Anyone Have Issues Registering for Tournaments with TheGrint Handicap?

[Celebros]

Brief recap of my situation: I used to play in high school (Class of 2004), then college, dating, getting married, kids, etc happened and last year was the first year I really committed to playing again and trying to improve (playing more than once every 4-6 weeks). Things went well and I ended up getting my handicap to 1.5 as well as winning my club championship (after signing up for it on somewhat of a lark).

Now I have the competitive bug back and for this coming year, I'm starting to plot out some other tournaments to play in (Mid-Am qualifier, city tournaments, state amateur tournament, etc). My only concern is that my handicap is via TheGrint. I know it is an official handicap, but should I expect any issues signing up for tournaments/etc?

[diablocrusher]

I know this year with the change to world handicap system The Grint is making everyone pay. You can no longer keep a handicap for free on there anymore. I believe the basic plan is only $20 a year and it will be an "official" handicap with a GHIN # so you shouldn't have any issues with tournaments. With the new handicap changes as well your handicap will update after every round instead of twice a month, which is previously did.

[davep043]

You mention that you're at a club, so I assume you COULD keep your handicap there, so consider that option. As @diablocrusher says, if its an official USGA Handicap Index, complete with GHIN number, you should be OK. But I'd recommend calling or emailing (preferable, you'll have a record) to the tournaments that you're considering, just to confirm that your Grint handicap will be acceptable. Whether its fair or not, I know my home club was bit skeptical of handicaps from what once was called a Type 3 Club, which included internet-based systems like The Grint.

[Imp]

*Only* having a GHIN may not be enough. Many city/state/regional associations need you to pay dues to that association. I'll use Rhode Island as an example at RIGALinks.org. To partake in their events, you have to either...

a) be a member of a local club that as a part of your dues pays your share of membership to that city/state/regional association doing the tourney or...

b) you have to pay membership directly to the city/state/regional association.

I "join" a member RIGA club that pays both my GHIN and RIGA association dues for me as part of the membership to that club. I can partake in any RIGA events (that I qualify for). Simply having a GHIN wouldn't qalify.

--kC

[Celebros]

Yeah, there are similar associations/etc here in Ohio as well. I don't mind paying for whatever dues to be eligible, I was just concerned about my handicap not being valid for whatever reason since it is not tied to a club/etc.