Get Into Golf

A Handicap Index^® makes it possible for fair competition between players of different abilities, whether it’s in competitive events, a friendly wager between friends, or golf games with prizes on the line.

Learn more on why you need a golf Handicap Index^® and all the benefits that come with establishing one.

1. To be ready for golf outing invitations

2. To be ready for friendly bets

3. To get in the winner’s circle

4. To track your golf game progress

5. To make good choices 

6. To keep your frustration in check 😡

🔮 Just for fun... check out Why You Need a Golf Handicap Index Based On Your Zodiac Sign!

The USGA collaborates with 57 Allied Golf Associations (AGA’s- each state has one or more) which are the authorized organizations for issuing and maintaining official World Handicap Systems Handicaps. In Northern California, this is us! The Northern California Golf Association.

Here are the steps to getting your Handicap Index:

• Step 1: Become A Member (if you're in Northern California!) To get a handicap, you must join a club. There are 3 main types of clubs – regular, associate and eClub. Choose the one that's right for you and your game.
• Step 2: Get your GHIN Number.
• Step 3: Post a minimum of 54 holes from courses with a valid Course Rating™ and Slope Rating™ (can be a mix of 18-hole scores and 9-hole scores).
• Step 4: Your Handicap Index will be calculated the very next day!
  
  

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.

Pace of Play is a set of rules and guidelines that encourage players to play at a reasonable speed so that everyone can enjoy their round. 

Beginners should keep this general rule in mind: golf is supposed to be a 4-4.5 hour game. Officially speaking, a player is permitted a maximum of 40 seconds to play a stroke, while this is the hard and fast rule in tournament play, it's more of a guideline in casual play. The following are a few short reminders to help you RESPECT pace of play. 

R – Ready Golf always.

Ready golf is the standard. Play this way whenever possible. Lost a ball? Call it after 3 minutes; drop a new one and carry on. Don't dwell on lost balls or missed shots to keep the game flowing smoothly.

E - Everyone on the same page.

Each group should do its best to keep up with the group in front of them. Work together to make up time when you fall behind. Tips: within your playing group agree to pick up after your max score and generously concede short putts if you can.

S- Slow group?

Slowing down the group behind you? Let them play through if possible. Your position on the course should always be directly behind the group in front of you, rather than holding up the group behind you. By allowing faster groups to pass, you not only show respect for their time but also help maintain a positive atmosphere on the course.

P - Pick the right tees.

Be sure to pick the right tees for your game in order to have the best experience. Hit it like Rory? Cool, then some of the back tees may be for you. Haven’t been out for a while or have a mid-range Handicap Index? Try the mid-range tees. Need more help deciding, check out USGA’s 7-iron solution to determine which tees to play based on how far you hit your 7-iron.

E - Efficiency for enjoyment.

Enjoy yourself but also try to be more efficient. Be ready when it’s your turn by planning your shot ahead of time. Cut down on practice swings for sure. Friendly mulligan - ok, but just one, please. Grab a few extra clubs if you’re not sure about the distance. Size up your putt while others are putting in order to save time.

C - Camaraderie is key!

Camaraderie is key, having fun with buddies and family members is what it is all about. Just be aware not to get side-tracked on conversations and fall behind.

T - Take care of the course.

Be sure to take care of the course by replacing divots, fixing ball marks, properly raking the bunkers - leave it as you would like to have it left for you! This does take a few minutes, but is part of the respect for the game.

Feeling a little lost on the driving range before your round? Maximize your golf game with an effective pre-round warm-up routine. Learn essential stretches, putting drills, and driving range tips for beginners! All you need is 20 minutes!

• Stretching for Mobility and Injury Prevention (six minutes)
  • Split Leg Trunk Twists
  • Wrist/Arm/Elbow Rotations
  • Lateral Lunge with a Twist
• Putting Warm Up Drills (six minutes)
  • Path and Face Drill
  • Speed/Lag Ladder Drill
• Driving Range Warm Up and Shot Visualization  (eight minutes)
  • Wedges
  • Irons
  • Driver

It's hard to play golf, we get it. Check out these instructional articles to help with your swing progress.

