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How to Get a Handicap Index® and Why It Matters

To get a Handicap Index®, join an authorized AZ GOLF club and post a minimum of 54 holes through the GHIN system — your Handicap Index® is then calculated overnight. A Handicap Index® allows golfers of different skill levels to compete fairly, track their performance and improvement over time, and gain access to AZ GOLF tournaments, events, and member benefits.

Why Get a Handicap Index®?

  • Compete on an equitable basis with golfers of all abilities
  • Measure and track your progress
  • Maintain an official record under the World Handicap System™
  • Become eligible for AZ GOLF events and championships

How to get a Handicap Index®

To establish and maintain a Handicap Index®, you must be a member of an authorized AZ GOLF club.

Annual membership fees vary by club. Contact your chosen club or visit azgolf.org/membership for current pricing.

Step 1: Join an authorized club

You have several easy options:

  • Join the AZ eClub — our online community of golfers across Arizona — and receive full AZ GOLF membership benefits.
  • Join the USGA/Arizona GC – Click HERE to join. Membership includes AZ GOLF benefits as part of your registration.
  • Join at Your Local Course – Most public and private golf courses are authorized to issue memberships. If you frequently play at a specific course, contact them directly — they can often set you up right away. To search for an authorized club, click HERE.

Not sure which club to choose? AZ GOLF staff can recommend clubs in your area. You can also search and read about AZ GOLF authorized clubs on the membership page.

Step 2: Post scores

Once you join, post your scores through the GHIN system — the platform used by AZ GOLF authorized clubs to record and calculate handicaps. Log in or create your GHIN account at ghin.com or download the GHIN mobile app. To post a score:

  1. Log in to ghin.com or open the GHIN mobile app.
  2. Select Post Score.
  3. Choose the course and tee you played.
  4. Enter your adjusted gross score and the number of holes played (9 or 18). For guidance on calculating your adjusted gross score, refer to the USGA's Equitable Stroke Control guidelines.
  5. Submit — your score is recorded to your GHIN profile immediately.

  • Play and post the minimum required number of holes (54 holes under the World Handicap System™ — verify the current requirement at usga.org or contact AZ GOLF directly)
    • Any combination of 9-hole and/or 18-hole rounds is acceptable
  • Your Handicap Index® will be calculated overnight once the minimum score requirement is met.

    Note: Your Handicap Index® is updated daily. Once established, it is recalculated each night based on your most recent scores.



Additional Resources

For more information and beginner tips, click HERE to read the USGA article on establishing a Handicap Index®.

Becoming a member and establishing a Handicap Index® is quick and easy — and it opens the door to fair competition and meaningful game improvement. Join an authorized AZ GOLF club today.

Questions? Contact AZ GOLF at azgolf.org/contact or call us directly for personalized assistance.