The USGA® has initiated an audit program for golf clubs to ensure the integrity of the USGA Handicap System™ is being maintained. The USGA randomly selects licensed golf clubs to complete the audit program and to provide evidence that they are using the USGA?s formulas and service marks correctly in connection with the USGA Handicap System. All licensed golf clubs are subjected to being audited by the USGA, regardless of whether there is a compliance item in question or not.

Q: Our club just received notice that we are being audited by the USGA. Why was our club selected to be audited?

A: The USGA randomly selects licensed golf clubs to complete the audit program and to provide evidence that they are using the USGA?s formulas and service marks correctly in connection with the USGA Handicap System. All licensed golf clubs are subject to being audited by the USGA, regardless of whether there is a compliance item in question or not. However, any licensed golf club that is reported in writing to the USGA as having a potential compliance issue is immediately subject to being audited by the USGA.

Q: What are our responsibilities when we are audited?

A: If your golf club is chosen for an audit then you will be asked to provide evidence that your golf club has been following the USGA Handicap System. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire, and mail in samples of various documents for review. If an audited golf club does not satisfy the audit process; the USGA will send a letter stating the non-conforming issues and impose a time limit for the club to cure its deficiencies. If it does not cure the deficiencies within the prescribed time frame, it runs the risk of being dropped from the List of Golf Clubs Authorized located on www.usga.org, and loses its ability to use any part of The System.

Q. Our license has been removed. How can we be reinstated as a club authorized to issue a USGA Handicap Index?

A: A golf club that has lost the privilege to issue a USGA Handicap Index to its members will have to apply for reinstatement of that privilege and resubmit an application for a license agreement. Upon receipt of the completed application, the USGA will provide a list of requirements that need to be satisfied in order for the application to be considered. Upon the golf club satisfying the USGA that these requirements have been met, the USGA will notify the golf club and all parties that were previously notified of the club?s non-compliance that the club is again eligible to utilize the USGA Handicap System. However, the reinstated golf club is subject to the audit process during each of the next two years.