The Golf Handicap and Information Network (GHIN) is a system for tracking players’ scores and assigning a handicap to each individual based on the player’s most recent golf rounds. All VSWGA members are required to keep a Vermont GHIN handicap in order to be eligible to play in State Days or tournaments (although you can play State Days as a guest with a GHIN Handicap Index from another state).
Golfers who do not belong to a VSWGA member course can register for a GHIN Handicap Index through another organization offering Vermont GHIN services to its members (such as Lakeside, through the Vermont Golf Association). The fee may vary but is approximately $50. Junior golfers can acquire a GHIN at no cost.
The Vermont Golf Association is responsible for maintaining handicaps for all Vermont golfers. They are the official Vermont source for information. Golfers can download the USGA GHIN app to enter scores, track individual statistics, and search for other players.
Players pay an annual fee to register in the GHIN system through their home club. There may be a line item on your course membership form for the GHIN “Card” or it may be included in the cost of your membership. A GHIN number is necessary to log into the GHIN system and post scores after each round of golf. The GHIN system calculates individual handicaps and updates daily. Log into GHIN at any time to see your current handicap index.
Non-Vermont Residents: If you maintain a USGA GHIN Handicap Index at another golf course, please contact VSWGA to request that your Vermont GHIN be linked to your out-of-state GHIN. All scores will then be visible under one handicap index.
Golfers are responsible for posting (entering) scores in the GHIN system after each round of golf played, whether a casual round or in competition (where scores are typically posted in GHIN by the host course). The system uses an average of an individual golfer’s scores to determine handicap index. A golf handicap is the number of strokes above par for a specific course that the golfer will shoot in an average round. Handicap will differ slightly from course to course based on the difficulty of the course. Course handicap for a particular course can be found on the GHIN site or in the GHIN app.
The VSWGA will handle the posting in GHIN of all State Day and championship tournament scores (Amateur, Mid-Amateur, Senior Am, Junior Am.). Individual golfers are responsible for posting scores “No Cards” for a State Day as well as for any other golf rounds you played outside of VSWGA events.
Guidelines for posting scores to GHIN:
- Post all scores regardless of where played.
- Post 18-hole score when at least 13 holes are played. On holes not played, record a par plus any handicap strokes.
- Post your 9-hole score when at least 7 holes are played. On holes not played, record a par plus any handicap strokes.
- All 9-hole scores are to be posted. At a club where you have a handicap index, non-consecutive 9-hole rounds will be combined with other 9-hole rounds posted at that club, and may be any combination of nine (i.e., a front nine middle tee score combined with a front nine back tee score).
- 9-hole rounds posted at a club where a golfer does not receive a handicap index will be combined with other 9-hole rounds posted in the same manner.
- A 9-hole round will be retained in the GHIN system for an indefinite time until it can be combined with another 9-hole round. Once combined, the score should be identified with a score type “C,” but are not to be designated “T” scores.
Don’t Post These Scores:
- Don’t post a 9-hole score if you play fewer than seven holes or an 18-hole score if you play fewer than 13 holes.
- When you play in a competition limiting the types of clubs used, such as a one-club or irons-only tournament.
- When an 18-hole course is less than 3000 yards.
- When a majority of the holes aren’t played under the Rules of Golf, as in a “scramble”.
- Don’t post “out of season” scores. Each regional golf association has its own season. If you’re traveling, check to see if you’re playing in an active season at the course you visit. Scores made in the “Sunbelt” are always to be posted because the season is year round.
