We have a lot of par 3's where I live. I went to play one the other day to start the handicapping process. unfortunately, I was paired up with a group of 3 that play "best ball. So I figured, what the heck? First time out playing and figured I will start next time. 2 older ladies who hit from the green and a gentleman who hit from the gold. I decided to do the neighborly thing and join in on the gold as well. I have downloaded a copy of the scorecard.
My question is this. Should I play from the longer black tees for the handicapping process? I won't let them dictate my play again though. I will inform them I am trying to establish a handicap.
Below is from an older version of the USGA handicap manual, but regardless it doesn't appear as though Par 3 courses are eligible for handicap score posting purposes.
Source: USGA Handicap Manual
f. Unacceptable Scores
Scores made under the following conditions are not acceptable for handicap purposes and must not be entered in the player's scoring record:
(i) When fewer than seven holes are played;
(ii) When made on a golf course in an area in which an inactive season established by the authorized golf association is in effect;
(iii) When a majority of the holes are not played in accordance with the principles of the Rules of Golf (except for preferred lies);
(iv) When the length of the course is less than 3,000 yards for 18 holes (or less than 1,500 yards for 9 holes);
(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;
(vi) When scores are made on a course with no USGA Course Rating or Slope Rating;
(vii) When a player uses non-conforming clubs, non-conforming balls, or tees;
(viii) With respect to Rule 14-3 (Rules of Golf), when an artificial device or piece of unusual equipment is used during the execution of a stroke or when equipment is used in an unusual manner during the execution of a stroke. (See Decision 5-1f/2 for an exception.)