Seems a little excessive, but interesting they put this rule in place...

I am still trying to understand this and why they would make such a rule.  As many of us have already said, we play often as singles.  What is also interesting is that the USGA "owns" the GHIN system, which allows you to post via mobile or internet.  If this new rule is the case, shouldn't they disable that function on GHIN.

Interesting crazy in a way. Maybe it's a plan to get more people to play together. Many Clubs and Courses do have the plan to pair players up majority of the time. It's not all bad in the grand scheme, so let's be positive and play golf with your family, friends, strangers, and staglers! As for myself, I love to play with a variety of players of many different abilities. The Rules may be crazy or outlandish, but if you know the Rules, you can use them to benefit! Control what you can control. 

Like you, I play a lot of rounds by myself (can't always find someone who can get out) and I post what I shoot.  At face value this rule does seem ridiculous, but maybe this rule isn't meant to keep honest players honest, but rather to curb sandbagging.  To me the big question is how will this rule be enforced....times when I do go out by myself and get paired up with someone, more often than not they don't care what I shoot.

Had not heard about this at all. The majority of my golf follows after working  in the afternoon, most of the time solo.

This sounds ridiculous! How can there be verification?

That seems to seriously undermines the integrity of the game

I think it's stupid too.  I generally play by the rules and post my score, my early morning round is almost always played solo as if in tournament play.  If I'm with others playing just for fun and the rules don't matter I don't post those scores.  The handicapping system depends on honesty and play by the rules, unfortunately there are those who aren't honest and don't even know the rules so the system has been, and probably always will be prone to inequity.

My guess would be that the rule change came about because a lot of club tournaments have plenty of protests over how players are flighted and how frequently players play way below their handicap in tournament play.  Just a guess.

But the rules are the rules so I guess solo rounds are now just for fun.

I just think the USGA is catering to a select group of players that have the resources and access to playing in clubs and organized tournaments regularly.

Some people work and have commitments outside of golf that limits the ability to play golf at specific times with specific players.

You are right cheaters will always cheat...but this rule change in my opinion does more harm than good for he good guys.

People that play when they can and often times they have to go solo are penalized for teeing it up alone is just stupid.

Dr. K

I would love to know why this rule was created..   Correct me if i'm wrong but isn't golf ALL about honesty?  The player would only be cheating themselves showing up with a 4 HCP but in all honesty it's really a 14...  It's common sense, put in what you REALLY shot...  

Besides, I don't understand what you gain by entering an incorrect score...  

I have to say, I'm a little surprised they made this change.  My assumption is they are hoping to limit the "sandbagging."  Obviously it's easier to fudge your score a little when you are alone to help your handicap.  But one of the great things about golf is it's commitment to honesty and integrity.   At the end of the day, I don't see this affecting anything except limiting the number of reportable scores.

How are they going to enforce this? How do they know if I played with anyone or not? Very stupid.

As I see it , a cheat will cheat regardless of this rule change. Buying a round of drinks can get someone to sign your card. Bigger things to worry about than this.

I forget who said it, but I was listening to golf channel while eating breakfast and someone said, "no matter what rule the USGA imposes, people are still going to cheat."  I agree with this, regardless if you are playing with your buddies or in a tournament, players will cheat.  Having said that, it is impossible to track if someone played by themselves or not.  Canada chose not to adopt this rule and I don't blame them.

I let this digest a bit to see what the feedback would be for a couple of reasons. I for one, and some others have mentioned, probably play more strict than most people when I do play by myself. I see myself as a large advocate of the view "If you're cheating then you have absolutely no way of getting better. And when you play with friends you'll look like a clown" - Also, this could go against some members' views on here but I traditionally do not record my solo rounds either. I tend to play faster, less thought and just to "get on the course" when I play alone, so I feel it's valid. 

One can argue both ways, all scores should be recorded to reflect a true handicap, or understand my side... to each their own. 

I don't see myself affected by the rule as I do not have any intentions of playing in qualifiers or real tournaments at this point, but for someone who would, I can see it making sense. 

This decision is just plain wrong in so many ways. The RCGA has already came out and said they will not be following this decision for golfers in Canada and that their golfers will still be allowed to post solo rounds. I guess I will now be considered a cheater because I intend to keep posting my solo rounds despite this ridiculous decision.

This rule is disturbing because I value the role integrity plays in the game of golf.  Apparently, the USGA feels most players don't share this value.  Perhaps it is a reflection of today's society?  I don't know. What I do know is that I will continue to play solo rounds because I enjoy them.

I think the change is fine.  The players that want to compete and use their handicap in tournaments, it should be validated.  You can enjoy golf and play all you want without a handicap, just can't get the strokes for tournaments.  I know of golfing societies, which are groups of golfers that play different courses as a regular social group and keep a handicap card based on their scores even though they are not members of any particular club.

All very great stuff everyone!  

Ultimately, you know what you did or do out on the course. If you cheat or otherwise, you're simply cheating yourself.

Technically, does everyone really exchange scorecards before a round and then attest once you have finished playing? 

Hmm, this may end up in the 2020 Version of The Rules.

I mostly play alone, because when i can play ppl can't and vie versa… but I do play in a member league where some of the players take the rules very "cavalier" as Chamblee would put it.  Gimees and what not, and all the players will turn those scores into our GHIN system.  According to the rules, scores where the rules were not followed are not supposed to be used in the handicap system.

You are telling me, since other people saw me play 9 hole member league, that score is more accurate and legal than if I were able to post scores when I play by myself and follow the rules accordingly?

I just don't agree with this new rule...

but, The Dude Abides...

I play 90% of my golf rounds alone.  I am a sunrise golfer and other than my league I am solo.  I am not in favor of this ruling. 

This rule seemed to catch a lot of people of guard.  I prefer to play with someone, but usually end up playing by myself 50% of the time because of one reason or another.  I know that my handicap is going to be based on a lot less scores in the coming year.  It will be interesting to see how it is affected.