In order to establish and maintain a Handicap Index, a player must be a member of an authorized golf club. Most golf courses, public and private, are authorized.

USGA, Golf Handicapping, Golf Handicap App, Handicap Golf, Handicap Index, Slope, Rating, World Handicap System ...

The USGA Rules Hub contains all of the information and resources you need to learn more about the Rules of Golf.

List of past USGA presidents.

Appendix C: Handicap Allowances Handicap allowances are designed to provide equity in different formats of play, over both 9 holes and 18 holes. Handicap allowances are applied to the unrounded Course ...

Q. I did not play a hole. What score to do I post? A. For a score to be acceptable for handicap purposes, at least 9 holes that have a 9-hole Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™ must be played. If ...

FAQ - What is a Score Differential™ and how is it calculated? FAQ - How is a Handicap Index® Calculated? FAQ - I always play the same tees. Is my Handicap Index "established" from that set?

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Clarifications of the Rules of GolfUpdated July 1, 2025 New additions will normally be updated on a quarterly basis each January, April, July, and October and the next quarterly update will be in ...

The USGA's new Rules of Golf will go into effect on January 1, 2023. Explore additional resources on these changes here.

Since its founding in 1920, the Green Section has led the USGA’s efforts to improve golf course playing conditions and sustainability through research, education, course consulting, technology tools ...

Conforming Club and Ball ListsThe Equipment Database identifies golf balls and clubs that have been submitted and evaluated for conformance to the Rules of Golf by the United States Golf Association ...