5/19/2025
The May Long Weekend is typically the busiest weekend we experience all season. This has been the case every year since I arrived in 2021. It was shaping up to be that way, especially on Sunday with over 250 players on the tee sheet. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans. The wet and cool conditions which moved in Saturday resulted in many cancellations. It also forced many rounds to be cut short. As a result, I received a lot of questions on how scores should be posted when this occurs. There is still some confusion which I would like to help clarify.
First and foremost, Golf Canada and the World Handicap System recommends player’s post their scores hole-by-hole. This is critical, and necessary, when a round is not completed. This can happen for a few reasons, weather, a match that is over, injury, to name a few. Beginning in 2024, when a player plays 10-17 holes, a Score Differential will be created based on the holes played. For the remaining holes not played, the player’s expected Score Differential will be added to that value to produce an 18-hole Score Differential.
To facilitate this change, when a player plays between 10-17 holes, they will be required to post their scores hole-by-hole so the appropriate Score Differential can be calculated from the holes that were played to combine with the expected score for the holes not played. For holes not played, you will enter “0” for those holes. This will show up on your scoring record a little differently. For example, if a player’s total score through 14 holes was 65, and they did not complete the round. They would enter hole-by-hole scores for the holes completed, for the holes not played, they will enter a 0. The round will show up on your scoring record as 65(14), along with a differential calculated based on how you played for the holes played. Keep in mind, entering 0 is only for holes that you have NOT started. If you start a hole and do not complete, you will still use the most likely score. This is right out of the Rules of Handicapping 3.3:
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.
If you have any questions about handicapping and posting scores, please speak with one of the golf professionals. As a reminder, if you participate in club events, it is your responsibility to ensure you maintain an accurate and up-to-date scoring record.
The club hosted its first outdoor fitting event this past weekend. The fitting events continue this weekend. Ping will be at the club this Saturday, May 24
th from 10:00am – 4:00pm. Titleist is scheduled for Sunday, May 25
th from 10:00am – 4:00pm. Both events are nearly sold out. Members are encouraged to book an appointment. The tech reps will do their best to assist with walk-ups to both events.
The deadline for most match play events was extended until tomorrow, May 21
st. I highly recommend signing up for one, if not all, match play competitions. Aside from the fun formats, it is a great way to meet new members at the club. The more matches you play; it is likely that you will compete against someone you might not have met before. Please visit the event directory to learn more and register for the event.