AZSGA Handicap Index Program

Arizona Seniors Golf Association has made a strategic move regarding the competitive handicap index for its members.  Beginning with this coming 2026-2027 season all AZSGA members handicap index will be calculated using only the player’s scores from AZSGA Events.  A player’s USGA GHIN will no longer be used. 

The AZSGA’s primary rationale for making this change is that by using only each player’s scores from AZSGA Events, all player’s handicap indexes will now be knowingly verified by their competitors and the AZSGA Event coordinators.  In addition, because the Golf Genius cloud-based platform does NOT support any custom handicap index system other than GHIN USGA, the AZSGA has researched, vetted and contracted with Golf Games Keeper to serve as the scoring and software platform for all AZSGA events.

 

AZSGA leadership is confident the Golf Games Keeper platform will allow AZSGA to better conduct competitions and serve member needs during the upcoming golf season. GGK will allow our Association to appropriately handicap play based solely on AZSGA Event scores. 

Golf Games Keeper has collected data from our 2025-26 golf season in order to accurately determine AZSGA member handicap indexes for the 2026-27 season.  Current member’s AZSGA scores from 2025-2026 will be used to determine their beginning 2026-27 AZSGA handicaps.  Until a player establishes three rounds/scores in AZSGA Events, 80% of their current GHIN USGA handicap will be used for their temporary AZSGA handicap index.  The Association is confident these changes in scoring and handicap will continue to provide the fair, competitive and entertaining golf for which the AZSGA has long been known.

Members should understand this important score posting distinction between your AZSGA Handicap Index and your GHIN Handicap Index = If a player wishes to also enter their AZSGA Event score in GHIN it will be the responsibility of the player to do so.  An AZSGA member's scores recorded in AZSGA events will automatically be entered into Golf GamesKeeper to determine that player’s most current AZSGA handicap Index. 

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE AZSGA HANDICAP INDEX

What will my handicap index be if I am a new member or have yet to play in 3 AZSGA Events?

If you are playing for the first time in an AZSGA Event as a new member with an existing GHIN USGA index outside of the AZSGA (or with another USGA handicapping service) you will receive 80% of your handicap index until you fulfill the 3 round requirement to establish an official AZSGA handicap index.

When will I receive an AZSGA handicap Index?

Once a player has completed at least three (3) AZSGA Event rounds that player will obtain an AZSGA Handicap Index, which will only factor scores played in AZSGA Events. If necessary, once obtained the player's AZSGA handicap Index will be used to appropriately flight the individual for all future AZSGA Events. A verifiable GHIN USGA Index will only be accepted by the AZSGA Event coordinators if a player does not have the minimum AZSGA Event rounds required (3).

Why the AZSGA doesn't accept GHIN USGA Indexes for our AZSGA Events?

We use our own AZSGA Event handicap Index because players’ scores in our Association events are knowingly verified by their competitors and the AZSGA Event coordinators. This eliminates any possible chance of "sandbagging" because we are only using AZSGA scores to calculate your index (not rounds outside of AZSGA play).

Will I still have a GHIN Handicap Index with my AZSGA Membership?

Yes. You will still have your handicap index with GHIN USGA and you will still be able to post scores to GHIN. However, your GHIN index will be separate from your AZSGA Handicap Index.

How can I check my AZSGA Event Handicap Index?

Visit www.golfgameskeeper.com

What is the difference between an AZSGA Handicap  Index and GHIN USGA Index?

The AZSGA Event Handicap Index was created to use only "verifiable rounds" from AZSGA play. The formula to calculate an AZSGA Event Handicap Index is identical to a GHIN USGA Handicap Index.

Will my AZSGA rounds still be posted to GHIN?

No. You are responsible for posting your own AZSGA rounds to the GHIN system.

How many rounds will it take for me to start my AZSGA Handicap Index

3 rounds.

Can I still play in an AZSGA Event if I don't have a AZSGA Handicap  Index?

Yes. AZSGA will accept a verifiable GHIN USGA Index if a player does not have the minimum AZSGA rounds recorded (3). However, your handicap index will be adjusted by taking 80% of your index until you fulfill the 3 round requirement to create an AZSGA Handicap Index.