USGA Handicap Licensing Program is serious businessIt’s getting down to crunch time for clubs in the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) region to be in compliance with the handicap system of the United States Golf Association.All clubs throughout the country are required to be certified on the use of the USGA Handicap System by the end of the year. On the local level, all 162 of the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s Member and Associate Member clubs using the USGA Handicap System must be licensed under the USGA’s Club Licensing Program. This initiative has been implemented to ensure that all golf clubs comply with the USGA Handicap System. If a club does not comply, it will not be authorized to issue USGA Handicap Indexes to its members beginning Jan. 1, 2006. It is important to note that it is not just clubs on GHIN that must become certified. All clubs, no matter which handicap vendor the club chooses to use, must participate in the certification process. Complying is relatively easy, a GAP Member Club or Associate Member Club using GHIN administered by the Golf Association of Philadelphia, must simply attend a GAP/USGA Handicap Seminar in 2005, complete an application and return it to the GAP golf office. But so far, according to Doug Sullivan, GAP’s director of Handicapping Services, only about 20 percent of clubs in GAP’s jurisdiction have complied. "There are still several ways to comply," Sullivan said, "and I’m sure all clubs will comply, eventually. But every club must realize the importance of completing this process. USGA Handicap Indexes are critical to the game of golf. A club that cannot issue them will have a major problem." GAP has notified all clubs in its jurisdiction of the need to be licensed and has instructed them on how to comply:
Sullivan emphasized that starting in January 2006, any golf club that has not been licensed through the USGA will not be listed on the USGA Web site and will not be authorized to use the USGA Handicap System. "Clubs shouldn’t hesitate to contact us or the USGA if they have any questions regarding this important program," he said. For further information, contact the Golf Association of Philadelphia at www.gapgolf.org.
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A Walk Through Time
GAP is the oldest state or regional golf association in the country. It started courtesy of a friendly competition – the Team Matches – and has grown into the preeminent golf association in the country. Along the way, golf history has been made.
