Handicaps

What is a Handicap?

Every golf course must factor in the Slope Rating and Course Rating when determining a player’s handicap for a course.  The Slope Rating measures how challenging the golf course is, while Course Rating is what par would be for a scratch golfer.  A course rating of 70.2 means a scratch golfer should score a 70 when playing that course.  With those two factors, the USGA GHIN uses a golfer's average score on 9 or 18 holes & issues a handicap index. That number is used in a formula along with the slope & course rating to come up with your course handicap for a particular course. Your course handicap will change from course to course and also adjust when you change tee boxes. The course difficulty increases or decreases with each tee box (i.e. 4 tees are more difficult to play than the 5 tees.)

Why do I need a Handicap?

To play in any Cliffs golf event, you need a valid GHIN number and handicap index. Having a handicap gives you a way to measure your play so you can see if your game is improving and also makes it simple to compete in games for fun with your friends. We encourage you to have a handicap index to play in a FUN Day.  Visit USGA.com for more information.

How do I get a Handicap?

Just notify a Keowee Falls Professional Golf Staff member and they will sign you up!  Play six 9-hole rounds or three 18-hole rounds and record your score in the GHIN application.  A $35 annual fee will be charged to your member account.

How do I use it?

On your USGA GHIN App, press the red post score tab in the center of the screen. Select the course played or enter the course name if you do not see your course, select hole by hole, number of holes played, tees, and enter your GROSS score for each hole. The app will automatically adjust your score if you shoot higher than your max. You can post 9, 18 or 10-17 holes played.   

Learn more at:

USGA Handicapping Home

GHIN Frequently Asked Questions