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NCGA Club Handicap Chair

Resource Page

Welcome

NCGA Handicap Chairs

"Congratulations and/or condolences on your appointment as Handicap Chair . . . one of the most important, yet least appreciated officials within any club.

The NCGA has amassed all sorts of resources for your use and stands ready to assist you in all your handicapping pursuits.

The Rules of Handicapping is a must for every Handicap Chair and you'll want to bookmark both the NCGA Handicapping Resource Page as well as the USGA resource page. Lastly, check out our helpful World Handicap System (WHS) page. 

It is important to understand that the WHS carries a mandatory educational requirement. That is, each club must have a representative, ideally you, complete approved online education (and pass a quiz) before your club can issue "official" handicaps.

Good luck with your handicapping activities!"

Jim Cowan - Director of Handicapping

Jim Cowan Director of Handicapping

Handicap Resources

Managing your club’s handicap indexes is an important task — thank you for taking it on! With your efforts, the handicap system is properly administered and creates an equitable golfing experience for all.

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World Handicap System
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World Handicap System Certification
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USGA Admin Portal
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NCGA Handicap Department

Things to Know

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USGA Handicap Committee Guide

The USGA Handicap Committee Guide is designed as a complement to the Rules of Handicapping book. The guide is meant to assist the Handicap Committee in the practical application of the Rules of Handicapping.

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Course Rating and Slope

To make the handicap index portable to courses all over the world and varying sets of tee locations, the WHS includes a best practice for “Course Rating and Slope” calculations. The NCGA manages this for nearly all of the Northern California golf courses.

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Rules of Handicapping

The USGA offers an in-depth and thorough reference for the rules of handicapping (as of 2020). You can view it online or order it in book form.

Popular WHS Topics

Max Score Per Hole

For score posting purposes, the Maximum Hole Score will be a net double bogey. If you post hole-by-hole scores using the USGA GHIN mobile app, the system will automatically calculate and adjust this for you.

Playing Conditions Calculation (PCC)

Handicaps are updated nightly. Sometimes course playing conditions dictate automatic adjustments, so it is essential to post the same day to receive the corrections if made.

Soft and Hard Caps

The USGA has implemented safeguards in the handicap system to prevent wild upward movements to a player’s handicap. The soft cap will slow the rate at which a handicap increases. A hard cap prevents a handicap from increasing more than 5 strokes within a year.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Explore additional resources to help you manage your NCGA member club.