Club Information
How GHIN Works
GHIN - Golf Handicap Information Network
The Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN) is a service offered by the USGA to golf associations worldwide.
GHIN is one of the largest handicap management tools in the world, serving more than 2 million golfers and 15,000 golf clubs.
Almost all Strawberry Men’s club tournaments uses GHIN as the official handicap system. As an additional rule all members must have their GHIN registered with Strawberry Farms Golf Club (SFGC).
Each official tournaments results is automatically posted by our tournament management system (Golf Genius) to GHIN shortly after the posting of results. Please do not post your own scores since it will create duplicate entries in GHIN.
For more information about GHIN and how calculation of the handicap is done please use these resources.
FAQs for USGA Implementation of the World Handicap System™ (WHS™)
GHIN Frequently Asked Questions
Below are are a few examples of a frequent questions and answers. keep in mind these are static, use the official USGA/GHIN page for most updated information.
World Handicap System (WHS) Background and Overview
Q. What is the World Handicap System™ all about?
A. Beginning in 2020, the WHS™ unifies six different handicap systems that were used around the world into a single system that:
- Enables golfers of different abilities to play and compete on a fair basis, in any format, on any course, anywhere around the world;
- Is easy to understand and implement, without sacrificing accuracy; and
- Meets the varied needs and expectations of golfers, golf clubs and golf authorities all around the world and is adaptable to suit all golfing cultures.
The WHS is jointly governed worldwide by the USGA and The R&A and encompasses both the Rules of Handicapping and the Course Rating System™ (formerly the USGA Course Rating System).
Q. How many scores do I have to post before I get a Handicap Index®?
A. In order to establish a Handicap Index, a total of 54 holes must be played and posted to your scoring record. These scores can be made up of any combination of 9- or 18-hole rounds. 9-hole scores are combined in the order that they are received to form 18-hole Score Differentials™ that are used to calculate your Handicap Index. Once you have posted a total of three 18-hole Score Differentials, a Handicap Index will be issued to you the very next day. (Rule 4.5, Rules of Handicapping)
Q. What is my maximum hole score for handicap posting purposes?
A. If you have an established Handicap Index®, the maximum score for each hole played is limited to a net double bogey, equal to double bogey plus any handicap strokes you are entitled to receive based on your Course Handicap™.
For example: A player with a Course Handicap of 15 receives one handicap stroke on holes with a stroke index of 1 through 15 on the scorecard.
On a par 4 hole with a stroke index of 10, the player’s maximum hole score is 7. Double bogey (6) + 1 handicap stroke = 7.
For players posting scores initial scores to establish a Handicap Index, the maximum hole score is limited to par + 5. (Rule 3.1, Rules of Handicapping)
Committe comment on maximum score.
There is no maximum score in certain tournaments, like individual low net.
The maximum score calculation mentioned above is only applicable for handicap calculations.
Thanks
Club Committee