Handicapping | Revision Schedule | Compliance Checklist | USGA Handicap System Licensing Program for Clubs

Compliance Checklist

Section 1-2 of the USGA Handicap System states in part: "If a golf club or golf association does not follow the procedures of the USGA Handicap System, it is not permitted to refer to any handicap which it issues or certifies as a USGA Handicap Index, USGA Handicap Pre-Slope, or as a handicap authorized or approved by the USGA." To determine if yhour club complies, use the following checklist.

1. Meet the USGA definition of a golf club?

2. Have a Handicap Committee composed mostly of members and chaired by a member? (Section 8-1)

3. Have an official USGA Course Rating and Slope Rating issued by an authorized golf association within the last ten years? (Section 14)

4. Make it possible for players to record the correct USGA Course Rating and USGA Slope Rating with each posted score from every set of tees? (Sections 5-2 and 8-2b and c)

5. Require the posting of all scores made at home and away? (Section 5-1)

6. Require the use of USGA procedures to adjust hole scores before posting? (Section 4)

7. Require that nine-hole scores be combined and posted for handicap purposes? (Section 5-2c and d)

8. Insist that the principles of the Rules of Golf be followed? (Section 5-1)

9. Follow the revision schedule and posting season of the authorized golf association having jurisdiction in the region? (Section 8-3a and c)

10. Ensure that all acceptable scores are entered correctly? (Section 5-2)

11. Perform computations and adjustments in accordance with the USGA Handicap Formula? (Sections 8-4 and 10)

12. In a prominent place, post a list of members' USGA Handicap Indexes and make current scoring records of all players from each revision readily available for inspection by fellow members? (Section 6-3)

13. Reduce or increase Handicap Indexes of any player whose handicap does not reflect his potential ability (Section 8-4b)

14. Obtain a new USGA Course Rating and USGA Slope Rating from an authorized golf association when permanent changes have been made to the golf course? (Section 14-5b)*

Include the letter "L" after local handicaps which exceed the USGA maximum limits of 36.4 for men and 40.4 for women? (Section 3-4)*

Set up the golf course to make a consistent level of scoring possible? (Section 15)*

If the answer to all questions is "yes," the golf club is following the USGA Handicap System, and may issue USGA Handicap Indexes® to its members.

If any answers are "no," contact the Association or the USGA to determine necessary action to achieve compliance.

Items marked with an * do not apply to a golf club without real estate.