Member of a golf club? Isn't that expensive?
We're not talking about that kind of club, we're talking about the kind that is comprised of members - as in association or group. At least 10 members, to be exact. Ten members and a handicapping committee is all that's required of a club for it to become part of the USGA Handicapping System.
Of course, many golf clubs - meaning country clubs, private clubs or otherwise - have their own handicapping committees. But many public and even municipal courses will be able to help you establish your handicap. Next time you're at one, ask if they provide handicapping services. They will likely tell you that the Men's Golf Association, or Ladies Golf Association, or whatever groups are based at the course, do. Then, it's just a matter of joining that club.
Once you're in a club that is part of the system, you simply turn in your scores after each round to the handicap committee. This may be done manually - handing over your scorecard to someone. Or electronically - signing on to a computer in the pro shop or 19th hole, entering your ID number and password, and entering your score.
And more and more clubs are allowing their members to enter their scores remotely, at home or from any other computer, through use of the GHIN system.
A handicap committee should figure, issue and post handicaps about once a month. Once you have five scores turned in, you'll get your handicap index. Thereafter, your handicap index will always be based on the lowest 10 of your last 20 rounds.
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