Q: HELP: I can’t login to post scores on GHIN.com or the GHIN mobile app. What changed?
All golfers are now required to have a digital profile in order to access the GHIN Mobile App or GHIN.com. You can start the digital profile creation process at www.ghin.com or the GHIN Mobile App if you have an email address on record with the SCGA. You will need to verify two of three things: GHIN Number, Last Name or email address. Upon verification you will receive an email from [email protected] that will position you to complete the create digital profile process. If the verification won't confirm your email address correctly or indicates it is sending it to an email address you no longer use you will need to have your club or the SCGA update the email address to move forward with the GHIN Digital Profile process.
Q: I need to add/change my email address that is on file with the SCGA in order to create a digital profile.
There are two entities capable of making these edits/additions – the SCGA and your club officials. Once this updated email address is in your SCGA record, you will then be positioned to create a GHIN Digital Profile -and can do this in one of two ways: 1) receive an email from [email protected]; or 2) go to ghin.com or the GHIN Mobile APP and complete the profile creation. This cannot be completed successfully until there is an accurate email address in your SCGA record. Please be aware that due to an influx of these requests it may take up to two business days to receive a response from the SCGA.
Once you have created your digital profile, you will be able to manage your contact information through ghin.com and/or the GHIN App.
Q: I’ve forgotten my password for posting scores on GHIN.com and/or the GHIN App.
Once you create a GHIN Digital Profile the SCGA has no access to the password and cannot set or reset a password for you. You will need to choose the Forgot Login Information Link on either GHIN.com or the GHIN Mobile App and complete the reset password process.
Q: I have an exclamation mark with a circle next to my Handicap Index. What does that mean?
This means that an Exceptional Score Reduction has impacted your Handicap Index. Congratulations on your great round. See here for more information on this system safeguard.
Q: How do I join the SCGA and get my Handicap Index?
There are 3 ways to join the SCGA, all of which include a USGA/GHIN Handicap Index:
- Golf Club Member - Become a member of any SCGA golf club. Find a golf community that matches your style: EXPLORE OUR CLUB FINDER
- Associate Member - Join as an SCGA Associate Member and we’ll auto-assign a club near you. It’s fast, easy and inexpensive: JOIN NOW
- Start your own club - Do things your way... Check out how to get started quickly and easily: START YOUR CLUB
Q: What is a Handicap Index?
A Handicap Index is a number used to represent your potential scoring ability, which is always expressed as a number taken to one decimal place (e.g. 10.4). This number is used to calculate how many strokes you would potentially need to adjust your score back to par, and allows golfers of all skill levels to compete on an even playing field. While there are different ways to get your Handicap Index, the Handicap Index is the most universally trusted and accepted version. For more information on the World Handicap System, check out this great article on our blog..
Q: Do I have to join a golf club to join the SCGA?
Yes, to maintain a valid USGA Handicap Index, you must be a member of a certified USGA “golf club”. Don’t worry! We make the process easy by automating the process (Associate Membership) or by helping your find a local group that fits your personality, ability level and style of play (Club Finder Tool). You can also start your own golf club if that’s more your style!
Q: How do I get a Handicap Index?
Step 1: Join an SCGA golf club! It’s fast and easy if you go here. Step 2: Once you join, the SCGA will send you your own GHIN number. This number is unique to you and allows you to “post scores” to your individual golfer account. You can post your scores by using ghin.com or the USGA GHIN App on your mobile phone. You’ll need to post three 18-hole scores (or any combinations of nine-hole rounds and 18 hole rounds that add up to 54 holes in total) in order to establish your Handicap Index, which will be revised/established the day after you post your third 18-hole score. Look on your mobile phone or ghin.com to see your updated Handicap Index. Please note: Posted rounds are NOT limited to rounds played with your golf club; you can post rounds from any round at any golf course, with any group of golfers. For a simple step-by-step process with video, check out our get started guide.
Q: What is the difference between GHIN and other Handicaps out there?
