The GHIN (Golf Handicap Information Network) System allows golfers of all abilities to compete with each other on a level playing field.

Handicaps for an individual are established after a player posts 5 or more rounds of golf.  A Players Handicap represents his potential ability in playing a particular course, and is not the average of his scores

Note: A Players Handicap will vary from course to course depending on the difficulty of the course being played.

How Handicaps are Calculated

Handicaps are determined by 10 of the last 20 scores posted by the player.  The handicap differentials of the 10 lowest scores out of the last 20 are averaged together and multiplied by 96 percent to determine a players handicap index.  When looking at scores on the GHIN website, or on MGAGOLF.org website, the 10 scores used in computing your index will have asterisks next to them ( * ).

Only the 10 lowest scores are used in computing a players Handicap Index.  The Handicap Index IS NOT YOUR HANDICAP, it is your HANDICAP INDEX.  In order to determine a players handicap, he must use his Handicap Index, and the Slope Rating of the particular course he is playing in order to determine his true handicap for that course.

For Example:

Assume the GHIN handicap system uses a players 10 lowest scores and computes his handicap index as a 23.5 INDEX.  If the player is playing at Pine Hills where the USGA Slope Rating is 127, he would be a 26 Handicap.  If the player were to play a more difficult course where the slope is higher his handicap may change.  For example if he played at Rock Hill where the slope rating is 131, his handicap would be a 27.  Likewise, if he played on an easier course, his handicap may be lower.

Once two players have computed their handicaps for the course they are playing, the higher handicap player will receive shots based on the difference between their handicaps.  If a 26 Handicap and a 21 Handicap player competed together, the 26 handicap player would receive 5 shots which will be allocated on the 5 hardest holes (according to the scorecard) at that course.