Obtain a Handicap / 1st Cards

Obtaining a Handicap and Golf Link (GL) number is an essential step for any golfer looking to improve their game and compete in official tournaments. It not only allows you to track your progress, but also provides a fair playing field for all golfers by adjusting their scores based on their skill level. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining a GA Handicap and GL number.

First and foremost, it is important to note that in order to obtain a GA Handicap and GL number, you must be a financial member of a GA/Golf Link affiliated club or organization. This is a requirement set by Golf Australia (GA) to ensure the accuracy and integrity of handicapping.

Once you have become a member of a club, the Players Club will create a player record for you and issue a GL number. It is the responsibility of the club to provide this number to you, but in case they fail to do so, you can contact Golf Link directly to obtain it.

The next step is to submit three 18-hole scores to your club. These scores will be used to set your GA Handicap. It is important to note that 9-hole scores can also be used for handicapping, with two of these scores being matched up to create one 18-hole score. However, these rounds must be scored by a current GA handicapped golfer.

For new golfers, GA recommends using 54 as their daily handicap when submitting scores for handicapping. This applies to both males and females. However, clubs have the authority to set their own limits for daily handicaps, which should not cause any issues with the way GA calculates handicaps. For 9-hole rounds, a daily handicap of 27 (if 18-hole daily handicap is 54) should be used to calculate the handicap score for the round.

It is important to note that all scores submitted for handicapping must include handicap scores in Stableford points. In case of a stroke event, the gross score should be entered for the competition score, and the Stableford handicap score should be calculated using the player's hole-by-hole nett scores converted to Stableford points.

All scores must be submitted through the player's home club. It is recommended that the club enters the scores as ad hoc scores and dates them on the actual date of play, rather than submitting them all for one date. The scores can be submitted to Golf Link as they are played, or the club can wait for three cards to be returned. Each club can set their own preferred process for score submissions. As soon as the third card is submitted to Golf Link, a GA handicap will be automatically calculated. This process takes approximately 20 minutes to reflect on the GA website and another 10 minutes for the GA app to update.

In case of any issues with a submitted score, the player must contact their home club to get the score adjusted. This includes missing rounds, incorrect handicaps, wrong course ratings, different dates of play, and any anomalies in the competition or handicap scores.

While Stableford points are important, the actual GA handicap calculation uses score differentials. It is strongly recommended to read the article published by GA on their website, titled "PART D: Operational Guide, item 18 - How your GA is calculated under the WHS, and the importance of your Score Differentials" for a better understanding of the calculation process.

For new handicaps, players with fewer than 20 rounds in their handicap record, the table provided by GA is used to calculate their GA handicap. It is important to note that due to these calculations, a player's GA handicap can change significantly during the early submission of scores. As more rounds are submitted and used in the calculation, the GA handicap will become more stable.

In conclusion, obtaining a GA handicap and GL number is a crucial step for any golfer looking to improve their game and compete in official tournaments. By following the guidelines provided by GA and submitting accurate scores, you can ensure a fair and accurate handicap that reflects your true skill level. Remember, a GA handicap is not just a number, but a reflection of your dedication and progress in the game of golf.