The Rules of Golf are tricky! Thankfully, we’ve got the guru. Our Rules Guy knows the book front to back. Got a question? He’s got all the answers.
Alone on the course, I decided to play white ball versus yellow ball. I holed out everything and kept score for each ball. Can I enter both scores for handicap purposes? – Robert S. Altman, PhD, via email
Doctor Robert, in a word, no, you could not have.
From a Rules of Handicapping standpoint, Rule 2.1 states that a score is acceptable for handicap purposes if the round has been played by the Rules of Golf, among other criteria, and the Rules of Golf don’t allow more than one ball in play. (Rule 2.1 also notes that rounds played solo are not acceptable for handicap purposes.)
Not to go too far down the rabbit hole, but however you look at it there are legitimate reasons your dual rounds are both illegitimate. Regardless, this issue is settled law, so next time just play the one ball — and find someone to join you, for handicap and social purposes.
For more posting guidance from our guru, read on …
I know that it is illegal to use the slope feature on a rangefinder in tournament play but that players can agree to waive the rule for casual play. My question: If the slope feature is used, can the score be posted for handicap purposes? – Thomas A. Franko, via email
Rules Guy, as you might imagine, isn’t big on casual. We do sometimes eschew a pocket square on casual Fridays, but that’s about it.
Regarding your question specifically: This situation does appear in a Clarification in the Rules of Handicapping: Clarification 2.1b/2 recommends that a score made while using a DMD (Distance Measuring Device, not to be confused with its distant relative WMD) to measure slope changes not be acceptable for handicap purposes.
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