The USGA Handicap SystemT and USGA Course Rating SystemT make golf almost the only game in which layers of differing abilities regularly and fairly compete with one another.

To heighten the likelihood of equitable competition and to assure consistent use of its system, the USGA continues to apply licensing to clubs. Golf clubs in the United States are required to have a license to use any portion of the USGA Handicap System. There are many components within the licensing program, including requiring each club to participate in a Handicap Seminar and take a test ensuring that the integrity of the USGA Handicap System is maintained. In addition, each club must meet all aspects of the "Club Compliance Checklist." To assist with that process, the USGA continues to be committed to educating more golfers about its Handicap System, both by conducting seminars around the country and by providing a Web cast online to reach golfers who may not be able to attend a seminar. A user-friendly handicap test accompanies the Web cast. Clubs meeting the licensing requirement will need to go through the effort again one time between 2008 and 2011, but will be considered as licensed in the interim. The USGA will continue an audit program that will measure the success of the licensing program.

Plans to provide greater opportunity for use of the Internet by individuals in posting scores and by groups in managing their golf clubs are moving forward. Making information available for peer review versus acknowledging privacy for scoring records is a key concern for the USGA and policy changes effective Jan. 1, 2008 reflect this concern.

The Handicap Procedure Committee, the Handicap Research Team, staff, and authorized groups and individuals will review the different areas of the Handicap System and recommend changes to ensure ease of use and equitable scoring.