A score is acceptable for handicap purposes if the round has been played:

• • In an authorized format of play over at least the minimum number of holes required for either a 9-hole or an 18-hole score to be acceptable.
  • In the company of at least one other person.
  • By the Rules of Golf.
  • On a golf course with a current Course Rating and Slope Rating
  • On a golf course during its active season.

Authorized Formats of Play

• • Stroke play formats where a player plays their own ball from start to finish.
  • Match Play formats where a player plays their own ball from start to finish. (This includes match play when a hole is conceded prior to finishing, provided the score for that hole is calculated using the “score most likely” rule as outlined in 3.3 Rules of Handicapping.)

Team formats where a player does not play their own ball from start to finish are not eligible for handicap purposes. These include team scrambles, team alternate shot stroke play and team alternate shot match play. Other “fun” formats that also do not produce acceptable scores are those that don’t depend on playing your own ball, or those where the number or type of golf clubs to be used is restricted.

Minimum Number of Holes Required

• • 9-Hole Rounds: a player must play all 9 holes to submit an acceptable 9-hole score.
  • 18-Hole Rounds: a player must play between 10 and 17 holes to submit an acceptable 18-hole score, providing there is a valid reason for not playing a hole(s) AND un-played holes are designated as such when a score is posted.

Golf Courses with Course and Slope Rating

A golf course must be a member of a national association that is part of the World Handicap System to have a certified course rating and slope rating. Only rounds played at these courses produce score acceptable for handicap purposes.

Active Season

The active season for score posting in Ontario is April 15 to October 31. 

Scores from valid games played within the active season dates produce acceptable scores and are to be posted for handicap purposes.
NOTE: you can post scores outside of the active season, but they are not used in the calculation of your handicap. They are included as part of your scoring history but are for reference only.

Scores from valid games played within the active season at another golf course in another region – even if played outside the Ontario active season – also produce acceptable scores and are to be posted for handicap purposes.