One of the best initiatives in amateur golf to come into its own in recent seasons is the USGA’s Play 9 program (officially observed on the 9th of each month from May – October). With a lower cost and time commitment, playing nine holes is a fun solution enabling players to fit golf into typically busy days. The OGA gladly jumps on this bandwagon, encouraging OGA members to get friends, family, and coworkers together to enjoy more nine-hole rounds. Not only are there many great nine-hole facilities to visit, a lot of 18-hole facilities have special rates for playing nine.

Due in large part to the popularity of Play 9, nine-hole scores have seen an 11% increase in posting to Handicap Index records last season, and we think that number will expand in the future. Nine-hole scores have always been eligible for handicap purposes, but there are a few important things to know when posting nine-hole scores to GHIN:

• Only have time for seven holes? You still can post a nine-hole score for handicap purposes; in fact, it’s a rule of handicapping (play at least 7 holes, post 9; play at least 13 holes, post 18). Simply record par plus any handicap strokes you are allowed on the unplayed holes.
   
• Each nine holes on a golf course has its own USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating. No matter your score posting method, make sure to choose “9 holes” and then the correct Course and Slope Rating for the set of tees and side you played. You never take an 18-hole rating and cut it in half – the numbers will not equate.
   
• For players with 18-hole Handicap Indexes, there is no need to save up your nine-hole scores to add together. Just go ahead and post a nine-hole score right after you play, and it will sit in a “pending” status until you post a second nine-hole score. The two will combine into one 18-hole score in the order they reach GHIN. You’ll see the score 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 course or the same set of tees. For example, you can play the Green front nine at Bandon Dunes one day, and play the Resort back nine at Kapalua Bay the next day for a combined 18-hole round.
   
• Please don’t make the mistake of posting a nine-hole score to an 18-hole rating! This will cause your Handicap Index to plummet, which you might find unpleasant. However, if you have made a posting error, contact your club’s Handicap Chair or the OGA and we’ll make sure you don’t have to live with a +5.0 Handicap Index.

Questions? Contact our Handicapping Department.