If you continue to play after the match is over, you post
the actual scores along with any provisions in “Section 4” of “The
USGA Handicap System.”
However, if you do not continue to play when the match
ends, you post “par plus any handicap stokes” you were entitled to receive on
holes not played. For any conceded strokes see “Section 4-1 of The USGA
Handicap System.” In order to have an acceptable score to post, you must play seven
to 12 holes in accordance with the principles of the Rules of Golf for a nine-hole
score (13 holes for an 18-hole score).
Here is an example (See Decision 5-2a/7):
Q: When a match is over on
the 15th hole, and the players continue playing to finish 18 holes, how should
the last three holes be posted? Is it par plus or should the players post
the scores they make on the last three holes? The obvious concern is players
not trying their best after the match is over and posting high scores on the
remaining holes.
A: The players should post the actual scores on the
post-match holes in this scenario. The
player and the player's Handicap Committee have joint responsibility for
adhering to the basic premises of the USGA Handicap System. If the Handicap Committee
feels that the players are inflating the hole scores, or for any reason they
feel necessary to do so, they may apply provisions of “Section 8” (found HERE on
the USGA® website).
Remember, fair handicapping depends upon full and
accurate information regarding a player’s potential scoring ability as
reflected by a complete scoring record.
Every player must be responsible for returning all acceptable scores for
handicap posting purposes.