Handicaps play a significant role at many upper-echelon golf courses and clubs around the world. Some require a specific handicap in order to play the course, while others organize tournaments according to various handicaps. A handicap is an adjusted scoring method used for high-caliber golf players who want to gauge their score at a specific course according to how they should have done, given their talent level. If you plan to use your handicap to gain access to certain clubs or courses, you'll need to have a handicap registered with one of golf's governing authorities, such as the PGA, USGA or GHIN.
Step 1
Contact the USGA, PGA or GHIN and inquire about getting an approved handicap score from one of these associations. This will start the process of having your scores evaluated by an association member, who can confirm your scores and issue you an official handicap score. Along with registering yourself with this association, this will give you an official handicap score and member number.
Step 2
Find an association member to observe you play several rounds of golf. Many times the association itself will assign someone to go out and confirm your scores, or they can request the course you are playing at--if it is approved by that association--to enlist someone to confirm your scores.
Step 3
Play five rounds of golf with the association representative present. He will need to be there to confirm you are scoring your round properly--you cannot submit your own scores. The association will then put your golf scores into a formula and produce a handicap score.
Step 4
Pay the membership fee to join the association and enjoy unlimited use of your official handicap.
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