Starting a Handicap

[Girevik]

I've never kept my handicap before but want to start that this year.  I do have a GHIN account, but have no clue how to get started.  I know there are rules for maximum strokes per hole based on your current handicap but don't totally get them yet, and don't know what to do since I don't have one established. 

 

From what I understand, you can enter either your total score or score per hole.  Obviously total score would be easier, but if I did per hole would it figure the max for me and take that into account?  I'm sure there are good resources out there, but my Googling hasn't found one yet.  Where do I start?

[TerpFangolfer]

Pretty sure you have to be a member of some sort of club or association who takes responsibility to maintain the handicap.

 

Where do you live? If you aren't a member or regular at a golf course, I think most states have an "online" club you can join. I know mine does(Maryland) ...and thats what I keep my handicap thru.

But almost every course you can join to get your handicap. Usually $25-40/year. 

[sui generis]

Have you looked here?

 

https://www.usga.org/articles/2015/03/want-to-establish-a-handicap-index--join-the-club.html

 

It's a good place to start.

[Girevik]

Yes, I am a member of a club that provides me with a GHIN number.  I just joined last year but never used it but want to start tracking it this year.

[rogolf]

For your first handicap index, submit to your club committee scores for 54 holes, which can be made up from combinations of 9 hole and 18 hole rounds.  Individual hole scores are limited to par +5 for these 54 holes.  Rounds (9 hole or 18 hole) must be played with another person present.  The club committee will assign you an initial handicap index based on the scores from those 54 holes.

[GaHack1]

Yes if you post the scores hole by hole the system will figure your max score and reduce any holes that go over. Always better to post hole by hole and make sure you select the correct tees.

[7ironDave]

I just joined a league and I have never maintained a real handicap before. I’ve used The Grint app to come up with a ballpark by posting scores regularly. 
 

I’m joining with a guy who has no handicap, not even a ballpark. 
 

The guy who runs the league said he will take 2 rounds of scores from the course the league plays at and come up with a starting handicap and adjust based on scores submitted during the league. 
 

 

[davep043]

For the OP, being a member of a club, your first resource is the golf pro and his staff, as well as the members of the Handicap Committee.  They should all be happy to have someone who is interested in doing things right from the very beginning.  Check out the webpage @sui generis gave you for more details, and use the hole-by-hole posting to let the system correct automatically for maximum hole scores.  Its pretty simple once you record a couple of scores.

[Newby]

11 hours ago, 7ironDave said:

The guy who runs the league said he will take 2 rounds of scores from the course the league plays at and come up with a starting handicap and adjust based on scores submitted during the league. 
 

There is a procedure in the Manual (Rule 5.2a) for allocating handicaps to players with fewer than 20 rounds.

Is there any reason why that would not be used?

Edited March 2, 2021 by Newby

[rogolf]

Many leagues use their own handicapping system for play in those leagues, eg, men's night handicap.  For example, they might use the best two scores of the last five.  It works for that league, let them be.