Aerial shot of Samoset Resort Golf Club.

GHIN® Services

A Handicap Index® provides every golfer – regardless of age, gender or skill level – with a universal measure of playing ability under the World Handicap System™.

A Handicap Index allows you to:

  • Play with any golfer on a fair and equitable basis.
  • Track your personal progress and gain insights into your game. 
  • Compete in certain events requiring a Handicap Index, creating additional playing opportunities. 
  • See updates to your Handicap Index by posting scores from any course around the world with a Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™.
  • Prior to playing you can use your Handicap Index to determine your Target Score, which is a score you are reasonably capable of achieving, to help choose the best set of tees to play.

Option 1: Get a Handicap Index from a member club

All Maine Golf Member clubs have access to GHIN, a suite of products used in the United States to manage and calculate players’ Handicap Indexes in accordance with the World Handicap System. As part of the eligibility requirements to compete in Maine Golf Play Days or Championships, all players wishing to play in our events must maintain their handicap through a member club. To enroll in GHIN at the club level, reach out to your home club and the pro shop staff should be able to help you out.

Option 2: Get a Handicap Index from USGA® / Maine Golf

If you’re simply looking to establish a Handicap Index for the first time and don’t belong to a Maine Golf member club, this option may be for you. Players can register online and enjoy most of the same perks of establishing a Handicap Index from a member club, including competing against players of all abilities to tracking your own progress.

join usga / Maine golf

Note: Players with a Handicap Index issued by USGA / Maine Golf are not eligible to play in our Play Days or Championships. Players must have playing privileges at one of our member clubs and maintain their handicap through that club in order to play in Maine Golf events.

Have a question about obtaining a Handicap Index or need help with the GHIN software in your pro shop? Maine Golf is here to help! Send us a a message at joe@mainegolf.org for assistance.