• A web-based NCGA Handicap Certification Seminar is in the works. All clubs will be required to complete an NCGA Handicap Certification Seminar online or as an alternative in person between 2008 and 2011. Complete details will be forwarded to all clubs once finalized.
• All clubs are required to complete a USGA Handicap License Agreement between 2008 and 2011. A web-based means of completing such a license agreement is in development.
• A new NCGA Handicap Manual covering 2008-2011 is currently in production and will be distributed to all clubs in early 2008.
    

History and Purpose 

In an effort to better educate clubs on the inner workings of the USGA Handicap System, the NCGA embarked on a bold educational initiative in 2002.

Dubbed the “NCGA Handicap Certification Program,” a series of half-day seminars were conducted region-wide to provide clubs with the tools to better organize their Handicap Committee and better administer the Handicap System. Special emphasis was placed on dealing with those golfers who abuse the System for their own benefit.

There were 48 seminars in all regions of Northern California have been conducted from 2002-2006 drawing in excess of 2,500 individuals representing more than 1,100 member clubs. More importantly, these seminars have clearly triggered a rededication by clubs toward their handicap-related duties. In short, more and more clubs are taking a closer look at the posting activities of their members and at the accuracy of the Index being issued.

Topics of discussion at the seminars include individual golfer responsibilities, club responsibilities, penalty options for System abusers, software training and a review of NCGA membership policies. Interaction in the form of discussion periods, question and answer sessions, etc., is highly encouraged.

Attendance by all member clubs is mandatory.

Clubs were required to send a representative to attend and complete a session by the start of the 2004 season and are required to maintain a certified attendee on their active roster each year from that point on.

Clubs that fail to fulfill and maintain this attendance requirement are denied eligibility in NCGA competitions.

In closing, we trust that your club will continue to offer its full support to this massive educational undertaking. The tools to promote better handicapping and abolish sandbagging are at your disposal and it is the NCGA’s intention to teach your club how to utilize these tools.

A one-day commitment every four years by a member of your club is not too big a price to pay for better handicapping.