United States Golf Association
Handicapping FAQs



Section 5

Posting a 9-hole Score to an 18-hole Handicap Index®

Q.  How do I post a 9-hole score to my “18-hole” Handicap Index?

A.  Each nine holes on a golf course has its own Course Rating™ and Slope Rating®. Make sure to post the nine-hole score with the appropriate nine-hole Course Rating and Slope Rating. Two nine-hole scores will eventually be combined to create an 18-hole score and be designated with the letter “C.”

Acceptable nine-hole scores posted at the golf club where a golfer is issued a Handicap Index will be combined with other nine-hole scores posted at that club, regardless of score type. The combining of nine-hole scores may be any combination of nine (e.g. a front-nine middle tee score combined with a front-nine back tee score). Nine-hole scores posted at a golf club where a golfer does not receive a Handicap Index will be combined with other nine-hole scores posted in the same manner.

Please visit Section 5-2d of the USGA Handicap System manual for further reference.