• Hitting on uneven lies
• Short-game drills to improve your greenside shots
• Check out our free Online Skills Clinic- it's a series of 4 emails with helpful videos on Short Game, Bunkers, Driving, & Putting.
  
  

Don't forget our Member Courses professional instructors will design custom lessons to help you break bad habits, meet your goals, and head out onto the course with confidence. Let’s turn those bogeys into pars!

Discover the essential gear every new golfer needs in this comprehensive guide. From clubs to accessories, set yourself up for success on the course. Read more for more $$ Savings Tips!

Must Haves:
1. Golf Clubs
2. Golf Bag
3. Golf Balls
4. Tees
5. Ball Marker
6. Towel
7. Glove
8. Polo

Nice to Haves:
9. Range Finder/GPS Watch
10. Wire Brush
11. Divot Tool
12. Golf Shoes
13. Sun Protection/Hydration

Need a budget friendly round to dip your toes into golf? As a beginner, you don't need to play on a full-size golf course right away. Consider taking advantage of short courses, which are smaller, more beginner-friendly as they are less intimidating for new golfers. These courses typically have shorter holes with the majority of them being either Par-3’s or Par-4’s (or around Par-27 for nine-holes, meaning less distance) and typically cost less than a Par-36, longer distance 9-hole courses.

Check out our newly rated short courses to find a local par-3 course near you in Northern California.

Also don't forget check out Poppy Ridge's new nine-hole course! NCGA members get preferred rates everyday!

So glad you asked 😎 As a NCGA member, don’t forget to take advantage of your NCGA Benefits that includes Exclusive Discounts.

We give our members access to exclusive savings- some discounts are available every day, while others are special promotions on golf course rounds, stay and play opportunities, golf services, and more.

Among the highest-rated are member rates at Poppy Hills and Poppy Ridge. Not a Member? Here's how to Become A Member! 

Check out our free Online Skills Clinic- it's a series of 4 weekly emails with helpful videos on Short Game, Bunkers, Driving, & Putting. No cost to you!

An eClub Membership is one of the 3 types of memberships that are offered by the NCGA and makes it easy to sign up online and start taking advantage of member benefits.

A great part of a NCGA eClub membership is the ability to sign up and start posting scores and making use of benefits within minutes! These memberships are online-based memberships designated by 8 different regions through Northern California.

An Associate Club Membership is one of the 3 types of memberships that are offered by the NCGA.

Associate Clubs are usually a group of golfers that are drawn together by a common interest or shared bond without being linked to a golf course.

Associate Clubs can consist of co-workers, friend groups, or even a handful of avid golfers in a particular area that just want to play the game with new people. These types of clubs are organized primarily to enjoy the game of golf and provide an opportunity to join and enjoy the services provided by the NCGA.

Each type of Associate Club operates differently in terms of benefits and pricing and membership dues are paid directly to the club. View our Partial List of Associate Clubs that are currently seeking new members to find a club that fits your needs.

A Regular Club Membership is one of the 3 types of memberships that are offered by the NCGA.

A Regular Club membership is based out of a green grass golf course facility, whether that be a public or private golf course.

The memberships offered at Regular Clubs are often what comes to mind when one thinks about becoming a member of a “golf club”.

Specific benefits as well as membership dues vary depending on which of the 400+ clubs you decide to join. As with the other two club types, there are specific NCGA tournaments that you can participate in while being a member of a regular club.

There are countless opportunities for junior golfers to dive into the sport! Begin by exploring programs at your local golf course or through school initiatives. Additionally, consider the NCGA’s Junior Tour of Northern California, Youth on Course, and the NCGA NEXT Programs for more specialized opportunities.