Establishing a Handicap? - DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate

**MeatteCen** · 04-12-2009, 09:16 PM

Is there an easy way to do this? I've been to the SCGA website and it says that you need to join a golf club or create a club yourself.

There's a handicap thing offered by Golfsmith.com. But I'm not sure how reliable that is.

Also, what is considered a home course? And am wondering the process to establish a handicap through them and what the requirements are? I know that they have men's and women's tournament that you can join to establish a handicap. Guess I would have to find more about it.

I've always thought, like bowling, you just take the average of your scores, right?

TIA

**55TRATTERENRY** · 04-12-2009, 09:17 PM

Great question. Can't wait for the responses.

**eljugadordepoquer** · 04-12-2009, 09:25 PM

There are a million places to get your handicap calculated correctly. many are free online and work quite well.

However establishing a real handicap for events, tournies, etc... is something different. GHIN is what we use here in FL and is used a lot throughout the country. There is a yearly fee, but it is fairly small and it updates for us twice a month. It is an official handicap that way.

**duceswild** · 04-12-2009, 09:30 PM

For my SCGA membership I just use Roger Dunn. It comes with a cool discount book as well and you can do it all online. You could also have the pro shop at a course handle it for you.

**NADALA** · 04-12-2009, 09:31 PM

There are any number of free websites that will calculate it for you. As long as you have the course info (rating/slope) you can enter your scores and they will calculate the handicap. Yahoo is one that is free. Many others but am not sure of the names.

Now if you want an official USGA/GHIN handicap you need to 'join a club' get a member number and enter the scores. That is the offical system that you would need for sponsored tournaments and other events that require an offical handicap. You don't need to have a membership at a course. 'Join a club' just means that you have to pay for it. Golfsmith is an online club that is offical, there are a few others. If you go to your local course and they do them there, you can pay the $30 or so to get the member number and then do it all online if you wanted to. It may have changed, but pretty much anything that is 'official' you will need to pay for. If you don't need an offical handicap then try and do it for free.

The last option involves basic math. You can get the formula and rules and requirements online and do it yourself. I have an Excel spreadsheet that I use. I all did was enter the formula and then enter the course info and score and I have the handicap. Is it official? No, but I don't need it to be.

**FoetAgerhot46** · 04-12-2009, 09:32 PM

[QUOTE=JB;170359]There are a million places to get your handicap calculated correctly. many are free online and work quite well.

I am currently working on setting up a handicap through yahoo.

I would like to ask those that know, what is the difference between handicap and index? I have seen both out there and am unclear of the difference if any.

**Gromiaaborn** · 04-12-2009, 09:34 PM

Please note that joining a "club" can also mean joining the women's league at any course that belongs to GHIN. It does not have to be a private club.

Your home course is the course that you have joined GHIN through. You will get an index, which is then recalculated into a course handicap depending on the slope of the course. When you ask most people what their HI is, they are telling you their handicap for their home course.

**loikrso** · 04-12-2009, 09:35 PM

Golf_Gal,

Unless you are planning on playing in tournaments soon (i.e., you just want something to measure your progress), go with one of the free online handicap index calculators. They use the same formula as an official USGA handicap.

There are a bunch out there. I like oobgolf. It also lets you input stats such as putts, fairways hit, greens in regulation, and penalties. It also automatically calculates ESC (Equitable Stroke Control) and adjusts your score accordingly.

Other free online handicap index calculators:
Golf Handicap Calculator : Digital Divot
Golf HandicapTracker
Golf Promotions | Golf Handicap | USGA Handicap Tracking
Golf Score Tracker - Online Golf Stats - KeepMyGolfScore.com
Easy Golf Stats - Free Golf Stat Tracker | Score Tracker | Golf Handicap Program

And I'm sure there are a ton more.

**Gromiaaborn** · 04-12-2009, 09:35 PM

One other note - you cannot play in most tournaments or outings with an "online" handicap. You need an official handicap.

**pBiRXp8u** · 04-12-2009, 09:37 PM

Is there an easy way to do this? I've been to the SCGA website and it says that you need to join a golf club or create a club yourself.

There's a handicap thing offered by Golfsmith.com. But I'm not sure how reliable that is.

Also, what is considered a home course? And am wondering the process to establish a handicap through them and what the requirements are? I know that they have men's and women's tournament that you can join to establish a handicap. Guess I would have to find more about it.

I've always thought, like bowling, you just take the average of your scores, right?

TIA

If you have a favorite course that you play regularly, check with them and see what womens clubs or leagues they have. They can usually put you in touch with the club organizers, and often the dues will also cover handicap maintenance. I'm in The Men's Club at Foothills, a local public course. There are also several Womens clubs there, both weekend for working women and weekday for those who can play then.