While there are different ways to get your Handicap Index, the Handicap Index through an Allied Golf Association like the SCGA is the most widely trusted and accepted version. Use of the GHIN Service through the SCGA allows you to use GHIN products, whereas other services cannot offer GHIN products. Whether you’re trying to qualify for the U.S. Open, play in a local club event, or participate in a charity tournament, a Handicap Index through the SCGA will always be accepted.
Q: What's the difference between an Associate Membership and a Regular Membership?
Both full and associate memberships provide you with “full” SCGA benefits, including a Handicap Index (posting scores via your GHIN number).
Full membership means that you are joining an SCGA-licensed golf club and you have “full” access to that club’s tournaments and benefits. Pricing will vary because each club determines their own club dues.
An Associate membership means that you are joining a SCGA-licensed golf club as an Associate Member, which provides limited access to that club’s tournaments and benefits. The club determines the limited benefits it sets for associate members. A chart outlining participating Associate Member clubs and benefits can be viewed here.
Q: How long is my membership good for?
Your membership is good for 12 months from the date you join.
Q: How do I post a score?
You can post a score GHIN.com, on the USGA’s GHIN mobile app, 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.
Q: How do I renew my membership with a different club?
- If you know which club you’d like renew with: go to scga.org/renew and search the name of the club you wish to join. If that clubs offers online registration/payment for membership, you’ll find a “Renew Now!” link next to their search result listing. Have your GHIN number handy so that your account can be transferred to your new club. For clubs that do not participate in online registration, but are seeking members, a contact point with email address and phone number is listed. Note: for clubs directly associated with a golf course facility, you can usually visit the course and ask about membership in the club.
- If you do not know which club you’d like to renew with: visit clubfinder.scga.org and search for clubs in your area that match your interests and ability level. Again, have your GHIN number handy so that your account can be transferred to your new club. If you need help finding a club, contact the SCGA at (818) 980-3630 and we’ll be happy to help.
Q: How do I renew my membership with my previous golf club?
Most SCGA golf clubs participate in the SCGA’s online join/renew program, so the quickest way to rejoin is to go to scga.org/renew and input your club into the search box. If your club appears, a “Renew Now!” link is listed to the right which will take you to your club’s renewal portal. If your club does not use the SCGA’s online join/renew program, the contact name for your club official should be listed. We recommend contacting him/her to renewl. As always, you can also contact the SCGA if you have trouble finding your club contact: (818) 980-3630. Note: If you are currently a member you will receive an email notification specific to each club starting 60 days before your membership expires, advising you that it is time to renew. Email follow-up messaging will continue until you take action.
Q: What else does my membership include?
Aside from a Handicap Index, all SCGA members receive:
- Access to 100+ competitive tournaments for golfers of all skill levels
- 60+ non-competitive, member-only group golf outings at private and premier SoCal courses at discounted rates
- Monthly member-only discounts
- $150+ in rewards at golf retailers
- Subscription to the SCGA’s FORE Magazine
Q: I've posted scores, when do I get a Handicap Index?
In order to get a Handicap Index, you need to post at least three 18-hole scores. Your Handicap Index is updated the day after the submission of the third score. Go to GHIN.com or access the GHIN mobile app to see your updated Handicap Index.
Q: Can I keep my same GHIN number if I change clubs?
Yes! You can keep the same GHIN number, no matter which club you renew with.
Q: My membership expired. Do I still get to keep my same GHIN number?
Yes, you will be able to keep the same GHIN number by searching our database and linking it to your reactivated membership.
Q: How does someone change clubs and/or join multiple clubs?
- Joining a different club just before your existing club membership expires (SCGA notifies you in advance via email regarding each club membership) ensures continuous service and benefits – You can join any club of your choice. In all cases, you will be able to use the same GHIN number to reactivate your membership at your new club.
- Joining an additional club while in the middle of membership with another club – This results in paying each club for its membership fees. In this scenario you are considered a multi-club member from an SCGA perspective, which would make you eligible to apply for the SCGA multi-member rebate at scga.org/rebate .
