If you have questions about the World Handicap System and Rules of Handicapping, please click here.
Digital Profile & Login Questions
Score Posting Questions
GHIN Mobile App GPS Questions
Games/Score Keeping Questions
GHIN Apple Watch App Questions
GHIN Mobile App Push Notifications
GHIN Trials Questions
Other
Digital Profile & Login Questions
Q: Why do I need to create a digital profile with a unique email address to log into the GHIN Mobile App and ghin.com?
A: To ensure data security and golfer privacy, golfers need to create a digital profile to access the GHIN Mobile App and ghin.com.
Q: How do I add my email address to my GHIN profile so that I can create a digital profile?
A: You can request that your Club Admin or Golf Association update your GHIN profile within the USGA Admin Portal.
Q: How do I create a Digital Profile?
A: First, you must have an email address on file as an email will be sent to complete the digital profile creation process. You can initiate this email via the "Create Profile" button on the login page of ghin.com or the GHIN Mobile App by verifying 2 of 3 pieces of information: Last Name, GHIN Number, Email Address. Once this occurs, you will receive an email with a link that will take you to ghin.com to set and confirm a password and accept the privacy policy and terms of service.
Q: What if I do not provide an email address, how can I post a score?
A: If you do not provide an email address, you will not be able to create a digital profile and log into the GHIN Mobile App or ghin.com. You will be able to access a Club Kiosk or have your Club Admin post a score on your behalf.
Q: I have created a digital profile but forgot my login information. What should I do?
A: There is a "Forgot Login Information" link on the GHIN Mobile App and ghin.com login page. You will need to supply your GHIN Number or email address and a reset password email will be sent to your email address on file.
Q: I share an email address with another golfer, can we log in with the same email address?
A: No, only one digital profile can be tied to one unique email address. The first person to set up a digital profile will “claim” that email address. Another email address must be provided for the other golfer.
Q: I do not know my GHIN Number; how do I obtain it?
A: If you have an email address tied to your account, you can use USGA's Handicap ID Lookup. If you do not have an email address tied to your account, please contact your Club or Golf Association.
Q: I know my GHIN Number, but I am seeing an “Unable to Find Golfer” error message, why?
A: This may be happening for a few reasons:
- Do not include a “dash” in your GHIN Number.
- You may have an Inactive membership, please contact your Club or Golf Association.
- Your club needs to use GHIN as their front-end provider in order for you to be able to access the GHIN products.
Score Posting Questions
Q: I made an error when posting my score, how do I correct it?
A: Please contact your Club or Golf Association, they will be able to assist you in making a correction.
Q: When posting my score, the Par and/or Course/Slope Ratings do not match the scorecard. Why?
A: The local association is responsible for issuing Course/Slope Ratings, Par and measured lengths that appear for score posting purposes. If there is a discrepancy, the course will need to work with their local association to rectify the issue.
Q: I am getting an error message when trying to post a hole-by-hole score, why?
A: We do not have the Par or Stroke Index data available in our database for that course/tee. Please post a total score and contact your Club or Golf Association.
Q: Can I edit Stats or add Stats to my score?
A: You can edit Stats as well as add Stats to a hole-by-hole score posted within the “Stats” section of www.ghin.com or the GHIN Mobile App.
Q: When posting a hole-by-hole score, how do I indicate I did not play a hole in order to post a 10-17 hole score?
A: If posting hole-by-hole, you can simply not enter a score and leave the score entry box blank. As long as you have posted 9-hole scores to a rated 9-hole side, you will be able to post a score.
Q: When posting hole-by-hole with stats in the GHIN App, how do I indicate I did not play a hole in order to post a 10-17 hole score?
A: If posting hole-by-hole with stats in the GHIN App, there is a "dash"/skip option located to the left of the "1" in the score selection area.
Q: If I intended to play 18 holes, am I able to post a 9-hole or 10–17-hole score?
A: Yes, regardless of the number of holes the round is set up for, you will be able to post a score as long as 9-hole scores on a rated side have been entered. If the round was set up for 18 holes and you attempt to post the score while leaving some hole scores blank, you will be prompted with a warning message to confirm if you want to post your score.
Q: If posting hole-by-hole/hole-by-hole with stats, will scaled scores be included in the my aggregated stats?
A: Some information will be included in aggregated stats while some will be excluded, see below:
- Score History: Scaled scores included in number of rounds, but excluded from High/Low/Average
- Advanced Stats: Scaled scores included in Scoring Summary, Putting Summary, Driving Accuracy, Approach Shot Accuracy; excluded from Number of Putts and Up-and-Down stats
Games/Score Keeping Questions
Q: What is included in the Games/Score Keeping feature?
A: The main highlights of this feature include the ability to set up and track a match (using Net or Gross Score) as well as keep and digitally transfer scores to other GHIN golfers in your group.
Q: How many golfers can you keep score for or add to a match?
A: You can keep score and setup a match for golfers within your group. So the user can add up to 4 additional golfers.
Q: How are strokes determined when playing a Match using Net Score?
