#GHIN August 2

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For the month of August, I am participating in the 30-Day Phone Apps Coach4adayChallenge. Today the focus in on a golf handicap app called GHIN

The goal each day is to explore a different application each month that I could use or experiment with on my iPhone or desktop.

August 2-USGA GHIN for Golfers

Golfers when they meet each other will often ask the question what’s your handicap? It’s important to make the distinction between two distinct but closely related concepts: handicap and handicap index. Going to try and define each.

Handicap

A handicap is an informal and widely used figure that golfers share when discussing their playing ability. It serves as a rough estimate of the number of strokes a golfer typically shoots above par on average. For example, if a golfer consistently scores 90 on a par-72 course and 88 on a par-70 course, their handicap would be approximately 18.

Likewise, if another golfer consistently shoots around 80 on a par-72 course, they might mention their handicap as 8.

Handicap Index

A handicap index is a distinct numerical value associated with an officially recognized handicapping system. This index represents a golfer’s authentic handicap, irrespective of the particular golf course or tee setup.

It serves as a fundamental reference for determining a golfer’s course handicap, though it approximates rather than precisely reflects the average score relative to par.

Historically, various systems and methodologies were employed worldwide to calculate handicap indexes, among them the USGA Handicap System. GHIN is that system.

Using the USGA GHIN Phone App

To utilize GHIN on your phone you need to belong to a golf association. I am a member of the Carolinas Golf Association. I pay an annual fee to my home course, and it allows me to access the services on the USGA GHIN App

This app not only tracks scores and stats but can serve as caddy providing you course yardage and reading the greens.