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Handicaps

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Golf Courses must have both a Course & Slope Rating issued for the set of tees you play from in order to enter scores for handicap purposes. 

Course must have a minimum of 3,000 yards for 18-holes and 1,500 yards for a 9-hole round. (Par-3 Courses in most cases will not be eligible for handicap entry) 

Also, take note of the correct Tee Box to use. In some cases you may need to play from the White Tees and not the Red for your score to be eligible for handicap purposes because of the yardage minimums given above. (This occurs most often when playing on Executive Courses.) 

You will need a minimum of Five 18-hole scores entered ( or Ten 9-hole rounds) in order to receive your first USGA Handicap Index. The system holds 9-hole scores and will automatically combine them with another 9-hole score to make an 18-hole score entry. 

 Additional Questions?
  Do you have additional questions about handicaps? Please contact the handicap coordinator.

 Handicap Frequently Asked Questions
When can I enter scores?

First revision date for Golf Life Management System (GLMS) will be April 15th 

Your GLMS system  can be activated any time!

Enter all scores for rounds played  and also prior rounds that you have records for:

  • Only rounds played on MN courses (or other Northern seasonal courses) between the dates of April 15th and Oct 15th are eligible for handicap index calculation 
  • All Rounds played in states that have a year-round season (Southern states) are eligable – No date restrictions apply.

GHIN – is another software used for calculating USGA Handicap Indexes.   

  • Our EWGA Chapter can assist you with GHIN registration, if you wish. Go to our Web site www.mnewg.org – under Leagues – Register for Handicap  for more information.
Benefits Of Having A Handicap
  • Handicaps are a gauge of the golfer’s skill level.
  • Handicaps allow a player to compete on a level playing field with players at other levels.
  • They provide a barometer of a golfer’s progress or improvement over time.
  • They challenge a golfer to give it her best when playing.
  • They become a personal badge of accomplishment.
  • They allow the player to compete in one of five different skill levels at the championship event. Even golfers with high handicaps are able to compete in this championship event, as long as they have a handicap.
  • Handicaps can be established using scores from 9-hole or 18-hole play.
  • Players with handicaps tend to take the game of golf more seriously, while also having fun.
  • THERE IS NO DOWNSIDE TO HAVING A HANDICAP!
What Is A Handicap?
It is the number of artificial strokes a player receives to adjust her scoring ability to the common level of scratch or zero handicap golf. This number may increase or decrease depending upon the difficulty of the course being played (see next two items).
What Is A Course Handicap?
It is the number of handicap strokes a player receives at the course being played. A course handicap is determined by applying her index number to a Slope Conversion Table.
What Is A Slope/Rating?
This reflects the relative playing difficulty of a course for players with handicaps above scratch. (A general rule is, the higher the course slope, the more difficult the course is to play.)
How Do I Establish A Handicap Index Membership Number?
All EWGA memberships now provide access to an official USGA Handicap Index System through the new EWGA Golf Life Management Services System, powered by Golf Intelligence.  Once you activate your account on the "Golf Line Management System" link on our website you can start posting scores and tracking your handicap.
What Is An Index?
An index is a measure of a player’s ability. This number is derived every two weeks from a player’s best 10 of the last 20 scores. They are indicated by an asterisk on your Handicap Card. A Handicap Index is established after five 18-hole or ten 9-hole scores have been posted.
What Is A Gross Score?
A player’s actual score, stroke for stroke.
What Is A Net Score?
A player’s Gross score minus the course handicap.
What Is An Adjusted Score?
A player's gross score minus adjustments. This is the maximum number of strokes a person with a handicap can post on any hole. This keeps an exceptionally bad hole from drastically changing your index and is known as Equitable Stroke Control. During your round you would record your actual score hole by hole, but before posting you would adjust your total by subtracting the number of strokes that you were over your maximum and post the adjusted score. For example, if a person whose index on the course being played is 23, and that person actually shoots a 10 on any one hole, the person may adjust their score by -2 strokes when posting it for their handicap. There is no limit to the number of holes that can be adjusted
 
Course Index
Maximum # Of Strokes
9 or less
double bogey
10 to 19
7
20 to 29
8
30 to 40
9
40 and above
10
Why Do I Need An Index?
An index is necessary to play in amateur competition and is the player’s benchmark for improvement. The index assists others in pairing you with players of like ability during outings and tournaments.
How Do I Maintain A GHIN Index?

All EWGA memberships now provide access to an official USGA Handicap Index, through the new EWGA Golf Life Management Services System, powered by Golf Intelligence. Individuals wanting to still maintain, a GHIN Number through EWGA will be accommodated by Rush Creek Golf Course, for an additional fee of $19, plus completion of the GHIN Registration Form. 

Individuals will be able to post their scores at any golf course, having the GHIN computer setup or on-line, from their own personal computer. They do not have to physically go out to Rush Creek.  Individuals will be able to print out their updated GHIN Handicap, throughout the golf season at Rush Creek, at any other GHIN Golf Course or on-line, from their own personal computer.