- In all cases, when desiring to be listed on a club’s SCGA roster, there are potentially two ways to do so. IF the club participates in the SCGA’s online membership payment program, you can accomplish this at www.scga.org/2join. If the club is not listed this means it is not participating in the program and a club official from that club will need to add you onto the club’s SCGA roster. Please contact the club for further assistance.
Q: Do I have to play with my golf club?
Your level of participation with your club is entirely up to you. The SCGA encourages golfers to engage with their club, as these local groups are fun, social and an essential part of the golf community. However, while your club will likely offer regular tournaments and/or events, you can play and post a score at any golf course with any group of people your choose.
Q: Can I post rounds that I played before I'm a member?
Yes! You can post any scores you have saved, regardless of when you played.
Q: How do I change my home club designation for handicap purposes if I am a member of more than one club?
- In general, this is not important, as it is only meaningful if there is a handicap dispute and the clubs in which you are a member don’t agree on a handicap action. If you are a member of more than one club and you want to change your home club designation please contact your club official or the SCGA. Home club designation is to ensure your Handicap Index is managed in accordance with the Rules of Handicapping and does not change your membership status in any club.
Q: Does my score history get deleted if my membership expires?
Like your GHIN number, your score history remains on record.
Q: Can I set my membership to renew automatically?
Yes! When renewing your membership through the SCGA’s join/renew portal, select the “Auto-Renew My Membership” option when checking out. Note: not all SCGA clubs use the SCGA’s join/renew portal for membership renewal, so this feature will vary by club.
Q: I can't find where to renew my club membership online. How do I renew?
To check if your club has online renewal, search for your club at scga.org/renew If your club doesn’t appear, or does not show the “Renew Now!” link next to their name, you’ll need to contact a club official directly to renew. Note: The SCGA sends email messaging starting 60 days before a membership expires with instructions on how to renew in a particular club. Alternatively, you can call the SCGA at 818-980-3630.
Q: I have more questions regarding a Handicap Index and the World Handicap System, where do I go?
Visit the SCGA World Handicap System (WHS) Hub (there’s also a handy chat feature on the site), consult your club Handicap Chair, or give the SCGA a call at 818-980-3630. We are here to answer ALL your questions.
Q: Am I a USGA member when I join the SCGA?
No. While your SCGA membership includes a Handicap Index, it is not a membership to the USGA. Also, if you join the USGA Members Program, this does not result in receiving a Handicap Index. USGA Membership is a philanthropic donation to the USGA. To establish a Handicap Index, you must become affiliated with a golf club (see Establishing a Handicap Index section).
Q: I have more questions - can I talk to somebody on the phone?
Of course! If you have any questions about your membership or need help renewing, give us a call at 818-980-3630. Our business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PDT, Mon-Fri.
Q: Can a club start offering the online join/renew feature at any time or does it have to be started at year-end?
A club can begin to offer this at any time. Most would probably start when most of their membership activity takes place, but nothing precludes a club from starting at any time.
Q: Who is responsible for providing the club information to the SCGA to get started?
The club identifies an individual contact point for the SCGA to work with. The club contact can fill out the form at scga.org/access or it can identify a person and ask the SCGA to walk through the preparation with that person. In either case the SCGA will work with the club contact to make sure everything is set up correctly.
Q: Can the club ever change any information?
Yes, we recognize that things can change. We would ask the individual contact for the club to reach out to the SCGA Member Services Department to ask for a change in information. Changes in dues from year to year will need to be communicated PRIOR TO September 1. The SCGA will implement the change and allow the contact for the club to review and confirm any modifications.
Q: What credit card types can be used on the membership portal?
Visa and MasterCard only.
Q: Are there any fees to the club or individual for participating in this?
There are no additional fees. This is an SCGA member service.
Q: Who at the club gets notified that a member has joined or renewed online through the membership portal?
The club initially identifies a single contact to receive email notification. The club can have other people added to the notification list by contacting the SCGA.
Q: How often is the club contact notified via email?
The club contact is notified seconds after any membership transaction is completed.
Q: If a club uses the portal, can that club then pay its SCGA invoice/statement amount via credit card?
Yes.
