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For a player with an established Handicap Index, what is the maximum hole score for handicap posting?

For most players it is net double bogey.

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  1. Par plus five
  2. Triple bogey
  3. Net double bogey ✔

Why: For an established Handicap Index, the maximum is net double bogey: par plus two, adjusted for handicap strokes on that hole.

Huh, didn't know that: There is no limit to how many holes in one round can be adjusted to net double bogey.

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I scored net double bogey on every hole. At least I was consistent with my maximum.
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References

Answer: Net double bogey. For an established Handicap Index, the maximum is net double bogey: par plus two, adjusted for handicap strokes on that hole.

  1. USGA, Rule 3.1b After a Handicap Index Has Been Established www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/handicapping/roh/Content/rules/3%201b%20After%20a%20Handicap%20Index%20Has%20Been%20Established.htm
    For a player with an established Handicap Index, the maximum score for each hole played is limited to a net double bogey
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. USGA, Rule 3.1b After a Handicap Index Has Been Established www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/handicapping/roh/Content/rules/3%201b%20After%20a%20Handicap%20Index%20Has%20Been%20Established.htm
    There is no limit to the number of holes in a round where a net double bogey adjustment may be applied.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  3. USGA, Rule 3.1a Before a Handicap Index Has Been Established www.usga.org/handicapping/roh/Content/rules/3%201a%20Before%20a%20Handicap%20Index%20Has%20Been%20Established.htm
    the maximum score for each hole played is limited to par + 5 strokes
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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