“What’s Your Handicap Index?”

• It allows you to play with any golfer on a fair and equitable basis.
• It provides a more accurate evaluation of your performance in each round and on different courses.
• It helps you track your progress over time and set goals for your game.
• You will need it to play in most competitive events. (even some of the really fun tournaments require a
• handicap!)
• It includes membership in the Texas Golf Association. **
• You have an answer to “So, what’s your handicap?”

GHIN Handicap Instructions

Sign up to obtain a Handicap Index® issued via the Texas Golf Association and the GHIN® service and via your LPGA Amateur GA, Houston Chapter. Pay $26 online with MasterCard, Visa or Amex, membership good for 2024.

Click on the link below or copy and paste this link into your browser:

https://membership.txga.org/start/join/?cid=9054

Do I want, need or care about a golf handicap?

Maybe. Probably. Definitely. There’s lots of good reasons to have a handicap.

• It allows you to play the game on an even playing field with other golfers of any ability.
• It should you how your game is improving over time.
• It shows you to enter competitions. (even some of the really fun tournaments require a handicap)
• You have an answer to “So, what’s your handicap?”

If you don’t already have a handicap, you can get one through the LPGA Amateurs Houston Chapter. It’s only $28 per year and comes with a Texas Golf Association membership. Click here to sign up.

If you already have a handicap and want to switch to LPGA Amateurs Houston managing your account. Go to the link above and sign up with your current GHIN number. All of the information will transfer over.

Have questions? Email Leslie Sosebee at llsosebee@comcast.net.

PART 1: Fill out the online form.

The first question asked is, “Have you ever had a GHIN number” and hit on the “YES” button, input your existing Golfnet # (because GHIN can now use that same number) or GHIN # and complete the application form, input in your credit card info, etc. On that next page, be sure to check the box to “auto renew”….you can always opt out before the renewal hits. Also be sure to hit the “I am not a robot” so that the transaction will process.

NOTE: If you have never had a GHIN #, and never had a Golfnet #, then you need to hit the “NO” button. The OJR system will automatically assign you with a new TGA/GHIN #.

PART 2: Check your email.

The automated system will then send you an email, advising your TGA/GHIN # has been issued via the LPGA Amateur GA, Houston Chapter (be sure to check your Spam/Junk folder for the email).  You will take it with you when you move from club to club or even state to state. You will use that TGA/GHIN # to register for TGA or USGA events, to post scores online via www.GHIN.com  OR via your smart phone and GHIN’s free mobile app (go to iTunes Apple or Google Play stores).

PART 3: Set up your profile.

You will also receive an email from USGA/GHIN inviting you to create a Digital Profile/Password. Open that email, click on the unique url/link in the body of the message, follow the steps to create a DP/PW. Once completed, use that PW to sign into GHIN.com or the GHIN mobile app to post scores online.

NOTES ABOUT POSTING SCORES

• You can play different golf courses and can post all “acceptable scores.” An acceptable score is: one made while following the Rules of Golf, and the golf course played must have a USGA/WHS Course Rating/Slope--select the course from the drop down listing in GHIN.
• NOTE: Since LPGA Amateur GA, Houston Chapter is a “virtual” club, note that you will have no “home course” per se and when posting scores, be sure to select score types either “A” for Away or “C” for Competition.
• And we recommend you post ASAP following play (or at the very least before 11: 59 pm that same day).
• Post them Hole-by-Hole. GHIN provides you with some pretty cool stats, too, if you post scores HBH, and of course, the more scores posted, the more accurate your HI will be.
• If you have played recently and have been holding onto some scores, then it would have been appropriate to get those posted--just be sure to input the “Date Played” not the current date.
• NOTE: Handicaps are revised/recalculated only after a score has been posted after 11:59 pm central time, during the wee hours of the night. So every time you post a score, your HI changes only after revised/recalculated overnight.

And just an added benefit: With your TGA Membership, you gain a ton of cool benefits, including travel savings of up to 70%  on your next trip. As part of the TGA Member Rewards program, you will also receive major discounts on sporting event tickets, amusement parks, movie tickets and much more. Finally, you are also now eligible to play golf in TGA events like our  Fun Golf Series  for recreational golfers!  

Welcome to the TGA/GHIN and best wishes on the links!