On Sunday, March 1st, active score posting season begins again in Washington. All acceptable scores from rounds played within Washington from March 1st through November 14th should be posted, and it’s recommended that you post your scores on the same day you play.
If you’ve been playing in a warm weather area, such as California or Arizona, it’s been acceptable to post your scores throughout the entire winter. Be sure you post those scores as well!
Below we have recapped a few important reminders and responses to some frequently asked questions. If you have additional questions, see one of the Pros in the Pro Shop or refer to your Linden Handicap committee. If you don’t yet have a GHIN or track your handicap – see the Pro Shop! As a Linden member you have access to tracking your handicap through the club. GHIN handicaps are only $50/year for adults and $5/year for juniors.
By posting your scores consistently, you contribute to a more accurate and fair representation of your golfing ability, and help maintain the integrity of the handicap system. It is not only important for official events but for ensuring fair play in casual rounds as well. You can post your score after your round via the GHIN Mobile app on your phone, on GHIN.com using your computer or phone, or at the computer kiosk in the pro shop!
If you are planning to play in the Men’s Member-Guest and Bombay tournaments, you must have a minimum of 8 scores posted in 2026 in order to participate.
Happy posting!
Will, Glenn, & Ben
Desirae Clarke – Handicap Committee Co-Chair
Steve Stoyles – Handicap Committee Co-Chair
Why It’s Important to Post Your Scores
- Accurate Handicap: Posting every score ensures that your handicap is updated and reflects your most recent performance. This helps provide a true representation of your skill level.
- Fair Play: The handicap system allows golfers of different abilities to compete fairly against one another. Without posting scores, your handicap may be inaccurate, making competitions unfair.
- Accountability: Posting your scores creates a record of your play and gives you a clearer picture of your strengths and areas for improvement. It helps track progress over time.
- Competition Integrity: Many competitions, both casual and official, rely on accurate handicaps for fair competition. Players who don’t post their scores may unfairly affect the integrity of these events.
Score Posting FAQs:
Posting 9-Hole Scores
Q: Do I need to post a 9-hole score?
A: Yes, you should post your 9-hole score as part of your total score. If you only play 9 holes, simply post the score as it is, and the system will calculate an 18-hole equivalent based on the specific guidelines.
Q: Can I post a score for just 9 holes if I play a full round?
A: No. If you play 18 holes, you must post the full 18-hole score. The system calculates handicaps based on the entire round of 18.
Posting Scores for 10-17 Holes
Q: What if I don’t finish my round and stop after 10-17 holes?
A: If you play 10-17 holes, you should still post a score. The system will calculate an adjusted 18-hole score using your actual score for the holes played, and then extrapolate the remaining holes according to specific guidelines. The system aims to adjust the score fairly to ensure a consistent handicap.
Q: Do I have to complete the round to post my score?
A: While it is best to complete the full round, if you play at least 10 holes, you can still post your score.
Q. I started a hole but did not complete it. What score do I post?
A. When the format of play allows you to start a hole but not complete it, the score recorded for handicap purposes is your most likely score, equal to:
- The number of strokes already taken on the hole, plus
- Any penalty strokes incurred during the hole, plus
- The number of strokes you would most likely require to complete the hole.
A most likely score is a reasonable assessment made by you based on the score you are most likely to make from that spot more than half the time. The following guidelines should be used to determine a most likely score:
- If the ball lies on the putting green no more than 5 feet from the hole, add one stroke.
- If the ball lies between 5 feet and 20 yards from the hole, add 2 or 3 additional strokes depending on the position of the ball, difficulty of the green and your ability.
- If the ball lies more than 20 yards from the hole, add 3 or 4 additional strokes depending on the position of the ball, difficulty of the green and your ability.
Q: Am I allowed to not post my score because I was practicing on the golf course?
A: All rounds of golf played at Linden during the handicap posting season need to be posted. A player should not play extra shots and use the golf course as a practice area. We have a driving range, two short game areas, and two indoor simulators for the purposes of practice.
Posting While Playing Match Play
Q: Do I post my score during a match play event or while playing a match against my buddies?
A: Yes, even during a match play event or game, it’s important to post your score after completing your round. This ensures that your handicap is accurate, regardless of whether you win or lose your match. Remember, in match play, the focus is on winning individual holes, but you should still track and post your total score for the round. If you don’t finish a hole because it is conceded, you should still track what your most likely score would have been on the hole and post it (see procedure above).
Q: Does match play affect how I post my score?
A: No, match play does not alter how you post your score. You are still required to post the total strokes you took for the entire round, as you would in stroke play.
Posting Scores in Competitions
Q: Do I need to post my score during a golf competition?
A: Yes. Whether you’re playing in an official tournament or a casual club competition, you must post your score after your round. Most golf clubs or organizations require scores to be posted for handicap purposes, and it is often a requirement for playing in competitive events. Linden’s professional staff will post competition scores for you in most cases.
Q: Will my score count toward my handicap if I play in a competition?
A: Yes, scores from competitive events count towards your handicap, provided they are completed according to the rules of the event and the golf course. If it’s a sanctioned event, make sure to post your score once your round is finished.
For more information on the World Handicap System, please review the links below.