Handicapping

The Metropolitan Golf Association created the forerunner of the handicap system adopted by the USGA in 1911. This system was jointly developed, with the USGA, the GHIN (Golf Handicap & Information Network) service in the early 1980's and remains our most visible and widely used service with more than 100,000 Met Area golfers utilizing the service.

Visit the links below to learn more about Handicapping at the MGA and please contact us with any questions.

Handicapping Information General information about the MGA Handicapping Services.	Posting Scores To post your score or see more information on posting scores at home, away or on the Web, as well as a list of frequently asked questions.	Course Rating The MGA is responsible for rating courses in the Met Area. For complete list of course ratings and slopes for all MGA member clubs.
GHIN Learn more about the GHIN services available to members and clubs.	Join our Email List Add your e-mail address in order to Handicap Revision and MGA news in the e-Revision Newsletter.	International Golf Network For more information on the International Golf Network go to www.ign.net.

Handicapping Definitions

Course Handicap: This is the handicap you play with at a particular course. It is based on the conversion of your USGA Handicap Index using the Course Handicap Table.

Course Rating: This is the evaluation of a course's playing difficulty for a scratch golfer under normal course and weather conditions.

Equitable Stroke Control: All scores for handicap purposes, including tournament scores, are subject to the application of Equitable Stroke Control (ESC). This mandatory procedure reduces high hole scores for handicap purposes in order to make handicaps more representative of a player's potential ability.

Home Course Handicap: This is the handicap you use at your home course from your most commonly used set of tees. As a matter of convenience, the MGA prints your home course handicap on your handicap reports.

Slope Rating: It is not simply a measure of playing difficulty. It is a comparative evaluation of how a course plays for the scratch player vs. the bogey player. The Slope Rating for courses of standard difficulty for men and women is 113.

USGA Handicap Index: This is your official handicap. It is the measurement of a player's potential scoring ability on a course of standard playing difficulty (113 slope). It is expressed as a number taken to one decimal place and is used for conversion to a Course Handicap.