Establishing a Handicap with the EWGA Golf Club
Starting in Spring 2005, handicap service for EWGA members became part of the membership package. The service is now provided by the new EWGA Golf Life Management System (GLMS) powered by Golf Intelligence. Members who kept their handicap with the Denver Chapter in 2004 have already had their scoring history transferred to the GLMS. New members who kept their handicap with another club will need to obtain their scoring history and enter their scores into the GLMS on the EWGA website.
GLMS ManualThe Denver Chapter is also offering to administer handicap service through the GHIN system. This service is offered for an additional fee of $30.00.
GHIN/CWGA ApplicationAre you wondering what all this 'handicap' talk is all about? Read the FAQ for more information.
What is a handicap?
A handicap is a number that represents your skill level and potential scoring ability. Generally speaking, your handicap value is representative of how you should expect to score in relation to par. It's actually a little more complicated than that because other factors are considered such as which tees you play from and how difficult the course is. It is also weighted such that it's more representative of what you'd expect to score on a good day rather than on an average day. For specifics on the handicap system and the actual formula used to determine your handicap, visit usga.org. And don't worry about the math; the computer network handles all the calculations for you.
Why would I want to maintain a handicap?
Benefits of maintaining a handicap include the ability to compete with golfers of other skill levels on an equitable basis on any course, from any tees. It also provides an objective way to measure golf skill improvement. An official handicap is required to compete in some of our competitive tournament.
Do I need a handicap to join EWGA?
No, but you do need one to participate in the EWGA Championship Series which includes the Chapter Championship.
Are there any requirements for maintaining your handicap with EWGA?
The only requirement for maintaining your handicap with EWGA is that you are a current member of the Executive Women's Golf Association.
How much does it cost to maintain a handicap with EWGA?
Handicap service through Golf Life Management System is a part of all levels of membership in EWGA. Handicap service through GHIN is offered for an additional fee of $30.00.
How do I access and activate my account on the Golf Life Management System?
Access to the system is through the EWGA website. Members need to activate their account by following the directions previously provided to via email from EWGA or by going to the activation page on the EWGA.com website. Once you've activated your account,on subsequent visits you can access the Golf Life Management System by logging in with your EWGA account at EWGA.com
What are my responsibilities in maintaining a handicap?
As with all aspects of golf, the handicap system expects honesty and integrity from its participants. All individuals maintaining an official handicap have the following responsibilities:
- Post every eligible score during the posting season. In Colorado, the posting season is from March through November. Please check with your golf club for specific dates.
- Play all rounds eligible for posting under the USGA Rules of Golf.
- Make an effort to make the best score on each hole of every round played.
When and how do I post my golf scores on the GLMS sytstem?
It is best to post scores as soon as possible after the round has been played. Posting scores will be done exclusively using the internet through EWGA's score posting page. Posting scores on the GHIN system can be done on the computer at the Pro Shop where the round has been played.
How are scores attested on the GLMS sytem?
Scores should be attested as part of standard practice however, at this time, the "attested" box on the GLMS system does not need to be checked.
How do I keep track of my handicap?
Log on to the Golf Life Management System through EWGA.com. You can track your handicap there, see the trend, as well as your actual index and scoring history. Information on keeping track of your handicap can be obtained at www.ghin.com.
What if I still want to keep my handicap through a golf club other then EWGA?
You may maintain multiple handicaps with different services as long at you enter all scores with each service (i.e. EWGA, GHIN, etc.). The revision schedule for all services is the same. Scores need to be entered in both services before the revision date deadline to insure that the index for each system is the same.
Will I be eligible for non-EWGA tournaments using my GLMS handicap?
At this time, the GLMS handicap will not be accepted by CWGA for its events. For other events, check with the organization that is running the tournament to make sure they will accept the new GLMS handicap through EWGA. While it is a valid USGA handicap, some golf associations and/or clubs may not be familiar with the GLMS system and may not accept it as valid.
How often is my handicap updated?
Handicaps are revised every two weeks during scoring season. For Colorado, the scoring season begins mid-March and ends late October each year.
Why do I have to join a club to get a handicap?
The USGA does not provide handicaps directly to individuals. All handicaps must be maintained through a golf club. If you are a member at a local course, you likely have already paid the necessary dues to maintain a handicap with that golf club. If not, you may join the EWGA Golf Club to maintain your handicap. By maintaining a handicap through a club rather than individually, there is opportunity for your peers to review your scores to ensure that integrity of the system is maintained.
I've seen online handicapping services for free. Can I use one of those?
You could, but at this time, a handicap kept through one of those service will not be an official USGA Handicap and you will not be eligible for tournament play.
Where can I find out more about handicaps and the handicap system?
- The United States Golf Association should be considered the official resource for handicap information.
- Colorado Golf Association
- Contact the Denver Chapter Handicap Chair for further questions.