A: Strokes are determined and based off the golfer with the lowest Playing Handicap.
Q: What is meant by transferring scores?
A: If the user is keeping score for other GHIN golfers, whether or not they are playing a match, the user will be prompted to transfer the scores to the other GHIN golfers when they post their score. Transferred scores will appear in the other golfers’ GHIN Mobile App and can be reviewed, edited and posted by the golfers.
Q: How will golfers know they have a transferred score? How do they post them?
A: If the score keeper transfers scores to other GHIN golfers, those golfers will receive a push notification (as long as they have them enabled). Additionally, there will be a “Saved Rounds” menu item as well as a prompt about a saved round when the user clicks on the “Post Score” home screen button within the GHIN Mobile App. Golfers can then review, edit and post their score within the GHIN Mobile App.
Q: What if golfers do not have a digital profile or do not belong to a GHIN Association?
A: Those golfers can be added to a match or have their score kept, but unfortunately, transferred scores will only appear within the GHIN Mobile App. So if golfers were manually added or do not have access to the GHIN Mobile App, their scores will not be transferred.
The score keeper can take a screen shot of their scorecard and message or email the image to other golfers.
GHIN Mobile App GPS Questions
Q: What are the GPS features? Are they available to all users?
A: There are standard GPS features that are available to all users. These features include:
- 3D color maps for thousands of courses
- Touchpoint GPS distance to anywhere on the course
- Distance to center of the green
There are additional "Enhanced GPS" features available via an in-app purchase.
Q: What are the Enhanced GPS features?
A: The Enhanced GPS features that are available via in-app purchase are:
- Distances to the front and back of green
- Shot tracking
- Ability to set/move hole location
- Approach heat map
- Putt break map
- Apple Watch GPS Distances
Q: Are these features Rules Compliant?
A: Yes, the Standard and Enhanced GPS features are Rules Compliant.
Q: How much is the Enhanced GPS upgrade? Does it renew automatically?
A: The Enhanced GPS upgrade is $49.99 for a 12-month subscription. This subscription automatically renews each year. You can manage your App subscriptions within your Apple ID or Google Play account.
Q: Are both the Standard and Enhanced GPS features available for all courses?
A: Nearly all U.S. courses and most international courses have the standard GPS and course maps available, while most U.S. courses have the enhanced green view features (e.g. approach heat map and putt break map).
If your course is not mapped, please Contact Us
Q: Can I use the Enhanced GPS features before deciding to purchase the upgrade?
A: Yes, each user will have two “free trials” when going down “Play with GPS/Games”. The first trial will be for the entire round (18 or 9 Holes) and the second trial will be for the first 9 Holes of the round.
Q: How do I change my location settings so I can use GPS on the GHIN Mobile App?
A: Location settings are needed to access the GPS features on the GHIN Mobile App. To change the location settings, access the settings icon on your smartphone.
Q: Will using GPS significantly drain the battery on my mobile device?
A: No, using the GPS feature on the golf course should not significantly drain the battery on your mobile device. If you are experiencing this issue, it may be due to having other apps open or not having auto-lock enabled on your mobile device.
GHIN Apple Watch App Questions
Q: What are the features of the GHIN Apple Watch App?
A: The features available for all users include Score & Stat Tracking. Enhanced GPS users can get the distances to the front/center/back of the green as well as distances to key points on the hole via the Apple Watch App.
Q: I have an Apple Watch, how do I get the GHIN App on it?
A: On your iPhone, open the Watch app. Tap the My Watch tab. Scroll to the GHIN App (Apps that you can install appear in the Available Apps section). To add the GHIN App to your watch, tap Install.
Q: I have the GHIN App on my Watch, but it will not sync?
A: If your Apple Watch and iPhone are not syncing, you may need to reset your Apple Watch's sync data. You can do this by going to the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and selecting General. Scroll down to Reset and tap it. Then go to your watch to click on Reset Sync Data.
Q: I have the GHIN App on my phone and watch and they are synced, how do I launch the Apple Watch features?
If your phone and watch are synced and you have the GHIN App on your Apple Watch, you will be prompted that you can use your Apple Watch after beginning a round in the “Play with GPS” flow or by clicking on the “GPS” button when posting a Hole-by-Hole or Hole-by-Hole with Stats score. When this prompt appears on your phone, open the GHIN App on your Apple Watch.
Q: While playing, my watch keeps displaying the clock. Can I update this setting?
Yes, you can update the “Return to Clock” setting within your Apple Watch App on your phone or Apple Watch. Click on General Settings and scroll to “Return to Clock” settings. From here you can set the default watch preference (for all apps) or you can customize your preference only for the GHIN App.
Q: Are the GPS distances based on my phone or my Watch?
A: GPS distances are based on the location of the Watch.
Q: After I finish entering hole-by-hole scores on my Watch, how do I post my score?
A: After entering scores, you will be prompted to go back to your phone to review and post your score.
GHIN Mobile App Push Notifications
Q: I received a notification that my score was edited or deleted, so why do I still see the original score in my score history?
