Golfers & Club Administrators will not be able to post scores within the GHIN system (kiosk, website and app) during a five-day shutdown as GHIN undergoes developmental changes to coincide with the launch of the World Handicap System (WHS). The GHIN mobile app will have a new look and features that will enhance the golfer experience so we encourage you to download it if you have not done so already.
On Jan. 6, the WHS will take effect and golfers should post any scores recorded between Jan. 1-5 as part of the new WHS. Also, starting Jan. 6, golfers who post their scores on the day they play can view their new Handicap index the following morning on the GHIN app, GHIN.com, or at a LGA Member Club’s score posting computer. Please call the LGA offices at 337-265-3938 if you have any questions regarding the WHS or GHIN products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the GHIN platform going offline?
This is necessary to implement the new GHIN Platform, which includes World Handicap System procedures.
How long will GHIN be down?
GHIN is scheduled to be down Jan. 1 to Jan. 5. When the system comes back online GHIN expects to send an email notification to all LGA members.
Can I post my scores during this period?
No score posting will be available during the scheduled down time. However, rounds played during this period should be saved and then entered with the correct dates once the system comes back online.
Will I have access to any GHIN services during this shutdown period?
No. All services will be unavailable for both club administrators as well as individual golfers.
Will I have access to previous revision histories?
No. Access to any and all previous handicap information, both during the downtime as well as after the system becomes operational, will not be available. Handicaps computed prior to the implementation of the World Handicap System will not be accessible. GHIN’s notification email on Jan. 6, 2020 announcing the system is operational will include a LGA member’s first Handicap Index computed under the World Handicap System formula.
Will the GHIN app open on my phone during the shutdown period?
No. The GHIN App will not be functional during the January 1-5 downtime. Players will receive an “Unable to Connect” error message when trying to access the existing GHIN Mobile App from Jan.1 forward. Players will need to update the mobile app once GHIN comes back online on Jan. 6, 2020.
Can I post scores via a posting computer at my golf course?
No. Score posting of any kind will be unavailable Jan. 1-5.
Can I view my current Handicap Index/Recent Scores?
No access to any Handicap Index or scores will be available Jan. 1-5. All golfers should use the Dec. 15, 2019 Handicap Index until the system comes back online. Prior to Jan. 1, 2020, members will have to access the Dec. 15 Handicap Index.
Will I receive a Jan. 1, 2020 Revision?
No. The Handicap Index will not be revised on Jan. 1 and GHIN will not send any communications during its scheduled January 1-5 blackout period. LGA members should continue to use Handicap Indexes from the Dec. 15, 2019 revision until GHIN comes back online and sends its notification email, scheduled for Jan. 6, 2020. This Jan. 6, 2020 email will include a personalized Handicap Index and will reflect the adoption of the World Handicap Index. Click here for more information on this new system.
How can I prepare in advance for conducting a tournament during the blackout?
Prior to Jan. 1, 2020 a club should download Dec. 15, 2019 Handicap Indexes. To conduct an event during the January 1-5 blackout period, clubs using USGA TM should use the Refresh Master Roster from the GHIN feature within TM prior to Jan. 1, 2020. This will store the Dec. 15, 2019 Index for utilization during the blackout.
Will the USGA TM platform operate during the scheduled GHIN blackout period?
Yes. The USGA TM will operate during the blackout period but will not be able to pull updated Indexes.
When do I adopt World Handicap System practices?
WHS procedures should be applied once the system becomes operational, scheduled for Jan. 6, 2020.
When will I be able to post scores again?
All members will be able to post scores as soon as the new GHIN platform becomes operational, scheduled for Jan. 6, 2020.
Do I post scores played during the Jan. 1-5, 2020 shutdown?
Yes. Scores made during this time period should be saved and then posted with the correct date when the platform becomes operational, scheduled for Jan. 6, 2020.
Will I be notified when GHIN is back online?
Yes. LGA members with email addresses in our handicap system will be notified as soon as GHIN is back online, which is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2020.
When will I receive my next Handicap Index?
All players will have a revised Handicap Index calculated effective Jan. 6, 2020, regardless of scores posted, due to formula changes in the World Handicap System. Each LGA Member with an email address will be notified on Jan. 6, 2020 of their first Handicap Index computed using the WHS formula.
How often will my Handicap Index change under the new WHS?
Under WHS, each time you post a score, your Handicap Index is subject to being updated the next morning. Because there are no scheduled overt notifications planned between Jan. and Mar. 2020, you are encouraged review your Handicap Index using the following options:
- The GHIN mobile app
- GHIN.com
- A score posting tablet at LGA Member Clubs
In mid-2020, multiple options are likely to be available, including push notifications. LGA members will have the ability to choose which handicap-related notifications they would like to receive.