2013 GHIN HANDICAP PROGRAM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FOR CLUBS

When will we be converting over to GHIN®?

The last day for posting scores on the existing GolfNet system will be in early December. Immediately after, each club is required to perform a handicap revision to consolidate all of their club members’ data on the GolfNet database. Beginning on the shutdown date, both kiosk and online posting of scores will be prohibited for a period of time. During this posting “holiday” golfers are requested to hold their scores until the new GHIN system is active at which time the holiday scores can be posted to the new system.

When will the GHIN® posting kiosks be “live”?

We anticipate the GHIN® posting kiosks, online posting and smart phone posting will go “live” on or about January 7-10, 2013. The first handicap revision under the new GHIN® system will be January 15, 2013.

How will golf course and club administrator computers be updated with the new GHIN® programs?

The association will contact each golf facility in the near future to install the necessary system upgrades and programs to be ready for the GHIN® program implementation once the conversion occurs in mid-December. Club administrators will be able to access the Handicap Administration program (GHP™ Online Club) remotely by logging in with a club username and password into the GHIN® online handicap program website. With the club’s approval, we would also like to install remote control software called LogMeIn in order to help streamline software updating and technical support in the future.

The Tournament Pairings Program (TPP®) will initially be available to club administrators through a simple CD-ROM installation onto any club computer where tournament management is performed. The installation CD-ROM will be available at one of the training seminars for club administrators to be held throughout the Carolinas during the months of November and early December.

Will there be training provided to club administrators and staff on the new GHIN® Handicap and Tournament programs?

Yes, both in-person and online training will be available for club representatives. Beginning in early September we will host training seminars throughout the state. These seminars are designed for club representatives who will be administering the handicap and/or tournament programs to manage their club member accounts and events. For those who are not able to attend a seminar, online training Webinars and YouTube videos will be available through our GHIN® Information website pages. Information on club administrator training seminars can be found at our website. Other training materials will be made available as they are developed.

What is a GHIN® number and why is it important?

All members will be issued a GHIN® number when added to a club’s handicap roster.  This number is unique to the individual and will allow them to post scores at their home club, online and at any other course.  Individuals holding a membership at more than one club in the Carolinas or any other state utilizing the GHIN® service should have the same GHIN® number at all clubs.  In addition to score posting, the GHIN® number will be requested on Championship and One-Day tournament entry forms as well as other registration forms. 

What should I do if I have a member with a membership at more than one club?

If an individual has a membership at more than one club in the Carolinas or a membership at a Carolina club and a club in another state that uses the GHIN® service, they should consolidate all of their clubs into one GHIN® number.  With one GHIN® number, all of the individual’s club memberships will be in a single record and the member will only need to post a score once to have it routed to all of their clubs.  At our GHIN® information webpage -  www.carolinasgolf.org/GHIN  - you or your member can fill out an online form giving us information about their already existing GHIN® number and we will register them in the Carolinas with the same number.

How often is the Handicap Index of my members updated?

A Handicap Index is updated on the 1^st and 15^th of each month throughout the year for a total of 24 handicap revisions.

How will my system transmit scores and process updates?  How are handicap revisions calculated?

One of the key advantages of the GHIN® software is that it processes updates automatically at regular intervals.  Clubs using a hi-speed internet connection are set up to run an automatic transmission at least twice a day.  That means that scores posted online will be available at the club within a few hours’ time.  Most clubs using a dial-up connection are set up to run an automatic transmission at least once per day.  With automated transmissions, hi-speed and dial-up clubs do not need to initiate the data transfer allowing for regular score updates.  Finally, handicap revisions are calculated automatically at midnight on the 1^st and the 15^th of each month throughout the year.  The only responsibility that a club has at each revision period is to print a new handicap report!

Who do I contact for support issues?

If you have questions related to the GolfNet software, GolfNet will continue to service your inquiries through the end of the year.  Otherwise CGA is your point of contact for issues with the GHIN® Handicap Program (GHP™) and Tournament Pairing Program (TPP®) software.  You may contact us by phone at (910) 687-4040 or by email at GHINsupport. For all other membership questions please call (910) 673-1000.

 I have seen the acronym GASC – what does this stand for and what does it mean?

GASC stands for Golf Association Services of the Carolinas which is a joint effort between the CGA, SCGA and the WSCGA providing handicapping, tournament management tools and other general services for our member clubs in South Carolina.

Am I able to install the GHP™ and/or TPP® software on more than one computer?

Yes, clubs may have the software installed on as many computers as they would like.  However, we ask that you please contact GHIN® support in advance of your need for more computer installs so we may properly plan for the networking of multiple installs. 

Will club administrators still be able to generate the same reports that are currently being utilized?

Yes, the GHIN® Handicap and Tournament programs have a robust amount of standardized reporting options that will cover most needs of the club. In the case where a club specific report is not available among the standard options, there is an ad hoc report generator available to design custom reports.

Tell me more about the available smart phone apps for score posting.

A mobile phone app for reviewing player handicaps and for score posting is available for iPhone and Android smart phones. The apps will be available for download from links to app stores at our websites in late December. A golfer will need to know his/her GHIN number and once registered the app will give each player mobile control over their score posting. The app will be available for free as an added benefit to Association membership.

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