Last updated: October 2025

Are you aware that one of the most effective ways to improve your golf skills is by establishing an official golf Handicap Index®? According to the USGA, there are about 15 million golfers globally who possess a Handicap Index.

Whether you're new to the game or an experienced golfer, a Handicap Index offers every golfer – regardless of age, gender, or skill level – a standard measure of playing ability through the World Handicap System™.

Quick Take

  • A Handicap Index® is your official measure of playing ability under the World Handicap System.

  • To get one, you: join a golf club, receive a GHIN number, post at least 54 holes, and your index is calculated automatically.

  • In Northern California, the NCGA is the only authorized provider of Handicap Indexes.

Interested in getting started? We break down the four steps on how to get a golf handicap:

What Is a Handicap Index and Why It Matters

A golf handicap is a numerical measure of a golfer's potential ability, allowing players of varying skill levels to compete equally. It’s designed to make the game fair for everyone — whether you’re a beginner, casual weekend golfer, or a tournament player.

Handicaps are equalizers — they let golfers of all abilities compete fairly.

For example, Tom’s average score is 80 and Meaghan’s average score is 95. With the handicap system, Tom ‘gives’ Meaghan a calculated number of strokes to level the playing field such that either of them has the same chance to win.

It provides a clear benchmark against which players can measure their performance over time - especially when playing different courses.

Benefits of having a Handicap Index:

  • Level playing field for casual and competitive rounds

  • Track your improvement over time

  • Eligibility for NCGA and USGA events

  • Adds meaning to friendly wagers or match play

Step 1: Join a Golf Club

To get a handicap, the first step is to join a golf club. The USGA collaborates with Allied Golf Associations (abbreviated AGAs, where each state has one or more) which are the authorized organizations for issuing and maintaining official World Handicap Systems Handicaps.

In Northern California, for instance, this involves becoming a member of a club affiliated with the Northern California Golf Association (that's us!).  There are three main types of clubs to choose from: regular, associate, and eClub. Selecting the right club is important so it aligns with your playing style and needs.

What's the difference in Club types?

  1. Regular Clubs - a regular club is associated with a physical, brick-and-mortar facility, such as one of the 400+ private, public, semi-private, and resort golf courses in Northern California.
  2. Associate Clubs - associate clubs are formed by players with a common interest or affiliation and are not tied to any particular course.
  3. eClubs - the easiest and quickest way to join a club is to join the NCGA directly via our online eClubs, which are virtual clubs that get the same Member Benefits as regular and associate clubs without having to join in person.

 

Become A Member
Get A Handicap

Join the NCGA

The NCGA has great benefits that support your game and help you enjoy golf more, whether you’re a member of a regular club, associate club, or eClub.

BECOME A MEMBER

If you don't live and play golf in Northern California, don't worry, simply find your state's AGA and reach out to them to get started!

USGA | Find Your Allied Golf Association

Find Your Allied Golf Association (if it's not us!)

Being a member of a club not only qualifies you for a handicap but also provides access to various facilities, events, and a community of fellow golf enthusiasts. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the sport and enhance your golfing experience. 👉 Find an NCGA club here.

Step 2: Get Your GHIN Number

Once you have joined a golf club, the next step is to obtain your GHIN (Golf Handicap Information Network) number and create your GHIN.com profile to be able to login and post your score (next step!).

If you join the NCGA, we will send a series of four Welcome emails teeing up all the new information. The first of which, will contain your new GHIN number. This number is essential as it allows you to track your scores and monitor your handicap index.

Think of your GHIN number as your “membership card” in the World Handicap System.

Testy R Golfer Welcome to the NCGA | Intro to your handicap index
Sample Welcome Email with your new GHIN number

 

If you joined via a regular or affiliate club, the club will be responsible for adding you to their roster, at which time, they will provide you with your new GHIN number.

Your GHIN number functions as your unique identifier within the World Handicap System, enabling you to post scores and access your handicap information from any USGA-affiliated golf course.

