How To Create A Ghin Number

Get your USGA/GHIN Handicap!

You LOVE golf, but it's time to take the next step with your game. A GHIN Handicap Index is the only universally accepted Handicap for tournament entry and competition. Level the playing field, track your progress and commit yourself to a better golf game!

GHIN - Accept No Substitutes

A USGA/GHIN Handicap Index is the gold standard for tracking your improvement or competing with other golfers. That's because GHIN is the only Handicap Index that is universally trusted by Southern California golfers for competitive purposes.

How do you get a GHIN Handicap? Simple: join the SCGA. When you join you'll receive your GHIN number (this is your unique USGA/SCGA identifying number) that you'll use to post scores from completed rounds. Post five 18-hole rounds and you'll establish an Index (that's the number you'll use to gain or give strokes to golfers you play with).

Get Your USGA/GHIN Handicap

Get a razor-accurate assessment of your skill level and progress
Access any tournament that requires a Handicap Index
Level the playing field when playing with friends
Start competing - regardless of your current skill level!
Join a local SCGA golf club to find others at your ability level
Play and compete for prizes in a charity tournament
Start networking with business clients and colleagues
Beat your friends and win their money

Get Your USGA/GHIN HAndicap Now!

Coupon Code: GHIN for $10 Off!

USGA/GHIN Handicap -
How and Why it Works

In order to maintain a USGA/GHIN Handicap Index, you must be a member of an association-certified golf club. That's because the foundation of the USGA's handicap system is a concept called "peer review." Peer review guarantees Handicap Index oversight through fellow golf club members and a certified Handicap Chairman. The goal is to ensure that golfers play and compete with a Handicap Index that accurately reflects his or her ability.

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How Do You Get Your USGA/GHIN
Number and Establish an Index?

Step 1: Join the SCGA. You have two options:

Option 1: Join one of the 1,200+ SCGA-certified golf clubs in Southern California. It may take some time to research the type of club you want to join and how much you want to pay, so alternatively you can...

»Find a Club

Option 2: Join the SCGA as an Associate Member for $60 ($50 with the promo code GHIN!) This grants you full SCGA benefits (like your Handicap Index). A local club is auto-assigned to you based on your location (although you can select a different club), and may grant you access to a limited number of club tournaments. DON'T WORRY, your communication and participation with this selected club is entirely up to you.

Step 2: Post five 18-hole scores at scga.org (or the GHIN app) using your assigned GHIN number. On the 1st and 15th of the month, you receive your updated Handicap Index by email from the SCGA (calculated from your posted scores).

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Get Your USGA/GHIN Handicap Now!

Coupon Code: GHIN for $10 Off!

Stop Giving Away Strokes Arbitrarily on the Golf Course

Tired of the buddy who constantly begs for more strokes when you tee it up? Want to really know how many strokes you should be getting on the course? With an SCGA/USGA Handicap, you'll be able to compete with players of all skill levels on a level playing field. Is your buddy a scratch golfer? No worries. The average SCGA member would get 15 or more strokes against him or her. Now get out there, establish that SCGA/USGA Handicap and feel confident it will be a fair game!

Gain Access to Tournaments that Require a Handicap Index

Have you ever wanted to play in a charity tournament but you were denied access for lack of Handicap Index? Or they made you play as a scratch golfer which put you completely out of the running for prizes? Your GHIN Handicap Index gets you in, and provides access to thousands of golf competitions across the Southland that want to see your GHIN Index before you can participate in the outing. A GHIN Index lets them know you're legit, and ready to compete in a way that's fair for you and your fellow competitors.

Get Your USGA/GHIN Handicap Now!

Coupon Code: GHIN for $10 Off!

Compete in a Tournament, Regardless of Your Ability

Are you like a lot of golfers where the idea of competing sounds like something for "good" players? Net tournaments are for you! Net tournaments factor in your ability level and provide you with strokes to level the playing field. Using your GHIN Handicap, a golfer with a 25 Index can compete fairly against a scratch player on nearly any course and from any tee. SCGA member clubs crown hundreds of net champions every year. You could be next!

Get a Razor-Sharp Assessment of Your Skill Level and Progress

Your GHIN Handicap Index is the most accurate assessment tool available to measure both where your game stands today and the incremental and hard-won improvements you make along your golf journey. Regional golf associations such as the SCGA rate nearly every golf course in the country in order to arm amateur golfers with the information necessary to assess their skills and fairly compete with other golfers. As any golfer focused on improving his or her game can attest, there is no better feeling in the world than watching your Handicap Index improve!

