The short answer
- You must be a member of an authorized golf club (or a direct member of an authorized association).
- Post 54 holes — any mix of 9- and 18-hole rounds — to establish an index.
- Once you have 20 scores, the index uses your best 8 of the most recent 20 score differentials.
- Your index updates daily and is portable to any course in the world.
What you need before you start
A Handicap Index is the number that measures your demonstrated ability and lets you compete fairly against anyone, anywhere. To get one you need two things: membership of a golf club that is affiliated with an authorized association, and 54 holes of scores.
Many courses run an authorized club, so the simplest route is to ask the pro shop at the course you play most often — they can usually set you up on the spot. The alternative is joining your local Allied Golf Association directly, which gives you a membership plus a Handicap ID (your "GHIN number").
- Join a club — through a course you play, or directly with your regional association.
- Designate a home club — one club is responsible for maintaining your index.
- Get a Handicap ID — the number you'll use to post scores and look yourself up.
The 54-hole requirement
You need 54 holes posted to establish a Handicap Index. Those 54 holes can be any combination of 9-hole and 18-hole rounds — six 9-hole rounds, three 18-hole rounds, or any mix.
A score only counts if the round meets all of these conditions:
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Authorized format | Played over enough holes for a 9- or 18-hole score to be acceptable |
| Played by the Rules of Golf | No invented local rules, no mulligans |
| With at least one other person | That person may also act as your marker |
| Rated course, active season | The course must have a current Course Rating and Slope Rating and be in its active season |
| Certified score | The score must be certified by you and your marker |
Play solo and the score is not acceptable. Play with at least one other person, by the Rules of Golf, and it can be.
How the Handicap Index is calculated
Each acceptable score produces a score differential, which accounts for the difficulty of the course and tees you played. From there:
- Fewer than 20 scores: a reduced number of your best differentials are used.
- 20 scores or more: your index is the average of the best 8 of your most recent 20 score differentials.
Built-in safeguards apply in two cases: an exceptional score (a score differential 7.0 or more strokes below your Handicap Index), and when your 8-of-20 calculation comes out more than 3.0 strokes above your Low Handicap Index from the previous 365 days.
Index vs Course Handicap vs Playing Handicap
Handicap Index is your portable measure of ability. Course Handicap converts it for the specific tees and course you're playing. Playing Handicap applies the handicap allowance set for the format of play.
What it costs
Costs vary by association, but the structure is usually a small annual fee for club or association membership that includes your Handicap ID, plus the app or platform access to post scores. Ask your course or association what's included. Whatever it costs, an index is what lets you play a fair game against better players.
Frequently asked questions
How many rounds do you need to get a golf handicap?
How do I get a golf handicap?
Do you have to play with someone else to post a score?
How is a golf handicap calculated?
Can I play solo and post the score for handicap?
Know the rules behind your score
Save Strokes: Golf Rules Quick Reference is a PDF covering 20 rules situations, with a printable bag card and a phone card. The free Course Notes template helps you build a game plan hole by hole.