I just sent my 2010 dues check in to the treasurer today, and it includes the $25 fee for USGA handicap maintenance.

**duceswild** · 04-12-2009, 09:43 PM

Also at the start of the year the SCGA is somehow combining with GHIN. I dont know if this will make it easier because SCGA is kind of a PIA.

**MeatteCen** · 04-12-2009, 09:44 PM

The course that I play at mostly, is the cloest one to me and its a 9 hole course, pretty nice!! I think its a par 30? I don't even remember. But they have a ladies tournament every Saturday. Have been debating this for a while, because I stink, and no one is going to want to play with me =P But I'm pretty sure you need to already have established a handicap in order to join so they team people up that way.

I've also heard that they have end of the month tournaments for only $20. So may try that?

I don't think I'm ready for tournaments yet, for now, I just like to play for fun and def. dress the part

**alicewong** · 04-12-2009, 09:52 PM

Is there an easy way to do this? I've been to the SCGA website and it says that you need to join a golf club or create a club yourself.

TIA

I use the Chicago District Golf Association, which I could only imagine is similar to the SCGA. If so, their handicap system will be authorized by the USGA and, thus, "legit." There are also many benefits of joining the local golf association. Of course, you will need to join a club/home course... but that is often painless and may be able to be done online. If there is a course that you and your boyfriend enjoy playing, you should check-in with them and see if they are a member club of the SCGA. The annual fee is often minimal, and may come with a nice gift (like a hat with the course logo on it).

**MADwanker** · 04-12-2009, 10:18 PM

In Cheeseland if you join the WI State Golf Association for like $20, you can enter your scores online. I join where I have a membership and enter my scores at the club. My Wife and daughter do their's online. We all have member numbers.

Memberships also include a prescription to Golf Week which is nice.

Kevin

**MeatteCen** · 04-12-2009, 10:21 PM

Is it safe to say that you will end up paying annual fees?

**pBiRXp8u** · 04-13-2009, 12:23 AM

Is it safe to say that you will end up paying annual fees?

Yes. The USGA does not provide the service for free, and your handicap must be maintained by an affiliated association in order to be recognized.

