WHS / GHIN lookup for playing competitions abroad

shaneyank · February 27

Has anyone successfully entered a competition while playing abroad? E.g. I wish to play in an open tournament at my former club in Ireland when I go visit (Ballyliffin). I live in the USA now with a GHIN handicap.

Last year, the pro said that, while the tournament was open and visitors are eligible, he was not able to verify my handicap because he can only lookup handicaps within Ireland and the UK. Providing my GHIN number and showing my virtual handicap card was not sufficient.

Is there any kind of WHS database that might make this easier going forward? Does anyone have advice to solve for this?

nsxguy · February 27

2 hours ago, shaneyank said:

Has anyone successfully entered a competition while playing abroad? E.g. I wish to play in an open tournament at my former club in Ireland when I go visit (Ballyliffin). I live in the USA now with a GHIN handicap.

Last year, the pro said that, while the tournament was open and visitors are eligible, he was not able to verify my handicap because he can only lookup handicaps within Ireland and the UK. Providing my GHIN number and showing my virtual handicap card was not sufficient.

Is there any kind of WHS database that might make this easier going forward? Does anyone have advice to solve for this?

Try this. It worked for me but I'm in the U.S. looking up a U.S. GHIN. Let us know.

If you're AT the event in Ireland, they could confirm with your cooperation.

If you're IN the U.S. now, of course it'll work for you thought - I suppose you can have a friend in Ireland try it.

https://handicapidlookup.usga.org/

Edited February 27 by nsxguy

shaneyank · February 28

8 minutes ago, nsxguy said:

Try this...

https://handicapidlookup.usga.org/

Thanks for the suggesting. This seems equivalent to me showing the club pro the GHIN app on my phone. They didn't accept that last year 😞

st1800e · February 28

Suggest you contact the Golf association in Ireland. I’m sure they’ll be happy to provide guidance.

rogolf · February 28

4 hours ago, shaneyank said:

Has anyone successfully entered a competition while playing abroad? E.g. I wish to play in an open tournament at my former club in Ireland when I go visit (Ballyliffin). I live in the USA now with a GHIN handicap.

Last year, the pro said that, while the tournament was open and visitors are eligible, he was not able to verify my handicap because he can only lookup handicaps within Ireland and the UK. Providing my GHIN number and showing my virtual handicap card was not sufficient.

Is there any kind of WHS database that might make this easier going forward? Does anyone have advice to solve for this?

Whatever you choose to do, I would suggest a back-up - a letter from your club's Handicap Chairman (or president or professional) that introduces you as a member in good standing of your club and gives your most recent GHIN handicap index. Have this letter prepared as close to your departure date as you feel comfortable (so that your index is close to current). Such letters are generally well-received by the clubs you will visit/play. You may not need it, but it is insurance.