skip to main content

championships

U.S. Women's Open Presented by Ally U.S. Open U.S. Senior Open U.S. Senior Women's Open U.S. Adaptive Open

U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Curtis Cup U.S. Girls' Junior U.S. Junior Amateur U.S. Women's Amateur

U.S. Amateur U.S. Senior Amateur U.S. Mid-Amateur U.S. Senior Women's Amateur U.S. Women's Mid-Amateur Walker Cup

more

Schedule & Tickets Apply to Play U.S. National Development Program Records & Milestones WORLD AMATEUR GOLF RANKINGS USGA Experience Packages Corporate Hospitality Safeguarding

PLAYING

RULES » Rules Home The Rules of Golf Education Amateur Status

Handicapping » Handicapping Home Rules of Handicapping Course Handicap™ Calculator Course Rating and Slope Database™ Get A Handicap Index®

Equipment » Equipment Home Equipment Rules Equipment Database (Club and Ball Lists) Notices and Announcements

Community » GHIN Drive, Chip and Putt First Tee LPGA/USGA Girls Golf Adaptive Golf

Allied Golf Associations » Find Your Local AGA

Advancing

COURSE CARE USGA Research Water Resource Center Golfer Experience Distance Insights

Learn More

Since its founding in 1920, the Green Section has led the USGA’s efforts to improve golf course playing conditions and sustainability through research, education, course consulting, technology tools and championship agronomy. The USGA’s investment in Green Section programs is estimated to save U.S. golf courses more than $1.9 billion each year as a result of reduced inputs and improved management practices.

The USGA Green Section Record

Celebrating

USGA GOLF MUSEUM GOLF HOUSE PINEHURST AWARDS & HONORS

Learn More

The USGA promotes and conserves the true spirit of the game of golf as embodied in its ancient and honorable traditions. It acts in the best interests of the game for the continued enjoyment of those who love and play it.

The USGA: Celebrating 125 Years

Design Philosophy From Female Golf Course Architects

GIVING

USGA FOUNDATION HOME USGA MEMBERS HOME JOIN THE USGA RENEW MAKE A DONATION LEGACY GIVING MEMBER CLUBS

tickets

U.S. Women's Open Presented by Ally

2025

U.S. Open

2025

U.S. Senior Open

2025

Walker Cup

2025

U.S. Amateur

Shop

APPAREL & GIFTS HOLIDAY CARDS USGA PUBLICATIONS

Shop Apparel & Gifts

Shop Golf-Themed Cards

My account

back

My Account

profile

log out

Tickets Account

Sign in to access your AXS Fan Account to manage your tickets. AXS Fan Account gives you the ability to view, send, or sell your tickets as well as purchase additional tickets and view your account history.

Manage My Tickets

WHS™ Resources for Club Administrators

Handicap Review Toolkit

*New for 2025 - Link to documents related to the USGA Handicap Review Tool

2024 WHS Revision – Quick Reference

View and Download

USGA Handicap Committee Guide

Rules of Handicapping

See Section 6 for Local Guidance for Golf Club Committees

2024 WHS Revision Hub

Link to a dedicated page focused on the 2024 changes to the WHS

Explainer Video - 2024 Treatment of 9-Hole Scores

Video on the treatment of 9-hole scores under the 2024 WHS revision

Detailed Explainers

Treatment of 9-hole scores

Treatment of Holes Not Played

Understanding the Soft Cap and Hard Cap

Breaking Down the Playing Conditions Calculation

Net Double Bogey is the Maximum Hole Score

Safeguards Included Under the WHS

Conducting a Competition Under the WHS

How Stroke Index Allocation Works

Applying Handicap Allowances

Advance Planning for a Competition under the WHS

View and Download PDF

Stroke Index Allocation Under the WHS

Paper that Addresses the Recommended Method for Stroke Index Allocation

WHS Background and Overview

Link to Background and Overview Page

USGA Partners

Follow us

ABOUT US
CAREERS
CONTACT US
MEDIA
PRIVACY POLICY
ABOUT OUR ADS
Cookie Settings
TERMS OF USE
TRANSPARENCY IN COVERAGE
Accessibility

© 2024 United States Golf Association. All Rights Reserved.