04-12-2009, 09:16 PM	#1
MeatteCen Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 507 Senior Member	Establishing a Handicap? Is there an easy way to do this? I've been to the SCGA website and it says that you need to join a golf club or create a club yourself. There's a handicap thing offered by Golfsmith.com. But I'm not sure how reliable that is. Also, what is considered a home course? And am wondering the process to establish a handicap through them and what the requirements are? I know that they have men's and women's tournament that you can join to establish a handicap. Guess I would have to find more about it. I've always thought, like bowling, you just take the average of your scores, right? TIA Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-12-2009, 09:17 PM	#2
55TRATTERENRY Join Date Nov 2005 Posts 440 Senior Member	Great question. Can't wait for the responses. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-12-2009, 09:25 PM	#3
eljugadordepoquer Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 439 Senior Member	There are a million places to get your handicap calculated correctly. many are free online and work quite well. However establishing a real handicap for events, tournies, etc... is something different. GHIN is what we use here in FL and is used a lot throughout the country. There is a yearly fee, but it is fairly small and it updates for us twice a month. It is an official handicap that way. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-12-2009, 09:30 PM	#4
duceswild Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 464 Senior Member	For my SCGA membership I just use Roger Dunn. It comes with a cool discount book as well and you can do it all online. You could also have the pro shop at a course handle it for you. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-12-2009, 09:31 PM	#5
NADALA Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 379 Senior Member	There are any number of free websites that will calculate it for you. As long as you have the course info (rating/slope) you can enter your scores and they will calculate the handicap. Yahoo is one that is free. Many others but am not sure of the names. Now if you want an official USGA/GHIN handicap you need to 'join a club' get a member number and enter the scores. That is the offical system that you would need for sponsored tournaments and other events that require an offical handicap. You don't need to have a membership at a course. 'Join a club' just means that you have to pay for it. Golfsmith is an online club that is offical, there are a few others. If you go to your local course and they do them there, you can pay the $30 or so to get the member number and then do it all online if you wanted to. It may have changed, but pretty much anything that is 'official' you will need to pay for. If you don't need an offical handicap then try and do it for free. The last option involves basic math. You can get the formula and rules and requirements online and do it yourself. I have an Excel spreadsheet that I use. I all did was enter the formula and then enter the course info and score and I have the handicap. Is it official? No, but I don't need it to be. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-12-2009, 09:32 PM	#6
FoetAgerhot46 Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 417 Senior Member	[QUOTE=JB;170359]There are a million places to get your handicap calculated correctly. many are free online and work quite well. I am currently working on setting up a handicap through yahoo. I would like to ask those that know, what is the difference between handicap and index? I have seen both out there and am unclear of the difference if any. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-12-2009, 09:34 PM	#7
Gromiaaborn Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 470 Senior Member	Please note that joining a "club" can also mean joining the women's league at any course that belongs to GHIN. It does not have to be a private club. Your home course is the course that you have joined GHIN through. You will get an index, which is then recalculated into a course handicap depending on the slope of the course. When you ask most people what their HI is, they are telling you their handicap for their home course. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-12-2009, 09:35 PM	#8
loikrso Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 578 Senior Member	Golf_Gal, Unless you are planning on playing in tournaments soon (i.e., you just want something to measure your progress), go with one of the free online handicap index calculators. They use the same formula as an official USGA handicap. There are a bunch out there. I like oobgolf. It also lets you input stats such as putts, fairways hit, greens in regulation, and penalties. It also automatically calculates ESC (Equitable Stroke Control) and adjusts your score accordingly. Other free online handicap index calculators: Golf Handicap Calculator : Digital Divot Golf HandicapTracker Golf Promotions \| Golf Handicap \| USGA Handicap Tracking Golf Score Tracker - Online Golf Stats - KeepMyGolfScore.com Easy Golf Stats - Free Golf Stat Tracker \| Score Tracker \| Golf Handicap Program And I'm sure there are a ton more. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-12-2009, 09:37 PM	#10
pBiRXp8u Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 447 Senior Member	Is there an easy way to do this? I've been to the SCGA website and it says that you need to join a golf club or create a club yourself. There's a handicap thing offered by Golfsmith.com. But I'm not sure how reliable that is. Also, what is considered a home course? And am wondering the process to establish a handicap through them and what the requirements are? I know that they have men's and women's tournament that you can join to establish a handicap. Guess I would have to find more about it. I've always thought, like bowling, you just take the average of your scores, right? TIA If you have a favorite course that you play regularly, check with them and see what womens clubs or leagues they have. They can usually put you in touch with the club organizers, and often the dues will also cover handicap maintenance. I'm in The Men's Club at Foothills, a local public course. There are also several Womens clubs there, both weekend for working women and weekday for those who can play then. I just sent my 2010 dues check in to the treasurer today, and it includes the $25 fee for USGA handicap maintenance. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-12-2009, 09:43 PM	#11
duceswild Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 464 Senior Member	Also at the start of the year the SCGA is somehow combining with GHIN. I dont know if this will make it easier because SCGA is kind of a PIA. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-12-2009, 09:44 PM	#12
MeatteCen Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 507 Senior Member	The course that I play at mostly, is the cloest one to me and its a 9 hole course, pretty nice!! I think its a par 30? I don't even remember. But they have a ladies tournament every Saturday. Have been debating this for a while, because I stink, and no one is going to want to play with me =P But I'm pretty sure you need to already have established a handicap in order to join so they team people up that way. I've also heard that they have end of the month tournaments for only $20. So may try that? I don't think I'm ready for tournaments yet, for now, I just like to play for fun and def. dress the part Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-12-2009, 09:52 PM	#13
alicewong Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 438 Senior Member	Is there an easy way to do this? I've been to the SCGA website and it says that you need to join a golf club or create a club yourself. TIA I use the Chicago District Golf Association, which I could only imagine is similar to the SCGA. If so, their handicap system will be authorized by the USGA and, thus, "legit." There are also many benefits of joining the local golf association. Of course, you will need to join a club/home course... but that is often painless and may be able to be done online. If there is a course that you and your boyfriend enjoy playing, you should check-in with them and see if they are a member club of the SCGA. The annual fee is often minimal, and may come with a nice gift (like a hat with the course logo on it). Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-12-2009, 10:18 PM	#14
MADwanker Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 455 Senior Member	In Cheeseland if you join the WI State Golf Association for like $20, you can enter your scores online. I join where I have a membership and enter my scores at the club. My Wife and daughter do their's online. We all have member numbers. Memberships also include a prescription to Golf Week which is nice. Kevin Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-12-2009, 10:21 PM	#15
MeatteCen Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 507 Senior Member	Is it safe to say that you will end up paying annual fees? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

04-13-2009, 12:23 AM	#16
pBiRXp8u Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 447 Senior Member	Is it safe to say that you will end up paying annual fees? Yes. The USGA does not provide the service for free, and your handicap must be maintained by an affiliated association in order to be recognized. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

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