FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HANDICAPPING

What is a Handicap?
A handicap is an indication of a player's ability. A specific formula is used to compute handicaps by factoring in a player's score and the difficulty of the course played.

Why would I want a Handicap?

A handicap allows players of different ability levels to compete with each other. For example, if a player with a 20 handicap has a score of 100, her net score is 80 (100 - 20 = 80) while a player with a 27 handicap and a score of 107 also has a net score of 80. Using handicaps helps to even the playing field, making the game more fun.

Handicaps also travel with you. If you play a course that is more difficult than your home course, your handicap will generally be higher and, on an easier course, will generally be lower.

When Should I Establish a Handicap?

If you are just learning the game of golf and spend the majority of your time taking lessons or practicing, then it may be too early for you to establish a handicap.

Once you start playing 9 or 18 hole rounds, you should establish your handicap.

How Do I Establish a Handicap?

Establishing a handicap is as simple as entering your scores into a on-line app.  Once you enter a minimum of three 18 hole scores (a total of 54 holes) the next day you will have a handicap.

How do I get access to this on-line app?  Access to this service is provided by an authorized golf association or AGA.

If you are a member of a club that is a AGA just ask for help in starting your handicap.  Fees for this are usually covered in your membership dues.

If I am not a member of a golf club what are my options?  You can ask at any public course you play, most of these are AGA’s but there will be an annual fee for this service.

Another option available is to join Carolina E-Club through the Carolinas Golf Association (CGA) Carolinas e-Clubs are Internet clubs for golfers who do not wish to join a traditional club. Registration is quick, easy, entirely online and can be completed within minutes. You can apply based on the geographic region of your residence determined by zip code.  Please follow this link to join https://www.carolinasgolf.org/join-eclub.  

If you have questions about posting scores, contact chapter Handicap Chair at  HANDICAP CHAIR to get started.  It's very easy, and can make your game even more fun! 

A verifiable USGA handicap index is required if you are planning to play in any of the LPGA AMATEURS national tournaments (Scramble, Stableford, Individual Championship and Champions Cup). Some of our weekend golf outings this year will also be handicapped events.
 

The New World Handicap System Went Online in 2020

 On 1/1/20, the new Rules of Handicapping were introduced in the United States as part of the World Handicap System that was adopted by countries all over the world.

The entire system looks very different. There’s a new user interface and a new way of posting. Here is a brief overview.

Maximum Score

The maximum score you can post on any hole is a NET DOUBLE BOGEY. In other words, the maximum score for each hole is double bogey plus any handicap stokes applied on that hole, based on your Course Handicap and the difficulty of that hole (holes are ranked by difficulty on the scorecard, from 1 to 18).” [Course handicap refers to the handicap of the player, and difficulty refers to the handicap of the hole].

POSTING - Hole by Hole Scoring

If you use the hole by hole posting option, the system will automatically calculate and make the adjustment for you based on the tees you selected. This is the recommended method for posting all scores. (You will put in your GROSS score on each hole and the software will calculate your maximum score per hole.)

POSTING - Total Score

If you post total scores only (9-hole or 18-hole), you will need to adjust each hole score on your own before posting. To do this, you must first determine your Course Handicap and then note on your scorecard where you receive strokes. Adjust any hole scores down to the maximum allowed and then total your score. You may use the Course Handicap Calculator found at usga.org and will need to know your Handicap Index, the Course Rating and Slope for the tees you played, and the Course Par . 

Handicaps Now Updated Daily

Your handicap index will update EACH DAY you post a score rather than twice each month. You should post your scores immediately after completion of each round and no later than midnight of the day you played. 

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Reminder for GolfNet Users

EFFECTIVE 12/31/2022 Golfnet, LPGA Amateurs free handicapping service, will no longer be operating.  All members who have been using this service will need to find an alternative handicap service. 

• The Triangle NC Chapter is NOT forming an Allied Golf Association (AGA), but many AGAs offer an online eClub, making it very easy to transfer your account. To find the authorized AGA in your area, click on this link.
• When transferring your account, be sure to provide the club with the CCID# found in your GolfNet profile. This ensures that your scoring history will transfer and there will be no interruption of your handicap calculation. Not sure where to find your CCID#? Click here for instructions. 

For more information about the World Handicap System and the new Rules of Handicapping go to the link below.

VISIT USGA WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE

For the USGA Handicap Booklet
CLICK HERE

Questions? Email EMAIL LPGA AMATEURS or contact your  -  CHAPTER HANDICAP CHAIR