Nine Hole Scores

Prior to 2024

Nine hole scores were stored in a golfer's scoring record and then combined with the next nine hole score to create a single 18-hole Score Differential.

2024 Going Forward

Once posted, a Score Differential is created for the nine holes that were played. This value is combined with an Expected Score Differential to create an 18-hole Score Differential that will immediately be added to the golfer's scoring record and included in the nightly handicap revision. (There is no more combining of nine holes scores.)

What is my Expected Score Differential?

An expected score can be thought of as a neutral value. It is a value based specifically on your Handicap Index. Golfer's with the same Handicap Index will have the same expected score for nine holes.

This value will be the same regardless of what course and tee you have played or how well you played that day.

There is no "lookup table" available to be able to determine your expected score prior to your round. 

Requirements

Nine hole scores may be posted hole by hole (preferred) or as total scores.

You must have played all nine holes to be able to post the nine hole score. (Prior to 2024 you could have played 7 or 8 holes to post a nine hole score with net par used to fill in the 1 or 2 unplayed holes. This is no longer the case.)

Finally, the nine holes must be played over a nine holes with a course and slope rating (typically the front nine or back nine). 

FAQs

Q: I posted my nine hole score and see it displayed as the score I shot. Shouldn't the score be different?

A: No, the score is displayed "as is" in your scoring record. The score itself is not changed or adjusted in any way. For example, if a golfer shoots a 45, a "45" will be displayed. What you will see for that score is the full 18-hole Score Differential. The “N” score type may represent one of the following – a 9-hole score combined with an expected Score Differential to produce an 18-hole Score Differential (beginning with the 2024 World Handicap System™ revision) or two 9-hole scores combined (prior to the 2024 WHS™ revision).

Q: I played the front nine twice in row in the same day. How do I post this score?

A: You would post this score as two separate nine hole scores. (Each score will have it's own 18 hole Score Differential.)

Q: I played in a shotgun start situation and started on #13 but finished on #3. Can I post my score?

A: While you played nine holes, you did not play a rated nine, so this score cannot be posted.

Q: I played 10 holes then had to stop. Do I post this as a nine hole score?

A: You would not post this score as a nine hole score. Post this score using the hole by hole method and an 18 hole Score Differential will be calculated for you.

Q: Can I determine what my expected score differential was?

A: Yes, this can be done. First calculate the Score Differential for the nine holes you played:

Score Differential = (Adj. Gross Score - Course Rating - ½PCC) X (113 / Slope Rating)

Then subtract that value from the calculated 18 hole Score Differential. The result will be your expected Score Differential based on your Handicap Index on the day you played.

USGA's FAQ Page

Please visit the USGA's website for more information about nine hole scores.