Section 1 PURPOSE, AUTHORIZATION, AND LICENSING
1-1/1. Player Establishes One Handicap Index Playing Right-Handed and Another Handicap Index Playing Left-Handed
Q: A player has a Handicap Index of 2.6 playing right-handed and a Handicap Index of 29.3 playing left-handed. Is this permissible?
A: No. A Handicap Index is based on the best play for every round. Accordingly, the Handicap Index of 29.3 must be withdrawn.
Q: A player discontinues playing left-handed and begins to play right-handed. What is the status of the player's Handicap Index based on scores made playing left-handed?
A: The Handicap Index established by the player when playing left-handed is invalid. The player is in effect beginning golf anew and is required to establish a new Handicap Index based on scores made when playing right-handed.
Q: The USGA requires that a club's policies comply with "The Rules of Golf" and the USGA Handicap System in order to utilize the USGA Handicap System. If the USGA is notified in writing that a club is not complying, what action will the USGA take?
A: If notified in writing, the USGA will request the authorized golf association in the area to contact the club directly about policies not in compliance. If the golf club is a member club of the authorized golf association, the USGA will request that association to contact the club directly. If the golf club is not a member club of the authorized golf association, the USGA will contact the club directly, in accordance with the license agreement between the golf club and the USGA. In any case, the authorized golf association will be kept informed.
If neither the authorized golf association nor the USGA is able to persuade the club to comply, the USGA will advise the club in writing that, without compliance, the club may not issue a Handicap Index, may not use any part of the USGA Handicap System, and may not use USGA trademarks in any manner. If a club refuses to comply, the USGA will inform other USGA member clubs and clubs licensed to issue a Handicap Index in the region that the club's privilege to issue a Handicap Index has been withdrawn.
Q: A golf club is not a member club of an authorized golf association and has not been licensed by the USGA to utilize the USGA Handicap System. Is such a club eligible to issue a Handicap Index?
A: No. All clubs must be licensed by the USGA to utilize the USGA Handicap System, either directly by the USGA or through an authorized golf association.