EWGA

Get a handicap

All EWGA members receive handicap service as part of the membership package. The service is provided by the EWGA Golf Life Management System (GLMS) powered by Golf Intelligence. Having a handicap adds to the enjoyment of golf because it allows you participate and possibly win at outings and in competitive play, even against players who may be better than you. Having a handicap gives you control over your game and we encourage all of our members to obtain one.

Handicap FAQ's

What is a handicap?
A handicap is a number that represents your skill level and potential scoring ability. Generally speaking, your handicap value is representative of how you should expect to score in relation to par. It's actually a little more complicated than that because other factors are considered such as which tees you play from and how difficult the course is. It is also weighted such that it's more representative of what you'd expect to score on a good day rather than on an average day. Don't worry about the math; the computer network handles all the calculations for you.

Why would I want to maintain a handicap?
Benefits of maintaining a handicap include the ability to compete with golfers of other skill levels on an equitable basis on any course, from any tees. It also provides an objective way to measure golf skill improvement. An official handicap is required to compete in some of our competitive tournament.

Do I need a handicap to join EWGA?
No, but you do need one to participate in our leagues as well as the EWGA Championship Series which includes the Chapter Championship. If you do not maintain a handicap you will be required to participate in a playing round before joining a league. Contact Jessica Rowles at handicap@ewgawestchester.com.

Are there any requirements for maintaining your handicap with EWGA?
The only requirement for maintaining your handicap with EWGA is that you are a current member of the Executive Women's Golf Association.

How much does it cost to maintain a handicap with EWGA?
Handicap service through Golf Life Management System is a part of all levels of membership in EWGA. Handicap service through GHIN is offered for an additional fee of $30.00.

How do I access and activate my account on the Golf Life Management System?
Access to the system is through the EWGA website. Members need to activate their account by following the directions previously provided to via email from EWGA or by going to the activation page on the EWGA.com website. Once you've activated your account, on subsequent visits you can access the Golf Life Management System by logging in with your EWGA account at EWGA.com

What are my responsibilities in maintaining a handicap?
As with all aspects of golf, the handicap system expects honesty and integrity from its participants. All individuals maintaining an official handicap have the following responsibilities:

  • Post every eligible score during the posting season. In New York, the posting season is from March through November. Please check with your golf club for specific dates.
  • Play all rounds eligible for posting under the USGA Rules of Golf.
  • Make an effort to make the best score on each hole of every round played.

When and how do I post my golf scores on the GLMS sytstem?
It is best to post scores as soon as possible after the round has been played. Posting scores will be done exclusively using the internet through EWGA's score posting page. Posting scores on the GHIN system can be done on the computer at the Pro Shop where the round has been played.

How are scores attested on the GLMS sytem?
Scores should be attested as part of standard practice however, at this time, the "attested" box on the GLMS system does not need to be checked.

How do I keep track of my handicap?
Log on to the Golf Life Management System through EWGA.com. You can track your handicap there, see the trend, as well as your actual index and scoring history. Information on keeping track of your handicap can be obtained at www.ghin.com.

What if I still want to keep my handicap through a golf club other then EWGA?
You may maintain multiple handicaps with different services as long at you enter all scores with each service (i.e. EWGA, GHIN, etc.). The revision schedule for all services is the same. Scores need to be entered in both services before the revision date deadline to insure that the index for each system is the same.

Will I be eligible for non-EWGA tournaments using my GLMS handicap?
Check with the organization that is running the tournament to make sure they will accept the GLMS handicap through EWGA. While it is a valid USGA handicap, some golf associations and/or clubs may not be familiar with the GLMS system and may not accept it as valid.

How often is my handicap updated?
Handicaps are revised every two weeks during scoring season.

Why do I have to join a club to get a handicap?
The USGA does not provide handicaps directly to individuals. All handicaps must be maintained through a golf club. If you are a member at a local course, you likely have already paid the necessary dues to maintain a handicap with that golf club. If not, you may join the EWGA Golf Club to maintain your handicap. By maintaining a handicap through a club rather than individually, there is opportunity for your peers to review your scores to ensure that integrity of the system is maintained.

I've seen online handicapping services for free. Can I use one of those?
You could, but at this time, a handicap kept through one of those service will not be an official USGA Handicap and you will not be eligible for tournament play.

Where can I find out more about handicaps and the handicap system?

  • The United States Golf Association should be considered the official resource for handicap information.
  • Contact the Westchester Chapter Handicap Chair for further questions.
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Golf Life Management System
Handicapping with the Golf Life Management System

The EWGA Golf Life Management System is approved by the USGA and will give you an up-to-the-minute picture of your handicap status. It will also allow you to find information on a course you may not have visited before. As always, when you complete a round of golf, you should enter your score as soon as possible. This can be done from any computer with internet access. In order to use the system, you will need to activate your account. This only needs to be done once and takes just a few minutes.

To activate:

  1. Go to the EWGA website, www.ewga.com.
  2. Log on to the members only page. In the LOGIN field, use your 5-digit member ID.
  3. Click on the Activate Golf Life Management tab in the left column.
  4. Enter your "members only" password in the box.
  5. Click the Activate tab.
  6. You will receive an email to the email address on file with EWGA with your GLM password.
  7. Once you have received the email from headquarters, you are free to use the system at any time, from any computer.

To post a score:

  1. Go to the EWGA website.
  2. Under "Golf Life Management System" in the left column, click on Post a Score.
  3. Login when prompted.
  4. A new window, headed Post Total Score, will appear.
  5. Enter the date of the round.
  6. Tab to the Course Name tab. Here you have the option of using the drop-down menu, which stores the courses you've used previously, or clicking on "search course directory" which will allow you to access thousands of courses in the U.S. and Canada by name and location. Once you have chosen your course, the page will quickly reload.
  7. Choose the number of holes played (18 is the default). The GLM has 9-hole slopes and course ratings for many courses, but some of the ones our members play most frequently are below.
  8. Choose the type of play (Leisure is the default). Please Note: Only click Tournament for a true tournament! For EWGA Westchester, this would only be the club championship, sectional, or national tournament. These scores stay on your handicap card for a longer time and will skew your handicap!
  9. Choose the tee box you played. Be sure to verify that the slope/rating that appear match those on your scorecard. In case of errors, please notify the handicap committee so we can have the system updated.
  10. Enter your total ESC score.
  11. If posting for more than one person, click "yes" for attested score and repeat the required steps. If not, click Post Scores.

That's it! While it may seem confusing, it really isn't. If there are any questions, please contact the handicap chair and she will do her best to help. While you're on the GLM site, be sure to click on the My Home Page tab at the top and check out all the other features of the system. Maybe some of the game tracking features or the tips will improve your game!
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