m. on Nov. 4, so too did hopes of going out during the week and playing 18 holes after work. Since we’re likely to be playing a lot more nine-hole rounds over the next several months, now is a good time for a refresher course on posting those types of scores to GHIN:
Each nine holes on a golf course has its own USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating. No matter the score posting method, make sure to choose “9 holes” from the drop-down menu and then the correct Course and Slope Rating for the set of tees and side played. (Never take an 18-hole rating and cut it in half – the numbers will not equate.)
If you only get to play seven holes, you still can post a nine-hole score for handicap purposes; in fact, it’s a rule of handicapping (play at least seven holes, post nine; play at least 13 holes, post 18). Simply record par plus any handicap strokes allowed on the unfinished holes.
If you have an 18-hole Handicap Index, there is no need to save up nine-hole scores to add together. Nine-hole scores should be posted after the round, and it will sit in a “pending” status until a second nine-hole score is posted. The two will combine into one 18-hole score in the order they reach GHIN. (The score will be tagged with a type “C” for Combined with the date of the second nine.)
Any two nine-hole scores can make up an 18-hole score. They do not have to be played on the same nine or same set of tees or same course. For example, you can play the front nine forward tees on your home course on a Saturday afternoon, and then a week later play back nine regular tees at a different course for a combined 18-hole round.
There is no restriction on the number of nine-hole scores that can be posted to your scoring record. Even if you play a majority of nine-hole rounds, you can still utilize a Handicap Index.
Again, please try to avoid the mistake of posting a nine-hole score to an 18-hole rating. This will cause your Handicap Index to plummet, which is sure to come as a very unpleasant shock. So, when posting nine-hole scores to GHIN be sure to remember that the Drop Down “Holes” Menu is automatically set to 18 Holes, use the Drop Down Menu option and click on 9 Holes and choose correct Course and Slope Rating for the set of tees and side played.
Reminder: The Texas Golf Association does not have the authority to change your scoring record. If you do make a mistake when posting your scores online, you must contact the Golf Shop staff or Handicap Chairperson where your current handicap is established for assistance.