Q: Does the new member learn about who to contact at the club?
In the confirmation email, the new member will receive a club contact name and email address for any questions. Many clubs are planning on sending a welcome email to the new member; the SCGA will automatically send its welcome to the SCGA email as well.
Q: Does the club have to input member information into the GHIN database via via a USGA tool?
No, the new member fills out a profile during the process and this data is automatically loaded into GHIN.
Q: How quickly does a new member receive an SCGA/GHIN number?
A new member receives his or her SCGA/GHIN number seconds after the transaction is completed as part of an email notification that everything has been completed. This member can immediately begin to post scores after receiving this number.
Q: How does the club learn of the profile information entered during the process so that it can contact its new member?
The identified club contact will receive the profile information in the member joined confirmation email. It is also stored in Golf Nations, and a club can use the USGA Admin Portal to access the member’s individual record and/or generate a club roster at any time.
Q: Is the credit card information secure?
https:// is in place during the input and utilization of the credit card information. This is the standard in the industry and uses Secure Socket Layer that encrypts information.
Q: Can an existing member update his or her contact information so that our club has the best possible information to use?
Yes, during the procedure the member’s profile will be made available for review and updating. This updated information will be stored in the GHIN database and is accessible via GHP Online Club at any time.
Q: Can a former member of our club, who is now inactive, again become a member of our club using the online commerce tool/portal?
Yes, a player can be found via SCGA/GHIN number or name and if the member is inactive can be reinstated. In addition, an Admin can change the Roster view in Golf Nations/SCGA Admin Portal to include all or view inactive to find a former member of the club and activate that member manually.
Q: Is there both a join and a renew capability and do we have to use both?
There is both a join and renew capability, accessible through a single button/link. A club does not have to offer both joining and renewing capability. The good news is that if an existing member clicks on the button/link, the program will realize that the person is a member of the club and is renewing and price accordingly. Similarly, for a brand new member to a club chosen, the program will determine that this person is new to the club and ask the right questions and price accordingly.
Q: Our club has one membership type that includes all of our tournaments and another membership type that does not include tournament eligibility. Can we use the online membership portal for both membership types?
Yes, We can accommodate as many membership types as your club offers. We give you an opportunity to describe the benefits of your membership types in approximately five lines of text so that prospective members can determine which choice suits them best. This concept also applies to individuals comparing clubs and their benefits.
Q: Can we charge one fee for first-time members, a different fee for renewing members up to a certain date, a different fee for renewing members after a certain date and another fee for those who actually let their memberships expire with the commerce portal?
Yes, we will confirm all of your various pricing models and automate these functions so that you do not have to remember to change something on date x.
Q: We charge juniors and seniors different fees than other members. Can that membership portal accommodate this?
Yes, by using the date of birth entered into the golfer’s profile, pricing can be automated. Similarly, this also will determine whether a golfer is eligible for the SCGA Junior discount, where we do not charge a golfer SCGA dues if under the age of 19.
Q: Do all of our members have to participate in auto-renewal?
NO. The auto-renew feature is optional for each member.
Q: Is there an auto-renewal membership option with this program?
YES. A club can choose to allow its members to optionally participate in an auto-renewal option, easing the collection of dues for the long term.
Q: Do members who sign up for auto-renewal have the ability to opt-out of this feature later?
YES. Members will receive an email notification both four weeks and two weeks in advance of an automatic renewal, giving the opportunity to cancel the upcoming charge. See sample below:
Q: If a club inactivates a member who is scheduled for auto-renewal, will the auto-renewal charge go through?
NO. When a member is inactivated, auto-renewal is also inactivated for that member.
Q: When will auto-renewal take place for a member?
Auto-renewal is scheduled to occur 15 days prior to the member’s expiration date. This is AFTER the member has been sent two email communications advising of the pending auto-renewal transaction.
Q: If a member does not choose the auto-renewal feature while joining or renewing a membership, but decides that auto-renewal makes sense, can a change be made regarding participation?
Given that auto-renewal is chosen during the membership payment process, the member would not be able to activate the auto-renewal feature until the next membership cycle/year.
