Here’s How to Post Your Score while “Away”

HANDICAPPING

Escaping the Cold This Winter? Here’s How to Post Your Score While ‘Away’JANUARY 28, 2023 | LIBERTY CORNER, N.J.By Danny Vohden

For golfers in 34 states across 41 Allied Golf Associations (AGAs), January and February bring not only cold weather and wet conditions, but an “inactive season” as it pertains to their Handicap Index®. And while golfers in those states may still have opportunities to tee it up as their local golf course permits, posting scores will have to wait until March or April – unless you plan to head to warmer weather.

The USGA Handicapping Department explains:

Remind me, what’s the inactive season?

The inactive season is the period on the calendar during which any round you play in your home state or region does not count toward your Handicap Index. It exists to address the impact that seasonal weather can have on the conditions of a golf course.

When an AGA issues a Course Rating™ and Slope Rating® for each set of tees at a golf course, both are based on effective playing length and difficulty under “normal” conditions. In many parts of the country, there are certain months when facilities remain open but are unable to maintain regular course conditions because of weather. If scores were accepted for handicap purposes during these times, the Handicap Index of players could be unfairly distorted.

Learn more about the active/inactive season.

How do I post my score when traveling to a state that’s “active?”

When a golfer plays on a course in an area observing an active season, that score must be posted as long as the round meets the criteria for an acceptable score (see Rule 2.1 of the Rules of Handicapping).

This is the case even if a player’s home club and course are observing an inactive season (e.g., a golfer from New York plays golf in Florida in January). Any rounds played on a course other than the home course should receive an Away or “A” score type when posting it.

In short, knowing whether to post during the winter months is determined by where the round is played and ensures that a golfer’s Handicap Index is an accurate representation of their demonstrated ability.

Check out the USGA Handicapping Department’s comprehensive series of free resources for more information or contact your local AGA.

To sign up for a Handicap Index, visit USGA.org/getahandicap and begin tracking your progress while enhancing the fun and social aspects of your game.