Establishing a Handicap Index

A golfer must belong to a golf club to obtain a USGA Handicap Index. Golf clubs that belong to the Washington State Golf Association (WSGA) receive USGA Handicap Indexes computed by the Golf Handicap and Information Network (GHIN).

Once you join a golf club, the club will assign you a GHIN number. Your GHIN number is unique and can follow you to any club or association that is on the GHIN system. You can use your GHIN number to post scores at your home course and at other courses that are on the GHIN system. When you post as a guest at other courses, your scores are routed back to your home club using your GHIN number.

If you have belonged to a club in the past and had a GHIN number, be sure to give that information to your new club. GHIN retains golfer records for 24 months after a golfer has been deleted. So, even if you have not been a member for a year, GHIN will still have your score history and you won’t have to start over to establish a handicap.

The WSGA has 26 handicap revisions per year (every other Wednesday) to update your score history and Handicap Index. Players can begin posting scores in early March and the last revision of the year takes place toward the end of November. Revisions are always on a Wednesday. Handicap cards can be printed from the handicap computer at your home club, or you can provide GHIN your e-mail address and receive an eRevision with a print copy of your Handicap Card every revision (click here to sign up for eRevision). This card will show your Handicap Index and last 20 score history.

Join or renew your membership online, or call the WSGA office at (206) 526-8605