Q: Will a club have to address inactivation dates or anything similar for a golfer who is set up for auto-renewal?
No. The program is set up so that, for example, a golfer who pays for membership on Oct. 15 will have a subscription end date of 365 days later on October 15. If that person then renews any time in their renewal window (starting 60 days prior to expiration, i.e., Aug. 16) the next year the subscription end date will be advanced 365 days to Oct. 15 of the following year. If the member does not renew and the club leaves the rollover setting for the member at OFF in the SCGA Admin Portal, the member will automatically become inactive on Oct. 16 with no additional action by the club.
Q: If a member signs up for auto-renewal, but opts out via either the four or two-week emails, will the club have to do anything to inactivate the golfer?
NO. The member should be listed as rollover OFF and will become inactive one day after the subscription end date passes.
Q: Can a member scheduled for auto-renewal actually inactivate membership online?
Technically NO, but practically yes. The club is the only entity in position to inactivate a membership; the member can only opt-out of the automatic renewal function. However, if a member opts out of automatic renewal and does nothing else, the membership will expire automatically one day after the subscription end date.
Q: If our club wants to change its membership prices for a new year, and a golfer is scheduled for auto-renewal, what should be done?
Any club desiring to change its dues structure MUST notify the SCGA PRIOR TO September 1. (All clubs offering the auto-renewal option will receive a reminder about this approximately August 1). This allows the member that is scheduled for auto-renewal a chance to see the upcoming pricing change in the four-week advance notification email, and be given an opportunity to opt out of auto-renewal. See sample auto-renewal notification message that includes pricing breakdown earlier in document.
Q: How often are Handicap Index values revised/updated?
A Handicap Index is updated daily.
Q: How many scores does it take to establish a Handicap Index?
A player needs a minimum of three 18-hole scores to calculate a Handicap Index (or six 9-hole scores). See “How is a Handicap Index Calculated?” below for more details.
Q: I just joined a club and have 18-hole scores in my scoring record but my handicap shows NH. Why?
Your scoring record will show NH (no Handicap Index) until you have posted the minimum number of scores (three 18-hole scores or six 9-hole scores) to establish a Handicap Index.
Q: I didn’t get my latest Handicap Index Update the morning after posting a score. What do I do?
Between Jan. 7, 2020 and sometime in April there are no Handicap Index updates scheduled. When those become available the SCGA will advise members how to participate in receiving updates and via what method (email, push notification, etc.)
Q: I have an incorrect score in my record. How do I fix it?
A golfer must contact their club’s Handicap Chair to have a score corrected or removed. The SCGA normally does not perform any file maintenance requests that come directly from individual members, unless it is clear that a score has been replicated in error.
Q: How is a Handicap Index calculated?
For each score posted, a score differential is calculated. This is to determine which scores are the best scores, considering the course difficulty (Course Rating, Slope Rating and a Playing Conditions Calculation are all important). The formula is:
Score Differential = (Adjusted Gross score – Course Rating-Playing Conditions Calculation adjustment) x (113 / Slope Rating).
Using this example:
- Adjusted Gross Score was 95 at a course with 73.5/130 (Course Rating/Slope Rating) and no Playing Conditions Calculation adjustment existed
- Adjusted Gross Score 95
Minus the course rating (73.5)
- Result = 21.5
- Use the standard Slope (113) of a golf course /Slope Rating: 113/130 = .869
- Multiple 21.5 x .869 = 18.688 Score Differential = 18.7 (rounded to nearest tenth)
Once your score file consists of 20 scores, your eight lowest differentials are added together, and averaged and rounded to the nearest tenth, the result being your Handicap Index. Your eight lowest differentials are used, not necessarily the ten lowest scores in your score file.
A player needs a minimum of three scores to calculate a Handicap Index. To learn more about the Handicap Index calculation, including when a player has at least three, but fewer than 20 scores, please visit this section of the SCGA WHS hub.
Q: I was asked what my Course Handicap is; How do I figure my Course Handicap and what is this concept?
