The Rules of Golf Are Complicated! Thankfully, we have the teacher. our Rules Guy knows the book inside out. Have a question? He has all the answers.
Alone on the course, I decided to play the white ball against the yellow ball. I kept everything and kept score for every ball. Can I enter both scores for handicap purposes? – Robert S. Altman, PhD, via email
Doctor Robert, in a word, no, you couldn’t have.
From a Handicap Rules perspective, Rule 2.1 states that a score is acceptable for handicap purposes if the round was played by the Rules of Golf, among other criteria, and the Rules of Golf do not allow more than one ball in play. (Rule 2.1 also notes that rounds played alone are not eligible for handicap purposes.)
Not to go too far down the rabbit hole, but any way you look at it, there are legitimate reasons that your double rounds are both illegal. Regardless, this issue is regulated by law, so next time just have a ball – and find someone to join you, for handicap and social purposes.
For more posting instructions from our teacher, 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
The Rules Guy, as you can imagine, isn’t big on randomness. We sometimes get away with a pocket square on the occasional Friday, but that’s about it.
Regarding your question specifically: This situation appears in a Clarification to the Handicap Rules: Clarification 2.1b/2 recommends that a point made while using a DMD (Distance Measuring Device, not to be confused with its distant relative WMD) to measure changes in slope is not acceptable for handicap purposes.
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Have a question about the Rules? Ask Guy Rules! Send your questions, confusion and comments to rulesguy@golf.com. We promise you won’t throw the book at you.
