Most likely score process:
There are various circumstances that might result in a player starting a hole but not holing out. For example, when:
- The result of the hole has already been decided,
- A hole has been conceded in match play,
- A player’s partner has already posted a better score in a Four-Ball format and the player picks up, or
- A player has already reached their net double bogey limit on a specific hole.
When a player starts a hole but does not hole out for a valid reason, subject to other provisions set out within the Rules of Handicapping, the player must record their most likely score or net double bogey, whichever is lower, as appropriate for the situation and depending on the format of play.
The most likely score is:
- The number of strokes already taken to reach a position on a hole, plus
- The number of strokes the player would most likely require to complete the hole from that position, plus
- Any penalty strokes incurred during play of the hole.
Most likely scores should be determined on any hole in accordance with the following guidelines:
Position of the Ball: Strokes to be Added
If the ball lies on the putting green, and is no more than 5 feet (1.5 metres) from the hole:
Add one additional stroke.
If the ball lies between 5 feet (1.5 metres) and 20 yards (20 metres) from the hole:
Add 2 or 3 additional strokes, depending on the position of the ball, the difficulty of the green and the ability of the player.
If the ball lies more than 20 yards (20 metres) from the hole:
Add 3 or 4 additional strokes, depending on the position of the ball, the difficulty of the green and the ability of the player.
