USGA HANDICAPS
What is a handicap?
Every golf course has something called par—the number of shots a skilled golfer is expected to take to complete the course. On many 18-hole courses, that’s around 72 shots.
If you’re new to golf, you’re probably not going to shoot 72—and that’s completely normal! You might take 100 shots, 110 shots, or even more as you’re learning.
A USGA Handicap is a way of measuring how many extra shots you typically need compared to par. It creates a number that reflects your current playing ability, allowing golfers of different skill levels to compete fairly.
For example:
- You usually shoot around 102 on a par-72 course.
- Your friend usually shoots around 82 on the same course.
Without a handicap, your friend would win every time.
With a handicap, the game is adjusted to reflect each player’s ability. You receive more strokes because you’re newer to the game, while your friend receives fewer. That means you’re no longer competing based on who hits the fewest shots—you’re competing based on how well each of you plays relative to your own ability.
That’s what makes golf so unique. Whether you’ve been playing for six months or twenty years, a handicap allows everyone to enjoy a fair and competitive game together.
The best part? As your game improves, your handicap improves too. It’s one of the easiest ways to see how far you’ve come and celebrate your progress throughout your golf journey.
HOW DO I GET A HANDICAP?
Getting your official USGA Handicap is easier than you might think—and we’ll guide you through the entire process.
Step 1: Join Our Handicap Program
When you’re ready, simply sign up for the ForeHER Handicap Program. The annual cost is $45, and we’ll register you through our affiliated golf club so you can receive your official USGA Handicap.
Once you’ve signed up, please allow up to 48 hours for us to process your registration.
Step 2: Set Up Your GHIN Account
Once your registration has been processed, you’ll receive an email from the USGA inviting you to activate your GHIN account.
Your GHIN account is where you’ll be able to:
- View your Handicap Index
- Post your scores
- Track your progress over time
You can access your account through the GHIN mobile app or online—whichever you prefer.
Step 3: Play Golf & Post Your Scores
After an eligible round of golf, simply post your score through the GHIN app or website. As you continue playing, your Handicap Index will automatically update to reflect your current playing ability.
Don’t worry if this all sounds new! We host monthly Handicap Onboarding Zoom sessions where we’ll walk you through everything, including:
- Which rounds are eligible for posting
- How to post your scores correctly
- How your Handicap Index is calculated
- Tips for getting the most out of your handicap
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
As part of ForeHER’s Handicap Program, we’ll help you:
✔ Register for your official USGA Handicap
✔ Set up your GHIN account
✔ Learn how and when to post scores
✔ Understand how your Handicap Index works
✔ Answer any questions along the way