NYSGA Licensing Program for the
USGA Handicap System
2008 - 2011
The USGA used to assume that any Golf Club wishing to issue USGA Handicap Indexes was doing so in compliance with all requirements mandated by the USGA Handicap System. It now requires that State and Regional Associations, like the NYSGA, sign Agreements certifying that clubs are doing things in compliance with USGA guidelines. The USGA is giving Authorized Golf Associations, like the NYSGA, a great deal of responsibility in confirming compliance of Golf Clubs in their jurisdiction.
There are two different procedures for this confirmation. For clubs who are “Members” of the Association, which is determined by their using the Association’s Handicap Service, the NYSGA must get a written statement from the club stating that they are in compliance (download compliance checklist). All other clubs must apply directly to the USGA for licensing. We are, however, required to confirm in writing that the Club is aware of our Posting Season and Revision Schedule and sign their Licensing Application (non-NYSGA member form HERE).
This program started on January 1, 2005 with a deadline of June 30, 2006 for clubs to become licensed. On July 1, 2006, the USGA published a List of Licensed Clubs on their Website. All Clubs licensed after 7/1/06 remained licensed until 12/31/07. All Clubs licensed as of 12/31/07 will remain licensed for the next licensing period, 1/1/2008 through 12/31/2011. However, during that period of time those clubs must once again submit a written statement stating that they are in compliance with the USGA Handicap System and have a representative attend an official Handicap Seminar and pass a Quiz.
Any Club not on the List of Licensed Clubs will not be allowed to officially issue USGA Handicap Indexes. Furthermore, the USGA will also be Auditing Clubs randomly to verify their compliance.
Please Note: Clubs can satisfy the compliance requirement by: submitting the checklist stating that they are in compliance AND by attending a Handicap Seminar or taking the USGA’s On-line Seminar and Quiz.
When handicap seminars are scheduled, they will be announced on our website.
To access the online seminar and quiz a Club representative can go to the USGA Handicapping site. Before beginning the seminar the representative must register using their Club's name and the Association in whose jurisdiction their Club resides. If there are any questions regarding which Association to specify, please email the NYSGA with the Club name and location. This presentation and the mandatory Quiz that follows will most likely take 1-2 hours to complete. When completing the online seminar, refresh the page after completing a section to move onto the next section.
Online Handicapping Seminar and Quiz
If you have any questions regarding the USGA Handicap System Licensing Program for Clubs, please email Scott Gerbereux, NYSGA Director of Handicapping.