Short answer: in the US, join your state golf association (many offer an online membership for golfers with no home course) to get a GHIN Handicap Index. In England, sign up for iGolf. Elsewhere, ask your national golf union. Then post scores for at least 54 holes.
In the United States
- Find your state or regional golf association. Many sell a membership for golfers without a home course, sometimes called an eClub or association membership.
- Join and get a GHIN number.
- Post your scores in the GHIN app after each round, with the tees you played.
- After 54 holes, your Handicap Index appears, and it updates as you post more scores.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland
- In England, golfers who are not club members can join iGolf from England Golf. Scotland, Wales and Ireland have their own unions with similar options or club memberships; check your national union.
- Submit scores from qualifying rounds, played under the rules.
- Once you have scores for 54 holes, you get an official World Handicap System index.
Official handicap or an estimate?
| Official (GHIN, iGolf, club) | Estimate (apps, this site) | |
|---|---|---|
| Valid for competitions | Yes | No |
| Accepted as proof at courses | Yes | No |
| Cost | Annual membership fee | Often free |
| Good for tracking your game and friendly games | Yes | Yes |
Playing famous courses abroad
Some well-known courses, especially links courses in Scotland and Ireland, ask for a handicap certificate and set a maximum handicap. Requirements change, so check the course website before you book, and carry your official certificate. An estimate from a website or app is not accepted.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a golf handicap without joining a club?
You do not need to join a club with its own course. You do need to belong to a golf club or golf association that is authorized to issue handicaps. In the US, many state golf associations sell an online membership for golfers without a home course. In England, England Golf offers iGolf for golfers who are not club members.
How many rounds do I need for an official handicap?
You need scores that add up to at least 54 holes, for example three 18-hole rounds, or a mix of 18-hole and 9-hole rounds. Your index then updates as you post more scores.
Is my 18Birdies or TheGrint handicap official?
Only if the app is connected to an authorized association and you are a member. A handicap an app or website works out on its own, including ours, is an estimate. It is useful for tracking your game, but not valid for competitions.
Is iPlay the same as iGolf?
No. In the UK, iGolf (from England Golf) gives you an official World Handicap System index. Other apps with similar names may only give an unofficial figure. Check that the provider is your national golf union.
Do I need a handicap to play famous courses abroad?
Some courses ask for a handicap certificate and set a maximum handicap, especially busy links courses in Scotland and Ireland. The rules change, so check the course website before you book. An estimate from a website is not accepted as proof.
How much does an official handicap cost?
It depends on your state or country and changes from year to year. In the US, online association memberships are typically a modest annual fee; in the UK, iGolf is an annual subscription. Check your state golf association or national union for the current price.