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 day, you need to convert the Handicap Index into what is called a Course Handicap for playing purposes each time you play. This is the number of strokes needed to play down to the par of the tees you are playing. There are many ways to determine your Course Handicap for the tees you will be playing, but you will need the Course Rating, Slope Rating and Par for those tees. There are often charts near golf course computers used for score posting; those same computers will convert your Index after you have identified yourself under “My Handicap Information”; if you use the GHIN Mobile App chose the Course Handicap Calculator; or use ghin.com Visit the SCGA WHS hub here if you want to know more about Course Handicaps.
Q: For posting scores for handicap purposes, what is an Adjusted Gross Score?
An adjusted gross score is a player’s gross score adjusted under the World Handicap System procedures for unfinished holes, conceded strokes, holes not played or not played under the Rules of Golf. The player has a maximum hole score for handicap purposes, identified as Net Double Bogey, which means double bogey plus the strokes received on the hole based on the player’s Course Handicap/ par plus two (double bogey) plus the strokes received on the hole based on the player’s Course Handicap. For more on the net double bogey maximum, please visit the maximum hole score section of the SCGA WHS Hub.
As an example, a player with a Course Handicap of 19 receives two strokes on the hole identified as the #1 Handicap stroke hole/Stroke Index hole. That same player receives one stroke on the other 17 holes. If on a par-four hole identified as the #5 Handicap stroke hole/Stroke Index hole the player made a nine would have a maximum hole score of seven for handicap purposes. This is because their net double bogey for this hole is double bogey (6) plus one stroke that they receive handicap wise. Their nine would need to be adjusted down to their maximum of seven. If the player completed the round with no other scores that exceeded their maximum hole score and shot 105, their adjusted gross score for handicap purposes would be 103 and that is the score that would be posted for handicap purposes. NOTE: All score posting tools have an option for hole by hole entry, which will calculate the maximum hole score for every hole for a player and calculate the adjusted gross score.
Q: Which value do I use for posting purposes or determining my Course Handicap?
The SCGA issues the rating values and populates the computers tied to GHIN, the SCGA website and the USGA website. Please use the computer display/SCGA.org information. Often times a course will print a large number of scorecards and continue to use those until they run out, even if new ratings have been issued.
Q: Am I required to login in order to post a score?
No, only your GHIN number and last name are important for posting a score.
Q: If I look up my scoring record, it seems that it does not include my recently posted scores. Why?
When you look at your scoring record, you should see a heading of Recent Scores and Revision Scores. The score posted today should be in the Recent Scores section. When an update takes place shortly after midnight that score would then be categorized in the revision scores section and incorporated into the calculation.
Q: What is the Low Handicap Index (Low H.I.) and how is it calculated?
The Low Handicap Index is the lowest Handicap Index value that an individual has had in the 12 months. It is not calculated; it just looks at each of the issued Handicap Index values that a golfer has on record during the time period. A player does not have a Low Handicap Index until they have 20 scores in their record. Only World Handicap System Handicap Index values are considered in the display of the Low Handicap Index, so when the first Handicap Index issued under the World Handicap System is calculated in January it will also be the Low Handicap Index.
Q: Am I required to be a part of a golf club in order to obtain a Handicap Index?
Yes, the World Handicap System requires that you are to be a part of what it identifies as a “golf club” in order to receive a Handicap Index. The Handicap System is built around something called peer review, which is oversight by a group and the ability of people you play with to support or dispute the validity of your scores. There are more than 1500 SCGA Golf Clubs, many tied to social, fraternal or work groups, so there should be a fit for you. If you are not formally connected to a club in any way and don’t believe an existing group matches up with your needs, you might consider SCGA Associate membership.
Q: How do I get my SCGA membership card?
Your SCGA membership card, tied to your club with the various partner benefits, including the Roger Dunn gift card, is emailed to you by the SCGA. Email distribution may take up to four weeks. Membership cards are not connected with the delivery of FORE magazine in any way. In addition, for verification purposes, those using the GHIN Mobile App can access and display their card and Handicap Index from the More section.
