Rules on the course
Unrated Tees or a Changed Course: Before You Post
A course change may require an authorized rating decision. It is not a reason for a player to invent a correction or borrow a convenient rating.
Competitive Play · Updated October 22, 2026
Three similar-looking rating problems
Original worked comparison
Three similar-looking rating problemsWhich facts apply?
CASE 01
Wrong row
Ava selected another tee in the app.
Correct the selection using the valid rating that applies.
CASE 02
Temporary setup
Ben played shortened tees and a temporary green.
Ask the club or association whether a valid adjustment applies.
CASE 03
No valid rating
Cara cannot establish a current applicable rating.
Do not manufacture one from par, length or a neighboring course.
Fictional cases and stated event assumptions. The exact official rule, eligible player category and actual Committee notice determine the real procedure.
The short version
- Verify the exact rating row first.
- Describe temporary tees, greens and closed holes accurately.
- Only use an authorized adjustment or posting procedure.
Rule out an ordinary selection mistake
Check course identity, tee name, player rating category, nine versus 18 and the played date. A wrong database row can look like a course-rating problem when the correct row is available. Preserve the original entry details before requesting a correction.
Do not choose a rating simply because it makes a disappointing score look more reasonable. The rating must describe the authorized setup actually played.
Send the association a complete change description
For temporary tees or greens, provide which holes changed, the approximate change, the dates and any official course notice. The club and authorized association can decide whether an adjustment or another procedure is appropriate.
A player’s own yardage measurement does not authorize a new Course Rating or Slope Rating. Shortened holes, temporary surfaces and unplayed holes also raise different questions; do not combine them into one guessed subtraction.
Keep the record pending rather than fictional
Ask how the authorized service wants the score handled if the right setup is missing. Record the answer and avoid duplicate entries. The acceptability requirements still apply.
For foreign-course identification, use overseas posting. For a completed rated nine or a partial outing, see nine-hole interpretation and unfinished rounds.
Official sources
Official provisions checked October 22, 2026. Read their full wording and current event conditions.
Your next move
Read the governing source
Check the complete official procedure and your event conditions before acting.
Read the governing source(Official source), opens in a new tab