Handicap Index -  FAQs

Obtain a Handicap Index FREE for 60 days HERE

Alternatively, you can obtain a Handicap Index by joining any golf club (public or private) affiliated with your local golf association, like the SCGA.  You can search for public clubs to join at the SCGA here.

Your Handicap Index is designed to allow you to compete with golfers of all skill levels. The Handicap Index is used to determine your Course Handicap, which varies depending on the course and set of tees you play from. The Course Handicap is the number of strokes subtracted from your gross score to give a net score. The strokes are allocated on specific holes, based on their difficulty. To learn more about the Handicap Index and how to use it, read our post here.

By playing with a Handicap Index, you can compete with golfers of any skill level without having to give out strokes arbitrarily. By using a Handicap Index, you can compete against your own potential scoring ability instead of other golfer’s scores. For example, let’s say you shoot a gross score of 94 with a Course Handicap of 24, and your friend shoots 86 with a Course Handicap of 14. Even though your friend shot a lower gross score (which, based on the handicap differences, they will almost every time), your net score is lower (70 vs. 72).

Step 1: Obtain a Handicap ID Number (also known as a GHIN number)

Step 2: Create an account at GHIN.com or on the GHIN Mobile App (Google | Apple) and post three 18-hole rounds or six 9-hole rounds.

Step 3: Your Handicap will be calculated within 24 hours of posting the minimum number of rounds (three 18-hole rounds or six 9-hole rounds). 

View video tutorials about score posting 

You’ll need to record your scores to GHIN account, otherwise known as “posting scores”, in order to establish a Handicap Index. To post a score, you’ll need to know your final gross score, the name of the course you played, and the tees from which you played.

Your gross score is the total number of strokes you took. Your net score is the total strokes subtracted by the number of handicap strokes you receive according to your Course Handicap. For example, if you shot 82 and have a Course Handicap of 12, your gross score would be 82 and your net score would be 70.

If you're new to the system and posting your initial three scores to establish your Handicap Index®, the maximum hole score you can post is par + 5.

Once your Handicap Index has been established, the maximum hole score for posting purposes is a net double bogey, equal to double bogey + any handicap strokes you receive based on your Course Handicap™.

If you post your scores using the hole-by-hole option available within your GHIN Mobile App (Google | Apple), the net double bogey adjustment is applied automatically.

You can post both 9-hole and 18-hole rounds from any course that has an official Course Rating. You can post any scores you have saved, regardless of when you played. 

You can post a score on GHIN.com, on the USGA’s GHIN Mobile App (Google | Apple) or posting computer found in the golf shop at your local golf course. For more information and videos, check out our Quick Start Guide. To post, you’ll need to enter the course, set of tees, and your score.

GHIN stands for “Golf Handicap and Information Network” and is the service established by the United States Golf Association (USGA) to provide handicaps for players that belong to golf clubs affiliated with their regional golf association. For example, if you join a golf club that is affiliated with the Southern California Golf Association (SCGA), one of the benefits you’ll receive as a member is a Handicap ID Number (also known as a GHIN number). A Handicap ID number is the unique ID provided to you to keep your Handicap Index. GHIN is the most widely accepted Handicap Index, and is often the ONLY Handicap Index you can use to enter specific golf tournaments or events.

You need to post three 18-holes scores (or six 9-hole scores) in order to establish your handicap.

Your Handicap Index will be issued the morning after you reach the above threshold (three 18-hole scores/six 9-hole scores).

Yes, your Handicap Index is meant to give the most accurate representation of your playing potential. In order to do that, you need to post your all your best and worst rounds.

If your membership lapses, your GHIN number and score history will be archived and available for future activation.

If you need to change an incorrect score on your file, you’ll need to contact your club’s Handicap Chair. It is a best practice to review the information entered before formally choosing the post or post score buttons.

The maximum Handicap Index is 54.0.

 Your Handicap Index is a generic standard that is not tied to any course or tees. In order to get the right value for a particular round, you need to convert the Handicap Index into what is called a Course Handicap for playing purposes each time you play. There are many ways to determine your Course Handicap for the tees you will be playing; you need the Course Rating, Slope Rating and Par for those tees:

• There are often charts near golf course computers used for score posting where you can look up the Course Handicap based on your Handicap Index
• The score posting computers will convert your Index under “My Handicap Information” Section, then choosing Course Handicap
• If you use the GHIN Mobile App, choose the Course Handicap Calculator
• SCGA.org will direct you to ghin.com. After entering your Handicap ID/GHIN number and last name choose Course Handicap Calculator and search for and pick the tees being played.