How do I start a Handicap Group? Two options:
Do I have to obtain a USGA Handicap Index through a golf club? Yes. In order to obtain a USGA Handicap Index, a golfer must join through a golf club that is licensed by the USGA to utilize the USGA Handicap System. Golf clubs must have at least ten individual members that have a reasonable and regular opportunity to play golf together, follow the Rules of Golf and the USGA Handicap System, and operate under bylaws with committees to supervise golf activities, so that scores posted are subject to peer review and the integrity of the USGA Handicap System is maintained. See: Establish a Handicap Top
Can I post scores via the Internet? The USGA Handicap System gives clubs the option to allow their members to post scores via the Internet. If a golfer is a member of a club that accepts Internet scores, scores can be posted directly to the Internet by clicking on the Post On-Line icon or visiting www.GHIN.com. The scores will immediately become part of the golfer's scoring record and be included in the golfer's USGA Handicap Index by the next revision. The scores will appear on the club's handicap computer the next time the club connects to the GHIN network. Top
How do I know if my club has agreed to accept Internet scores? If you are unsure whether or not your club allows Internet score posting, please contact your club or enter your GHIN # and last name at the Internet score posting screen. If your club has accepted the Internet score posting option, the next screen will prompt you for your score. On the other hand, if your club has not adopted Internet score posting, you will receive a message telling you so. Top
Can I view my score history and USGA Handicap Index via the Internet? Yes. Visit www.GHIN.com to view the following information about your active GHIN account: the 20 scores that were used to compute your USGA Handicap Index, your USGA Handicap Index, and your 20 most recent scores. Only the scores posted via the Internet and scores that have been transmitted (sent) from clubs to the GHIN server will be listed. Top
What do the different letter(s) mean next to my scores? The letter(s) immediately following each adjusted gross score indicate(s) specific aspects of a score within a player's scoring record. The following is a list of possible score types:
A = Away I = Internet AI = Away Internet P = Penalty C = Combined Nines T = Tournament TI = Tournament Internet CI = Combined Internet Scores (at least one nine posted via Internet)
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What does the letter mean next to my Handicap Index?
J = Nine Hole USGA Handicap Index exceeds 18.2 for men and 20.2 for women L = USGA Handicap Index exceeds 36.4 for men and 40.4 for women M = Modified Index (by the golfer's Handicap Committee N = Nine Hole USGA Handicap Index R = Reduction - for more information, click here.
What does an "R" mean next to my Handicap Index? The "R" signifies that a "reduction" has been placed on your Handicap Index. The USGA has a section in its Handicap System that automatically reduces the Handicap Indexes of players who consistently score better in competitions than in informal play. To be used, the procedure requires that a player have two or more eligible tournament scores and a minimum of two tournament score differentials which are at least three strokes better than the player's current USGA Handicap Index.
What most players don't realize is that an eligible tournament score under Section 10-3 of the USGA Handicap System Manual is a tournament score made within the current year or a tournament score contained within the player's last twenty scores. All tournament scores posted will stay on a scoring record for a year from the date that they were shot. A tournament score may stay on a record longer if in a year it is still a part of the most recent twenty scores. The Handicap Committee at the golfer's club, not the Minnesota Golf Association, may decide to override a reduction in certain cases. Top
How Do I Change my Address On My Handicap Sticker?
If you know that you will be moving or if your correct address does not appear on your handicap sticker, please contact your club where your handicap membership is held. They will be able to change your address. Once they transmit that information, your record will automatically be updated on GHIN. You can also change your address by contacting the MGA at (952) 927-4643 ext 901 or email us at info@mngolf.org. Top
How do I correct an erroneous score that has been posted to my handicap? To correct or delete incorrect scores in your record, contact the handicap chairperson at your club. He/she can make the corrections (this also applies to scores posted via the Internet). After your club has made the correction, it must transmit (send) it to the GHIN server. Once this has been done, your handicap score history will be corrected. The scoring record which appears online at www.ghin.com will not be updated until the next Handicap Revision. However, if you click on "View 20 Most Recent Scores" on www.ghin.com, the change will be reflected immediately. Top
What is a multi-member? A multi-member of the MGA is a member who belongs to more than one MGA golf club. A player should be issued only one GHIN number no matter how many MGA member clubs the player joins, unless the player has a 9 hole handicap at one course and a 18 hole handicap at another course. In that case, the player will need two different GHIN numbers. Top
How many scores do I need to establish a USGA Handicap Index? You will need five 18 hole scores or ten combined 9 hole scores to establish an 18 hole USGA Handicap Index or five 9 hole scores to establish a USGA Handicap Index (N) (a 9 hole Handicap Index). Top