Dave's Corner: Internet Handicaps

This being my first column for Golf Guide I thought that a subject relating to the use of the Internet and golf may be of interest. The question. Can I post my scores over the Internet?

The short answer is NO! The USGA only allows its Handicap System to be used by authorized golf clubs and golf associations that follow their Handicap System completely and provide "peer review" among its members. The decision is that "only golf clubs, NOT individuals, could use the Internet to forward their collected scores to their golf associations or handicap computation service". Members are required to post their scores as soon as they have finished play and for fellow members to review those scores. The idea is that the scores will be fresh in everyone's mind.

If a player was permitted to post their scores from home, the immediate review by fellow members would be absent and the integrity and credibility of the handicap system would suffer. So post your scores (all your scores) at your club and play by the rules!

Dave