Why would I need a USGA Handicap Index?
To play in a member-guest, a pro-am, a county amateur or a CGA tournament. Most of these require a USGA Handicap Index. If you belong to a CGA club, then you have a USGA Handicap Index as part of your CGA membership.
What is a handicap?
A USGA handicap is a calculation of your scores, using the course and slope ratings of the tees you played. It's a way to compare your playing level against other golfers and a way to make games fair.
Can I start a USGA handicap online?
Sure, but you have to be careful. Many websites offer "handicaps" that are not USGA handicaps. The USGA says you must belong to a club of golfers which is a group of individual players. Most websites will offer some kind of handicap calculation, but many do not use the USGA formula or place you in a club. The CGA has USGA compliant
Carolinas eClubs
located throughout the North and South Carolina.
Join a golf club?
Golf clubs are public, municipal, military, semi-private and private. Joining one is easy. The Carolinas Golf Association can help you find a club. Click
here
to send an e-mail to the CGA staff or
Search for CGA Member Club
.