A: If the score that was edited or deleted was a Revision Score, the original score will appear within your Score History until an overnight Handicap Index revision occurs.
Q: If Handicap Index revisions occur overnight, why do I not get the notification that my Handicap Index has been updated until 8 a.m.?
A: Notifications will only be sent from the GHIN Mobile App between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. local time.
Q: I allowed the GHIN Mobile App to deliver notifications to my device so why am I not receiving them?
A: To receive notifications, you will also need to ensure that you have enabled the notifications within the GHIN Mobile App. To do this, please go to My Profile -> Notification Settings.
Q: I enabled notifications within My Profile in the GHIN Mobile App so why am I not receiving them?
A: To receive notifications, you will also need to ensure that you allowed notifications to be sent from the GHIN Mobile App within your device’s settings.
On iOS, go to Settings -> GHIN Mobile -> Notifications to turn on notifications for the GHIN Mobile App.
On Android, go to Settings -> Notifications to turn on notifications for the GHIN Mobile App.
Q: I no longer want to receive notifications from the GHIN Mobile App, how do I turn them off?
A: You can either go to your device’s settings and turn off notifications from the GHIN Mobile App or can go to My Profile -> Notification Settings within the GHIN Mobile App to disable some or all notifications.
GHIN Trials Questions
Q: What is the GHIN Trials feature?
A: The GHIN Trials feature is a way for golfers to experience the benefits of tracking their progress. It provides an Estimated Handicap Range and access to limited app features for 30 days.
Q: How do I start my GHIN Trial?
A: To start your trial, you need to register on the GHIN app and post 54 holes (in any combination of 9 or 18-hole scores). Once this is done, you will receive an Estimated Handicap Range and gain access to the trial features for 30 days.
Q: What is an Estimated Handicap Range?
A: The Estimated Handicap Range is determined using an average of the scores that reflect your better performances. It is not a Handicap Index® but gives you an idea of your playing ability.
Q: Can I see my Handicap Index® during the trial?
A: No, during the trial you will only receive an Estimated Handicap Range. The Handicap Index is available only after you complete the full registration and membership process.
Q: How long does the trial period last?
A: The trial period lasts for 30 days after you post at least 54 holes and receive your Estimated Handicap Range.
Q: What happens after my trial period ends?
A: After the trial period ends, you will need to register and pay for an Allied Golf Association membership to continue using the GHIN app and obtain a Handicap Index.
Q: How do I get a Handicap Index®?
A: To obtain a Handicap Index, you may sign up and register for a membership through the GHIN app. You can find your local Allied Golf Association (AGA) based on your zip code and pay for your membership, which grants you full access to GHIN and a Handicap Index along with other benefits provided by your association. A complete list of the Allied Golf Associations can be found here.
Q: How much does it cost to upgrade and get a Handicap Index®?
A: The cost to join your local Allied Golf Association (AGA) and get a Handicap Index depends on your AGA. As a Trial golfer, you can check pricing by searching for your AGA through this link.
Q: What features are available during the trial period?
A: During the trial, you can post scores and track your stats. However, GPS features are not available in the trial version.
Q: Can I use GPS features during the trial?
A: No, GPS features are not available during the trial period. Access to GPS features is available after upgrading to a Handicap Index.
Q: Can I compete in club competitions during the trial?
A: Your Estimated Handicap Range is not to be used to play games or in competitions that require a Handicap Index.
Q: How do I track my stats during the trial?
A: You can track your stats by posting scores with the Hole-by-Hole, or Hole-by-Hole with Stats options. You can check the Stats tab on your GHIN app to see your score history and summary.
Q: Can I access my trial data after the trial period ends?
A: Yes, your data will be saved, but you will need to upgrade to a full membership to continue accessing and posting new scores.
Q: How do I contact support if I have issues during my trial?
A: Customer support inquiries from Trial golfers in the app will go directly to the USGA. You can contact GHIN support through the ‘Contact Us’ page in the app if you encounter any issues during your trial period.
Other
Q: On the GHIN Mobile App, how do you remove golfers from the Handicap Calculator?
A: On both iOS and Android devices, you can “swipe” to remove the golfer from the Handicap Calculator.
Q: When viewing another golfer’s scores within the Golfer Lookup section, why do I not see the date played or course played for their scores?
A: If you do not share a club affiliation with a golfer, you will only see month and year when viewing their scores within the GHIN Golfer Products.
Q: Why am I not able to find any golfers when searching within the Golfer Lookup section?
A: Please make sure you are only entering a last name or GHIN Number and have no "Filter" settings applied.
Q: What are “My Courses” and how were they initially determined?
A: The initial “My Courses” list contained any Home Course(s) of your Club(s) as defined by a Club Admin within the USGA Admin Portal. You can add and remove courses as well as select default tees for these courses within the “Update My Courses” page.
Q: How do I update “My Courses” for the GHIN App and ghin.com?
A: You can update courses by clicking on the “Update My Courses” link at the bottom of the “My Courses” tab on the Course Selection screen when posting a score or when using the Handicap Calculator. You can also access “Update My Courses” page from your profile page.