Getting a USGA handicap

[mmoan2]

All, How does one go about getting an official USGA handicap rating? Thanks for the help, MJM

[turtleback]

Originally Posted by mmoan2

All, How does one go about getting an official USGA handicap rating? Thanks for the help, MJM

You have to join a USGA affiliated club.  There are 3 types of clubs.  The most common is the cub attached to a specific course.  The second is one that is not course specific but includes people who have some connection - work, church, etc.  The third is aa club that advertises to the general public for members - frequently it is an online club.  In each case there must be opportunities for members to play together in order to fulfill the peer review function that is a key part of the USGA handicap standards.

Here is a link to a USGA page dealing with this very question:

http://www.usga.org/handicapping/get_handicap/Getting-A-Handicap/

Good luck.

[MrSandman]

the usga really should just run the hadnicaps online now if you want.  the use of a club seems outdated and unnecessary at this point.  The whole "peer review" excuse is just there for some nerds at the course to feel important.

[meenman]

Originally Posted by MrSandman

the usga really should just run the hadnicaps online now if you want.  the use of a club seems outdated and unnecessary at this point.  The whole "peer review" excuse is just there for some nerds at the course to feel important.

Well that and an excuse for the club to mark it up and profit a bit.

[ApocG10]

Membership at most clubs includes handicapping. But you can also just join the USGA, or in canada, the CPGA, which works in accordance with the USGA. It came with my membership to my home course. I have membership to three clubs {two 18's and a 9, in a package deal}, and can turn in a card at any CPGA affiliated club in Canada.

[dsc123]

I use www.ushandicap.com.  You join an online club, post your scores, and play with a member a couple of times to make it official.

[iacas]

the usga really should just run the hadnicaps online now if you want.  the use of a club seems outdated and unnecessary at this point.  The whole "peer review" excuse is just there for some nerds at the course to feel important.

It's there to prevent people from having handicaps which are too high or too low. It doesn't have anything to do with "some nerds" who want to "feel important." The efficacy can be debated (or, not really), but you're going to keep finding yourself in the Penalty Box if you continue to behave like a troll.

[NM Golf]

Originally Posted by mmoan2

All, How does one go about getting an official USGA handicap rating? Thanks for the help, MJM

Personally I think the best way is to join the golf association at a golf course close to you. You can get a handicap and play in some of that course's tournaments during the season. Call around, some courses do it pretty cheap, some are more expensive but throw in extras.

Originally Posted by MrSandman

the usga really should just run the hadnicaps online now if you want.  the use of a club seems outdated and unnecessary at this point.  The whole "peer review" excuse is just there for some nerds at the course to feel important.

You really should get a clue before you start running your mouth. Peer Review is the first line of defense when it comes to dealing with people who play with inflated handicaps (sandbaggers),  I am one of these "nerds" since I have been the handicap chairman at my course on several occasions. I do not do it to feel important.

[turtleback]

Originally Posted by ApocG10

Membership at most clubs includes handicapping. But you can also just join the USGA, or in canada, the CPGA, which works in accordance with the USGA. It came with my membership to my home course. I have membership to three clubs {two 18's and a 9, in a package deal}, and can turn in a card at any CPGA affiliated club in Canada.

In the absence of joining a club, joining the USGA is not going to get you a handicap.  It is going to get you a copy of the Rules, a bagtag, a hat, and preferred ticketing to USGA events.  But to get a USGA handicap in the US you need to belong to a club.

[David in FL]

I am one of these "nerds" since I have been the handicap chairman at my course on several occasions. I do not do it to feel important.

On purpose? ;-) My hat's off to you. One of the most under appreciated positions at any club!

[Pakoh]

I was curious about scoring for handicap purposes...

if i have a blow up hole in my round, I am supposed to score it less then my actual score when reporting for a handicap?

I know its for sandbagging, but since i am not doing that i always just score it what i got.

whats the rule on this?

(not trying to digress, just didnt think the question needed its own thread)

[trackster]

Originally Posted by Pakoh

I was curious about scoring for handicap purposes...

if i have a blow up hole in my round, I am supposed to score it less then my actual score when reporting for a handicap?

I know its for sandbagging, but since i am not doing that i always just score it what i got.

whats the rule on this?

(not trying to digress, just didnt think the question needed its own thread)

You are suppose to follow Equitable Stroke Control.  Just google it.  It will tell you that you should only take a max of a 6, 7, or 8 depending on your handicap.  I don't agree with the ESC but it is what it is.

[NM Golf]

USGA Handicap Manual Rule 4-3 See it HERE

Below is the basic table.

[BuckeyeNut]

To have an official GHIN HC.....you don't even need to join a club.  Just pay the fee at just about any public course near you.....and you are in.  You don't even need to post your scores on site.   it can be done online........

Easy peasy....

[mmoan2]

Thanks, y'all. Can't wait to take some of this advice.

[turtleback]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuckeyeNut

To have an official GHIN HC.....you don't even need to join a club.  Just pay the fee at just about any public course near you.....and you are in.  You don't even need to post your scores on site.   it can be done online........

Easy peasy....

Someone should inform the USGA of this since they seem to think that you can only get a USGA handicap through a USGA licensed club.  From the USGA site:

Quote:

While the USGA® develops the formula used in tabulating handicaps, it does not issue them directly to individual golfers. A USGA Handicap Index is issued through licensed golf clubs that follow all the procedures of the established USGA Handicap System™. The USGA definition of a golf club can be found in the link below as well as U.S. and international golf associations that are licensed for handicap purposes.

http://www.usga.org/handicapping/get_handicap/Getting-A-Handicap/

[Dave2512]

I think some are confused by the "club" term thinking is means country club. Most golf courses are licensed USGA clubs. The only time I've ever encountered one that wasn't was when it was a stand alone par 3 or exec course. Go to the USGA site and search for clubs in your state. All will have huge lists of courses public and private. If there are any public places that aren't it's because they don't want to deal with it. A few places around here manage it with volunteers from the mens or womens club, like they do with rangers. The swap is everything from free membership to discounted green fees. To have a USGA handicap you have to enroll with a licensed club.

[meenman]

In Florida, you can sign up online through the fsga. Some of the clubs out here have become cheap with their handicap services and use non-ghin ones, so those that want to play in official tournaments have had to also get an official USGA handicap.