The Easiest Way to Join the NCGA
The NCGA is excited to help you enjoy golf more! The easiest and quickest way to join the NCGA is directly via online eClubs, which are virtual clubs linked to 8 NorCal regions. Simply indicate your region to join the NCGA eClub that is right for you. A 12-month membership is just $85 and includes all NCGA Member Benefits.
-
12-month Membership - Free score posting app with GPS
- NCGA Tournaments + Social Events
- NCGA GOLF Magazine and more!
- 12-month Membership
- Free score posting app with GPS
- NCGA Tournaments + Social Events
- NCGA GOLF Magazine
- Complimentary instructional clinics
- Annual club fitting
- Benefits vary by Club
- Free score posting app with GPS
- NCGA Tournaments + Social Events
- NCGA GOLF Magazine
- In-person golf community
- Or start your own club!
- Benefits vary by Club
- Free score posting app with GPS
- NCGA Tournaments + Social Events
- NCGA GOLF Magazine
- In-person golf community
Golf resources for veterans
Golf resources for junior golfers
Join In-Person Club
The way to join a club in-person depends on the club. If you plan to join a regular or associate club, you will work directly with that club. Here is a little more information about your options.
Join a Regular Club
Join a Regular Club
Join an Associate Club
Join Poppy Loyalty Clubs
Poppy Hills & Poppy Ridge
Regular Clubs
Regular Clubs
Is there a golf course you like to play or would like to play more? Chances are, they have a club that’s welcoming new members. You can ask for a Regular Club membership contact at the pro shop or browse our directory.
Associate Clubs
Associate Clubs
There are also Associate Clubs, which are not linked to a single golf course, but rather formed by golfers with a common interest or affiliation. Browse our growing list of Associate Clubs and check their member outreach programs.
The Poppy Hills Club
The Poppy Ridge Club
Benefits that add up
Handicap Index®
Member Perks & Discounts
Events for Everyone
Free Score Posting App
Rules Education
Member Rates NCGA-Owned Courses
Member Outings
Member Trips
NorCal Golf News
Women's Events
Junior Golf Programs
Team Events
Golfer Support
Volunteer Opportunities
Hole-In-One Sweepstakes
What is a Handicap Index?
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is a Handicap Index?
Not all golfers are created equal, but with the golf handicap system, they can all compete with one another on an equal basis. For example, Tom’s average score is 80 and Meaghan’s average score is 95. With the handicap system, Tom ‘gives’ Meaghan a calculated number of strokes to level the playing field such that either of them has the same chance to win.
To put it simply, handicaps are equalizers.
-
What does the Handicap Index Number Mean?
What does the handicap index number mean?
A Handicap Index is a numerical measure of a golfer’s potential ability and is expressed as a number with one decimal point (e.g. 21.4).
The World Handicap System (WHS) is the database application that you enter your golf scores into and that re-calculates your handicap index on a daily basis. When you join a NCGA member golf club, you will get a Handicap Index ID# (typically 6-8 digits). This is your unique system identifier for use when you enter or lookup scores.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) is the authoritative source of handicap index calculation methodology in the U.S. Effective January 1,2020, there is a new, unified World Handicap System with several new changes.
The USGA handicap is calculated with a specific arithmetic formula that approximates how many strokes above or below the course rating a player might be able to play, based on the eight best scores of their last twenty rounds. Want to know what the formula is? Check it out when you are ready for Handicap 201.
-
Why would I need a Handicap Index?
Why would I need or want a Handicap Index?
There are numerous reasons to get a Handicap Index besides gaining the ability to answer the question, "What's your Handicap Index?"
Reasons include:
- To level the playing field regardless of skills
- To be ready for golf outing invitations
- To play in tournaments that requires one
- To win money from friendly bets
- To track your golf game progress
- To make a difficult course more enjoyable
A Handicap Index makes it possible for fair competition between players of different ability whether it’s in competitive events, a friendly wager between friends, or golf games with money on the line.
-
How do I get a Handicap Index?
In the U.S., each state has one or more Allied Golf Associations (AGA’s) which are the authorized organizations for issuing and maintaining official WHS Handicaps. In Northern California, this is the NCGA.
To join the NCGA and get a Handicap Index, you must join a club. There are 3 main types of clubs – regular, associate and eClub.
Then what? Once you join a club and get your GHIN number, post a minimum of 54 holes (can be a mix of 18-hole scores and 9-hole scores) in the WHS system and your Handicap Index will be calculated. After that, the system will update on a daily basis, which you can check after posting, but you will also receive updates via email on the 1st and 15th of every month.
Until your Handicap Index is calculated, you will see it listed as ‘NH’ which stands for No Handicap.
Want all the details on how to get a golf handicap?
-
How do I post my scores?
There are several ways to post your scores:
- Download the free USGA GHIN mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play
- Visit our website NCGA.org. There is blue button on the top right of the navigation to "Post Score"
- Visit USGA's GHIN website GHIN.com
- Use the NCGA score posting kiosks in the golf course facility
Handicap 101
For newcomers to the game, getting a Handicap Index and understanding it can be one of the great mysteries of golf. But it doesn’t need to be.
We offer valuable resources to guide you through understanding:- What it is
- How it’s calculated
- How to establish one
- How to make it work for you
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™.
GHIN Mobile App Included Free
Start your own club
Many of our Associate Clubs started with a group of friends, colleagues, neighbors, or other organization members who wanted to golf together. However, NCGA clubs are more than casual golf groups. To be an official club, you will need more than 10 members and assign designated ‘club officers.’
Want to renew or rejoin?
For all membership renewals and reactivations, be sure to provide your GHIN number to keep all scoring records and Handicap Index information intact.
Just moved?
If you are or were a member of another state’s golf association and have a USGA GHIN number, you can join us and retain your score history.
When joining a Regular or Associate Club, simply provide your GHIN when you sign up. For eClubs, just enter your GHIN when signing up online.
If you just moved and do not have a GHIN number, check out the ‘How to Join’ information above.
Not ready to Join?
Interested in learning golf, but have more questions than answers? We're here to help! Check out our Get Into Golf Guide to learn how to overcome common golf challenges! From tackling intimidation to finding affordable options, we help demystify golf for beginners.
What is the NCGA?
The Northern California Golf Association (NCGA) supports, promotes, and governs golf in our region. We represent a diverse community of over 185,000 golfers belonging to 1,400 clubs. All our members like to golf, whether it’s every day, once a week, or even once a year.
Ready to get involved and access great benefits that support your game? To become a member, you must join a club — either public, private, semi-private, associate, or online eClub. Choose one you like or start your own!
