I recently took part in a 3 club competition where there was some debate as to whether the scores shhould be posted.

The general consensus of opinion was no as the competition was not played under the rules of Golf due the number of clubs being carried. As far as I can tell the maximum number of clubs that can be carried is limted to 14; there is no minimum. Is there some other reasosn why these scores should not be posted ?

The situation you describe falls under Section 5-1f of the USGA Handicap System Manual, 2008-2011. There you will find a list of “Unacceptable Scores” whereby scores made under specific conditions are not to be posted to the player’s scoring record. “(v) When, as a condition of the competition, the maximum number of clubs allowed is less than 14, or types of clubs are limited as, for example, in a competition that allows only iron clubs.” The USGA has determined that a fair test of golf requires a player to use most or all clubs during a round, not exceeding 14 clubs, as per the Rules of Golf. If it becomes a condition of a competition that a player can ONLY use three clubs, or a specific TYPE of club (hickory shafted clubs, for example), this does not meet the standard of a true and fair test of golf ability. You may certainly establish a Handicap Index using fewer than 14 clubs, but when a Tournament Committee sets a condition for a “three club event”, this renders the score unacceptable to your Handicap Index.

Kelly Neely, Sr. Dir., Handicapping & Course Rating

Kelly - thanks for your promt and thorough response.