Handicap Information
Highland Springs Country Club
World Handicap System
Visit the World Handicap System webpage >
The vision to unify the six different handicap systems in use around the world into a single World Handicap System required the commitment of, and collaboration between, many organizations. All of the following organizations have provided their support to this important initiative and played their part in establishing the key principles, which shaped the proposals and drove forward the initiative to the point where a new World Handicap System can be introduced to the golfing world in 2020. Since its conception, the development of the WHS has focused on three key goals: to encourage as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a Handicap Index; to enable golfers of differing abilities, genders and nationalities to transport their Handicap Index to any course around the world and compete on a fair basis; and to indicate with sufficient accuracy the score a golfer is reasonably capable of achieving on any course around the world, playing under normal conditions.
World Handicap Educational Materials
Get a Handicap
Get a handicap index through the MGA eClub
If you live in St. Louis or Kansas City area you need to contact your local Golf Association. We can not offer you a handicap in that area. St Louis 314-567-6242 or Central Links Golf (aka KCGA) 913-649-5242
Costs $27 a year
The Missouri Golf Association eClub invites you to get a USGA GHIN Handicap Index.
MGA eClub was established to provide golfers an opportunity to obtain a USGA handicap index when they do not have access to a home club. Using eClub you can track your own play.
Once you have applied for membership, the MGA will charge you $25 a season. (March – November 15)
GHIN Mobile App
GHIN Mobile App is FREE and available to all golfers using the GHIN Service.
The GHIN App gives you the ability to manage and follow your game plus access to the MGA world:
- Post scores in seconds
- View score history
- View your recent USGA handicap index
- Course handicap index for your or your playing partner(s)
- Add your favorite courses
As the development of the mobile apps continues to evolve, GHIN believes it is necessary that our mobile application always should be on the cutting edge of design and user experience.
About GHIN
Why you need a handicap index >
What is GHIN®?
GHIN (pronounced “jin”) stands for the Golf Handicap and Information Network®. This department was founded by the USGA more than 30 years ago to assist state and regional golf associations (RGAs) by providing a high quality handicap computation service. We work only through RGAs, never directly with individual clubs or members. GHIN believes a handicap computation service must be dynamic and be driven by customer desire and changing technology. The primary purpose of GHIN is to be of assistance to its golf associations so that they can attract and retain members. In recent years, the USGA has also offered the GHIN service to foreign national golf associations/unions/federations that are licensed to use the USGA Handicap System™.
Why is GHIN important?
GHIN provides an extensive array of dynamic services and products aimed at allowing an RGA to provide premier services to its member clubs and golfers. The RGAs throughout the country are key allies of the USGA and they assist us in administering many of our programs and services within their jurisdictions. Their vitality is important, so if providing GHIN as an option for RGA membership services is beneficial, which the USGA believes it is, then the association is fulfilling its objectives.
The GHIN service includes a number of core products for managing handicaps and tournaments for clubs. Those are the GHIN Handicap Program™ (GHP™), which is a PC-based software product that synchronizes with our central database; GHINClub.net, a remote handicap platform; and the Golf Genius Tournament Management Software. Beyond the core products, GHIN provides a large range of services to support RGAs, their member clubs, and individual member golfers. These include eClubhouse™, which is a microsite Web presence for clubs; eGolfer, which provides golfers on GHIN a way to manage their handicap information, buddy lists, and keep personal statistics; eNewsletter, an email-delivered update of a golfer’s handicap information along with news from their RGA; and many other products and services.
Rules & Policies
USGA Rules of Golf and Decisions
The USGA provides players of all levels with numerous resources to learn the Rules of Golf. We ask that you visit their site and watch the videos or there is access to the Rules of Golf and Decisions links on the site also. You can also download the USGA Rules of Golf app on your phone for instant access.
The materials available for Rules of Golf include:
The USGA writes and maintains the Rules of Amateur Status along with the R&A Rules Limited. An amateur golfer, whether he plays competitively or recreationally, is one who plays golf for the challenge it presents, not as a profession and not for financial gain.
Knowing your Amateur Status
Periodically the MGA schedules Rules of Golf Seminars that anyone can attend. The announcement is made by broadcast emails to our members.
Conditions of Play
Tournament Policies
Entries
Entries are subject to rejection at any time (including during the Championship) by the MGA.
Championships Refund & Cancellation Policy
Entry fees will not be refunded after the close of entries. Cancellations before the close of entries will be refunded less a $20 fee. All returned checks will be charged a fee of $30. If an event is rained out the MGA will refund minus the administration fee.
Practice Round
Practice Rounds are not applicable in Senior Series events.
Rescheduled Events
If you are registered for a SS event and the MGA has to change a venue and or a date, you will automatically be entered into the new event date and location. All cancellation policies will apply.
