Blog
Feb 01

How to Get a Handicap

When you join a Rochester District Golf Association Member Club, some of the benefits of RDGA Membership include:
  • An active GHIN® Handicap Index® through the RDGA
  • Official handicap index updates, which are emailed to you on the 1st and 15th of every month
  • The ability to compete in RDGA Tournaments – a long-time golf community tradition
  • The ability to attend educational seminars on Handicapping, the Rules of Golf and much more
  • Support of junior golf and educational programs that help the Rochester golfing community thrive
There are three ways to get a GHIN® Handicap Index® through the RDGA:
1. Join an RDGA Member Golf Club
Becoming a member at an area private club is one way to become an RDGA member – but, as an alternative to a private club, you can also join the RDGA through your local public golf facility. These clubs are very simple to join; all you need to do is contact the golf staff at the course. For more information, visit your favorite public course or click on the link below to find a course near you.
CLICK HERE for the full list of local RDGA Member
golf facilities, including contact information.
2. RDGA eClub Membership
For those golfers who do not belong or have membership at one of our Member Courses, the RDGA also offers GHIN Membership via the RDGA eClub. RDGA eClub membership includes the eligibility to play in RDGA Tournaments in addition to all the benefits mentioned above. Most importantly, RDGA eClub membership helps the local golfing community through our efforts to grow the game and support the many quality junior golf programs throughout our area.
CLICK HERE for information about
how to join the RDGA eClub for 2022.
3. Club Without Real Estate
Do you play regularly with a group from your office, your volunteer/church group, your neighborhood, or your local golf league? It’s a perfect scenario for becoming a “club without real estate.” Organized groups who are not affiliated with a single golf facility can form their own club and join the RDGA. These clubs must meet the RDGA and USGA definition of a golf club, but getting started is easy and the RDGA welcomes inquiries about forming a club without real estate.
How to Form a Club
Forming a club is a very popular option for golfers who want to enjoy the benefits of being an RDGA Member without joining a club that is affiliated with one specific golf course. In order to establish your Associate Golf Club, the World Handicap System requires the following requirements be met:
  • 10-Member minimum

Round up at least 10 golfers that all have a reasonable and regular opportunity to play golf together. Several of our current Associate Clubs are made up of people from the same workplace, place of worship, neighborhood, or social club.

  • Handicap Chair

Your club will need to have a designated Handicap Chairperson who has access to a computer and is in charge of collecting membership dues.

  • Handicap Licensing

Your club will need to become licensed to issue GHIN Handicap Indexes. The license must be signed by your certified Handicap Chair after they participate in either a live or at-home seminar.

For more information, contact the RDGA Office at: info@RDGA.org.