USGA Handicap System

The Iowa Golf Association is licensed by the USGA as the Authorized Golf Association in Iowa for the administration of the USGA Handicap System™.  Our essential mission is to educate handicap committees at our member clubs so that they may in turn educate the golfers at those clubs.  We also ensure the integrity of the Handicap System™ in the following ways:

• Season and Revision Schedule: The IGA is responsible for setting the dates for the beginning and end of the ‘score posting season’ and the schedule clubs use for handicap revisions
• Handicap Certification: The IGA conducts Handicap Certification Seminars for clubs.
• Publications: Distribution to member clubs of Handicap System manuals, posters and guidelines to assist the club handicap committee conduct its business.
• Club Licensing: The IGA is responsible for monitoring the process for licensing all clubs in Iowa that wish to utilize the USGA Handicap System™.

Handicap Hole Allocation

The IGA provides a computer software program that performs statistical analysis of historical scores for each hole on the course to our member clubs.  The program provides the club with a report detailing how handicap strokes should be allocated.  This gives handicap committees statistical backing when explaining the method of handicapping the holes at their course.

Course Marking

Courses should be defined and marked at all times so golfers may become accustomed to playing under the Rules of Golf. The IGA assists its member clubs in properly marking and defining their golf courses for tournament and daily play. This service can range from having the IGA review existing markings and then provide a recommendation report, to having the Association completely define and mark the course.

Pace of Play Rating

Pace of Play is an important issue for any course, whether it is private or public. The IGA provides assistance to a member club to establish a time par for an average group of golfers to play the course. This is done by collecting information about the course such as distance between greens and tees, the location of halfway houses and if golf carts are required. This information is combined with the course rating information to produce a time par.