What score do I record if I pick up before holing out?
Rule- USA
- USGA
- World Handicap System
- Rules of Handicapping
- Golf leagues
- All ages
- 2024 rules
- Players
If you start a hole but don't hole out for a valid reason (the hole's already decided, it was conceded in match play, your partner already has a better score in Four-Ball, or you've reached net double bogey), record your most likely score or net double bogey, whichever is lower (Rule 3.3).
Most likely score = strokes taken + strokes you'd most likely need to finish + any penalty strokes:
| Where your ball is | Add |
|---|---|
| On the green, within 5 feet | 1 stroke |
| 5 feet to 20 yards from the hole | 2 or 3 strokes |
| More than 20 yards from the hole | 3 or 4 strokes |
Choose within each range based on the ball's position, the difficulty of the green and your ability.
In a format that doesn't allow picking up, such as an individual gross or net stroke-play competition, picking up gets you disqualified from the competition.
Added 21 Oct 2026