Withdraw Policy
You will be allowed to switch a maximum of two Senior Series events a season without penalty IF done before the deadline date.
Example: If you registered for the Cape Girardeau event and the Dalhousie event and you have to cancel, you are allowed to switch those to another venue without any penalty. IF done before the tournament deadline date.
Dress Code
Spikeless shoes do not provide the same degree of traction as metal spikes and you must be careful on hillsides and uneven surfaces. By submission of an application to any MGA tournament, the applicant hereby releases the MGA from any liability with respect to injuries resulting from the use of spikeless shoes. A lack of proper shoes will not allow you access to a course where spikeless shoes are mandatory. Proper golf attire is mandatory in all phases of the Championship. Shirts are required. Tank tops and/or tee shirts are not permitted. Shorts are permitted, provided they are not short shorts or gym shorts. Cut-offs, bathing suits, and blue jean cut-offs are not permitted. Players in doubt should have other clothing available in case their attire is deemed unacceptable. Competitors may be required to change clothing in order to practice or compete. Competitors late to the tee due to changing clothing will be penalized in accordance with Rule 6-3, Time of Starting and Groups.
Notice Concerning Amateur Status
Participation in MGA events is based on amateur status. The “Rules of Golf” concerning amateur status apply. The MGA reserves the right to disqualify any participant for a breach of this rule. This includes but is not limited to: (i) competing for cash prizes in any amount; (ii) competing for merchandise prizes exceeding $750 in value.
Rules of Golf
Play will be governed by the USGA’s “Rules of Golf”. Questions shall be settled by the MGA Championship Committee whose decisions shall be final.
Golf Balls
Only brands of golf balls on the USGA’s latest list of conforming brands may be used. Balls with identical markings to be used: The “One Ball Rule” is NOT IN effect.
Conditions, Schedules
The MGA Championship Committee reserves the right to alter any of the conditions and schedules herein. The decision of the Championship Committee in any matter shall be final.
Time of Starting
The Five Minute Rule, a note to Rule 6-3, will be in effect for all phases of the Championship with the penalty of two (2) strokes in stroke play. A competitor is solely responsible for timely arrival at the correct teeing ground.
Distance Measuring Devices
Distance Measuring Devices are allowed in all MGA events. Golfers must continue to post all scores for handicap purposes made with the aid of a device that measures only distance, but not devices that measure additional conditions such as wind or elevation.
This provision follows consistently with the announcement from the United States Golf Association earlier this year that golfers may use distance-only measuring devices in competition, provided such a local Rule has been adopted. But, regardless of whether or not a local Rule has been adopted, any score made using a distance-only measuring device is acceptable for handicap purposes.
However, under the Rules of Golf, golfers must NOT use distance-measuring devices for handicap purposes or in competition that are capable of gauging or measuring other conditions that might affect play, even if such a function is not used. For example, a distance-measuring device that includes a compass and can measure changes in elevation can NOT be used in competition or for handicap purposes. This wording for Decision 5-1f/2
Code of Conduct
The MGA takes great pride in amateur golf throughout the State of Missouri by promoting the best interest and true spirit of the game of golf. The MGA is very proud of the quality of its players and the host facilities we are fortunate to play at. In an effort to provide each player with the opportunity to enjoy our tournaments, each player must adhere to a set of guidelines referred to as the “Code of Conduct”. The MGA expects each player to adhere to the Code of Conduct not only during its tournaments but where ever he or she plays.
Violations of Code of Conduct
Unsportsmanlike conduct, includes abusive language, cheating, club throwing, disrespect to volunteers, officials, fellow competitors, host course personnel, or the abuse of golf course property. The use of drugs, alcohol, or the use of tobacco products. Physical abuse, the threat of physical abuse, or verbal abuse of other players, parents, host golf course staff or members, MGA staff, or volunteers will result in immediate disqualification. Not adhering to the dress code at the host golf course.
Code of Conduct violation Penalties
Code of Conduct violations will result in penalty assessment or disqualification based on the severity and frequency of the violation. The MGA reserves the right to suspend or revoke a player’s privilege to enter and participate in future tournaments as a result of Code of Conduct violations. In the event of a suspension, both the player and parent/guardian will be notified in writing of the violation and the length of time the suspension will be in effect.
Dress Code
Hats or visors must be worn with the brim forward. Collared shirts or mock turtleneck (host golf course permitting) must be worn and tucked in at all times. Women’s shorts must have an inseam of at least 5 inches. Women’s shirts must come to the belt line when in a natural standing position. Shoes must adhere to the requirements of the host golf course. Proper attire is required at all times at the host golf course. Questionable attire will be reviewed by the Tournament staff and if the host golf course has a stricter dress code, its policy will take precedence.