World Handicap System & Rules
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 Education 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 (Metropolitan Amateur Golf Association): 314-567-6242
Kansas City (Central Links): 913-649-5242
Costs $32 a year
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 $32 a season (March 1 – November 15)
GHIN Mobile App
GHIN Mobile App is FREE to download 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
USGA Rules of Golf
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:
- Resources on the USGA Rules Hub >
- Rules of Golf Mobile App >
- GeneralArea.org >
- Order Rules Materials >
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.
MGA Tournament Information & Rules
All competitors are responsible for reviewing all Conditions of Play policies. If you have any questions please call us or email.