World Handicap System
The USGA World Handicap System enables equitable competition for golfers of all playing abilities.
Competitive league golfers must have an existing handicap index of 53.9 to participate or provide previous scores totaling at least three 18-holes rounds (through a combination of 9 and 18-hole scores) for a starting handicap index to be calculated for them.
Non-Competitive leagues (PRACTICE and INTERMEDIATE) provide golfers with the opportunity to develop and improve their handicap index. Non-Competitive league members can graduate to Competitive leagues with a handicap index of 53.9 or less.
Non-Competitive (LEARNING) league golfers play learn on a short, non-USGA rated course and do not post scores or earn a handicap index.
GHIN Score Posting
HVWGC members are required to post their scores by the end of the day of league play per the guidelines of the World Handicap System.
The handicap index is used to compute a course handicap for each player that translates into the handicap strokes a golfer receives on each hole.
Members are encouraged to post all scores, not just from league play, so that their handicap index is indicative of their actual playing ability.
Players post their scores through the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) website or through the USGA Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN) application on a smartphone or tablet.