February is final month for inactive posting scores

Inactive score posting season begins in the Pacific Northwest started in November and runs until March 1, 2026. The NW is one of 41 golf associations in the U.S. that has an inactive posting season during the winter months. This is because of the general change in course conditions in our region that would adversely affect course ratings.

If you play golf during our Inactive Score Posting Season in an area where scores are still being accepted for handicap purposes, you must post those scores as soon as practicable. Your handicap will continue to be revised daily when you post an eligible score, even during the off-season.

Each course is rated under the Course Rating System part of the World Handicap System. The single largest factor that impacts a course rating is distance. How far a ball will travel in the air and how much roll it gets on the ground are heavily impacted by weather. To create a standard course rating, each course is rated as if it is July 4th (or, high summer), and the difference in course conditions in our region between summer and winter are too great and would negatively affect the majority of golfers and their handicap. There are many courses in our region that drain well and stay in good condition for the winter months, but we cannot evaluate this on a course-by-course basis.

It’s easy to get a golf handicap

If you are looking to get a golf handicap for the 2026 season it is nice and easy with any of your local golf organizations.

1) Sign up for a Handicap ID

Your unique Handicap ID number gives you the ability to post scores from which your Handicap Index is calculated. Get your Handicap ID number when you join a WA Golf member club such as the men’s or women’s club at a local golf course, or one at your workplace or community. Find a club Don’t want to join a club? Join a WA Golf Associate Club. Associate members receive all the benefits of a WA Golf membership with no strings attached or obligations to their host club.

2) Start posting your scores

With your Handicap ID number, you can post your scores: Through the USGA GHIN app on your mobile device. The app lets you post your scores, calculate course handicap, view score history and more. The app features touch-point GPS for thousands of golf courses worldwide. Download the free app from the App Store or Google Play.

Here are a couple of ways to get it going: Through ghin.com or Online at wagolf.org/post. Scores should be posted as soon as possible after your round on the day it was played.

3) Post three 18-hole rounds

A minimum of three 18-hole or six 9-hole scores posted are all that’s needed to calculate and establish your Handicap Index! The more often you post your score, the more accurate your handicap.