2013 GHIN HANDICAP PROGRAM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FOR INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

When will we be converting over to GHIN®?

The last day for posting scores on the existing GolfNet system will be in early December. Immediately after, each club is required to perform a handicap revision to consolidate all of their club members’ data on the GolfNet database. Beginning on the shutdown date, both kiosk and online posting of scores will be prohibited for a period of time. During this posting “holiday” golfers are requested to hold their scores until the new GHIN system is active at which time the holiday scores can be posted to the new system.

When will the GHIN® posting kiosks be “live”?

We anticipate the GHIN® posting kiosks, online posting and smart phone posting will go “live” on or about January 7-10, 2013. The first handicap revision under the new GHIN® system will be January 15, 2013.

What is a GHIN® number and why is it important?

All members will be issued a GHIN® number when added to a club’s handicap roster.  This number is unique to the individual and will allow you to post scores at your home club, online and at any other course.  Individuals holding a membership at more than one club in the Carolinas or any other state utilizing the GHIN® service should have the same GHIN® number at all clubs.  In addition to score posting, the GHIN® number will be requested on Championship and One-Day tournament entry forms as well as other registration forms. 

What should I do if I have a membership at more than one club?

If you have a membership at more than one club in the Carolinas or a membership at a Carolina club and a club in another state that uses the GHIN® service, you should consolidate all of your clubs into one GHIN® number.  With one GHIN® number, all of the your club memberships will be in a single record and you will only need to post a score once to have it routed to all of your clubs.  At our GHIN® information webpage -  GHIN Info Central  - you can fill out an online form giving us information about your already existing GHIN® number and we will register you in the Carolinas with the same number. If you and your spouse both have existing GHIN® numbers, you will each have to fill out a form to be sure each of your numbers will be consolidated properly.

How often is my Handicap Index updated?

A Handicap Index is updated on the 1^st and 15^th of each month throughout the year for a total of 24 handicap revisions.

How will my club transmit scores and process updates?  How are handicap revisions calculated?

One of the key advantages of the GHIN® software is that it processes updates automatically at regular intervals.  Clubs using a hi-speed internet connection are set up to run an automatic transmission at least twice a day.  That means that scores posted online will be available at the club within a few hours’ time.  Most clubs using a dial-up connection are set up to run an automatic transmission at least once per day.  With automated transmissions, hi-speed and dial-up clubs do not need to initiate the data transfer allowing for regular score updates.  Finally, handicap revisions are calculated automatically at midnight on the 1^st and the 15^th of each month throughout the year.

Who do I contact for support issues?

If you have questions related to the GolfNet software, GolfNet will continue to service your inquiries through the end of the year.  Otherwise CGA is your point of contact for issues with the GHIN® Handicap Program (GHP) software.  You may contact us by phone at (910) 687-4040 or by email at GHINsupport. For all other membership questions please call (910) 673-1000.

I have seen the acronym GASC – what does this stand for and what does it mean?

GASC stands for Golf Association Services of the Carolinas which is a joint effort between the CGA, SCGA and the WSCGA providing handicapping, tournament management tools and other general services for our members in South Carolina.

Will club administrators still be able to generate the same reports that are currently being utilized?

Yes, the GHIN® Handicap and Tournament programs have a robust amount of standardized reporting options that will cover most needs of the club. In the case where a club specific report is not available among the standard options, there is an ad hoc report generator available to design custom reports.

Will there be training provided to club members on the new GHIN® Handicap program?

Yes, online training will be available for club members. Beginning in early December we will be posting online training Webinars and YouTube videos on our GHIN® Information website pages at each association. Other training materials will be made available as they are developed.

Where can I find written material on the Internet regarding the USGA Handicap System policy?

The entire content of the he USGA Handicap System manual is located in the Handicap Section of the USGA Web site at: http://www.usga.org./playing/handicaps/manual/manual.html. 

Can I post on GHIN.com if my club does not use GHIN®?

No. The GHIN® database is comprised of golfers that use the GHIN® service. You may be able to post your score online, but not via this site.

Will the GHIN.com web site allow me to look up a Handicap Index® for anyone in the country who has a Handicap Index®?

No. There are many computation services assisting in the issuance of a Handicap Index®. The GHIN® database is comprised of golfers using the GHIN® service so you will only be able to look up other golfers on the GHIN® service.

Will my current handicap record, including scores and handicap history be available after the transition?

Yes, scoring records and handicap history (last 25 to 30 scores) will automatically be carried into your new GHIN handicap record.

Will I still be able to post scores at the golf course kiosk?

Yes, if your club allows members to post scores, the club will still be supplied with score posting software which may be used by members and guests to post their scores.

Will I still be able to post scores online via the CGA, SCGA and WSCGA websites?

Yes. You may also be able to post online using a link we will provide to your club for inclusion on your club’s website.  In addition, a smart phone app (iPhone and Android) will be available for association members to log their scores remotely.

Tell me more about the available smart phone apps for score posting.

A mobile phone app for reviewing player handicaps and for score posting is available for iPhone and Android smart phones. The apps will be available for download from links to app stores at our websites in late December. A golfer will need to know his/her GHIN number and once registered the app will give each player mobile control over their score posting. The app will be available for free as an added benefit to Association membership.

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