Get Your USGA/GHIN Handicap Now!

Coupon Code: GHIN for $10 Off!

Join the SCGA

The SCGA provides golfers of all skill levels with the best possible experience, from those who actively live the golf lifestyle to those just learning to swing a club. As a member of the SCGA you'll have the ability to enjoy the game and flourish as a golfer in beautiful Southern California.

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SCGA Associate Member Benefits

As an SCGA Associate Member you receive unbeatable, year-round golf benefits including:

Exclusive access to premier private courses and events at discounted rates.

No matter your age, skill level, or Handicap Index, the SCGA offers competitive play.

Saving on tee times, green fees (up to 50% off), delivered to your inbox every month.

Get your USGA Handicap Index, as well as news, rules info, and FORE magazine.

SCGA Membership Includes $200+ in Value From:

The Membership that Pays for Itself!

$15 Gift Card

The Southland's trusted source for golf equipment and apparel.

$75 Off

Take $75 off a swing evaulation or lesson plan with GolfTEC.

$20 Coupon

Take an additional $20 off already discounted golf from Underpar.

$10 Off GolfShot Pro

Mobile app for GPS yardages and advanced playing statistics!

Stay Tuned!

Be on the lookout for local course discounts and more from the SCGA!

The SCGA Provides
Invaluable Golf Benefits

Coupon Code: GHIN for $10 Off!

Fun and Friendly Competition

Tournaments aren't just for the pros. As an Associate Member of the SCGA, you are able to participate in any of our regular One-Day Tournaments at some of Southern California's premier courses. Players are flighted based on skill level to ensure all matches are fun and competitive.

Formats include: Individual Net, 2 Person Scramble, Four Ball Net, Individual Stableford, Team Stableford

Unbeatable Discounts and Exclusive Deals

SCGA Associate Members have access to a wealth of opportunities to save money while improving your golf game. Get discounts on green fees and tee times at top courses throughout Southern California. When you join, you'll automatically receive credit with top golf retailers such as underpar.com, GolfTEC, and Roger Dunn / The Golf Mart.

And with discounts on golf lessons and an official USGA Handicap Index you can even improve your play!

SCGA Member Exclusive Deal!

St. Mark Golf Club

Two Guest Stay & Play Package: Accommodations at Lakehouse Hotel & Resort

Access to Premier Courses at Fantastic Rates

Associate Members also enjoy exclusive access to some of the top courses in Southern California as part of our Member Outings. Members also enjoy unbeatable rates! These non-competitive events are open to members of all skill levels.

Join and play: Pelican Hill, La Costa, Friendly Hills Country Club, and many more of Southern California's Top Courses!

Enjoy Exclusive Access &
Discounts at Top Courses

Coupon Code: GHIN for $10 Off!

Join Today To Get This Super Value Package!

Access to SCGA Golf Leagues (coming soon to an area near you!)
Group Golf Vacations (Bandon Dunes, Hawaii, Pinehurst, and more!)
Exclusive member-only deals at SoCal's premier golf facilities
Access to 50+ private courses through SCGA Member Outings
Access to SCGA Tournaments for All Ages and Skill Levels
$200+ in Savings from SCGA partners including UnderPar, Roger Dunn and GolfTEC!
Access to a Passionate Community of Golfers in Your Area
A USGA/GHIN Handicap Index
Complimentary Subscription to FORE Magazine

Don't wait to start
playing more golf!

Coupon Code: GHIN for $10 Off!

What is an SCGA Associate Membership?

Associate members receive FULL SCGA benefits and LIMITED Club benefits. These limited benefits vary by club, but usually allow access to a small number of club tournaments. Check HERE to see benefits provided by participating Associate Member Clubs.

As an SCGA Associate Member you'll be placed in the club that is nearest to the address you provide during signup (you can also choose your own club too).

Looking for full club benefits?

Find an SCGA Member Club here.

Have more questions?

Full Membership:

Full Membership gets you all SCGA benefits PLUS tournaments and other benefits provided by the club you select. If you're having trouble finding a club, click the button below to speak with the SCGA!

Form Your Own Club:

Play frequetly with the same group of people? Get 10 golf buddies and you can start your own club, set your own price point, and take advantage of SCGA benefits together!