GHIN Lookup: How to Find a GHIN Number

GHIN is the acronym for Golf Handicap and Information Network.

It's a service established by the United States Golf Association to provide handicaps for players at certain golf clubs and associations. A golf handicap is a numerical measurement of a golfer's ability. The lower the number, the better.

Top amateur golfers strive to achieve a single-digit handicap, although the game is enjoyable for many people who have high handicaps. Golfers with official USGA handicaps need their GHIN number to enter scores online at GHIN.com.

1. Establish a USGA handicap by joining a golf club or association that's a member of the GHIN network. More than 12,000 clubs, 71 associations and 2.1 million golfers participate in the GHIN service, as of 2012. Each golfer has a specific, private GHIN number.

2. Many public and private golf courses and associations are affiliated with GHIN. A golf association is a regional organization that, among other things, provides handicap services to member clubs.

1. Contact your golf club or association to receive your GHIN number. The group or association is responsible for providing it for you. The GHIN number is like a credit card or account number and shouldn't be shared. Someone with your GHIN number could log onto the system and enter fraudulent golf scores that will affect your handicap.

1. Visit GHIN.com to look up the handicap for a player if you're seeking GHIN-related information for someone else.

2. You can look up any player's handicap, if that player has an on official USGA handicap with a club or association affiliated with GHIN.

3. Find the player's handicap by visiting GHIN.com and clicking on "Handicap Lookup.". Enter the last name of the player and the state of the golfer's club or association to retrieve the player's handicap.