1.4a Joining a Golf Club

In order to obtain a Handicap Index that can be administered in accordance with the Rules of Handicapping, a player must be:

• A member of a golf club that is affiliated with an Authorized Association, or
• A direct member of an Authorized Association which has assumed the responsibility of a golf club (see Rule 1.3 Responsibilities of Player, Handicap Committee and Authorized Association).

By returning a score for the purpose of obtaining or maintaining a Handicap Index, the player acknowledges that the use of their scoring record will be available for:

• Peer review purposes (See Rule 4.4 Certification of a Score),
• Issuance of a Handicap Index, and
• Administration and research purposes.

Rule 1.4a Clarifications:

1.4a/1 – Whether a Professional Golfer Can Obtain a Handicap Index A professional golfer may obtain a Handicap Index, provided they meet all of the player responsibilities within the Rules of Handicapping.