Maximum Hole Score for Handicap Purposes:
When a member enters their grand total score for the round, he/she MUST take into account the maximum score that can be recorded per hole. It is strongly recommend that you to enter your scores hole-by-hole in the GHIN system so the system automatically does these adjustments for you. You just enter your gross score hole-by-hole and the system handles the rest.
If you are unable to, and have to enter your total score manually, following are some guidelines.
If You Already Have an Established Handicap Index
For a player with an established Handicap Index, the maximum score for each hole played is limited to a net double bogey, calculated as follows: (*or minus any handicap stroke(s) that a plus handicap player gives back on that hole.) (See Diagram 3.1b.)
Before a Handicap Index Has Been Established
For a player submitting their first scores to obtain an initial Handicap Index, the maximum score for each hole played is limited to par + 5 strokes (see Diagram 3.1a).
For more information see these resources from WHS/USGA:
Poster: WHS Maximum Hole Score for Handicap Purposes Poster
Video: WHS Maximum Hole Score For Handicap Purposes Video
Full Rules: 3.1 Maximum Hole Score for Handicap Purposes