Once you have your GHIN number you will then be able to Create Your Profile with USGA's GHIN using your GHIN number plus your email or last name you used during the registration process. After you create your profile, you're ready to login for the next step of posting your rounds.

USGA GHIN Mobile App Create Profile

Create Profile

 

Step 3: Post 54 Holes

To establish your handicap index, you need to post a minimum of 54 holes, which can be a mix of 18-hole and 9-hole scores. These scores must be from courses with a valid Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™. But don't worry – nearly all courses within Northern California (and subsequently around the world under the World Handicap System) are rated.

There are several ways to post your scores:

  • Your membership includes a free golf handicap app called the GHIN App. Download the free USGA GHIN mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play
  • Visit our website NCGA.org there is blue button on the top right of the page to Post Score
  • Post directly to the online site GHIN.com
  • Use the NCGA score posting computer kiosks in the golf course facility

There are a few things to keep in mind when posting your scores:

  1. Posting your scores accurately and on the day you play is crucial as it directly influences your handicap calculation. The more rounds you play and post, the more precise your handicap index becomes, reflecting your true playing ability.
  2. The maximum hole score for handicap purposes during your first three rounds is limited to Par + 5. After that, your maximum hole score becomes a net double bogey, equal to double bogey PLUS any handicap strokes you receive based on your Course Handicap™. To make it easy, we recommend posting your scores using the hole-by-hole option, which will allow this adjustment to take place automatically!
  3. While establishing and maintaining a Handicap Index, it is important to adhere to the Rules of Golf and Rules of Handicapping to ensure accuracy.
  4. Be sure to review the types of score that you can post, aka Scores Acceptable for Handicap Purposes. Not sure what that entails? See the graphic below or watch this Acceptable Scores YouTube video.
WHS Acceptable Scores
Scores Acceptable for Handicap Purposes

Step 4: Wait for NH to Update

Until your Handicap Index is calculated, it will be listed as ‘NH’ (No Handicap). After posting the required number of holes, your Handicap Index will be calculated and available the very next day! The system updates at midnight daily, allowing you to check your handicap after each round you play and post the next day.

You will also receive updates via email on the 1st and 15th of every month. It's important to regularly monitor your handicap to ensure it remains accurate and reflective of your current playing ability. 

Testy R Golfer eRevision Sample

Sample bi-monthly eRevision

Extra Tips for New Golfers

  • Post scores on the day you play for accuracy.
  • Don’t stress about shooting high — your Handicap Index is based on potential, not your average score.
  • The more rounds you play and post, the more reliable your index becomes.
  • Explore NCGA’s Handicap 101 guide for deeper dives into calculations, adjustments, and rules.

NCGA Advantage

For golfers in Northern California, the NCGA is the only authorized provider of official Handicap Indexes. By joining:

  • You get immediate access to GHIN score posting
  • You unlock NCGA’s educational resources and playing opportunities
  • You support the future of golf in your region

Ready to Get Started?

Joining an NCGA club is the fastest way to get your Handicap Index and start tracking your game. Join today, post your first scores, and you’ll be official in no time.

FAQs

Can I get a handicap with only 9-hole rounds?

Yes. Six 9-hole rounds equal the required 54 holes to establish your index.

How soon will I have my Handicap Index?

As soon as you post 54 holes, your index will calculate the next day.

Does every course count toward my index?

Only if it has a valid Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™ under the World Handicap System.

Do eClubs provide the same handicap benefits?

Yes. An eClub membership is often the fastest and most convenient option for new golfers.

 

To deepen your understanding of the golf handicap system and enhance your game, we invite you to explore our Handicap 101 page. There, you'll find comprehensive insights on how to calculate, establish, and effectively use your Handicap Index® for fair and competitive play. Join us and discover why a handicap is an essential tool for every golfer.

Players
Want to Learn More?

Handicap 101

Get answers to all your questions about golf handicaps with Handicap 101: how to calculate, establish, and utilize your Handicap Index® for fair competition and why every golfer needs one.

HANDICAP 101