Getting a Handicap
You can gain an official handicap by completing three rounds of golf over either nine or eighteen holes. If you are a member of a golf club just give the scorecards to the club administration who will then calculate your handicap. If you are not a member of a golf club you must first join our Girls Golf Network or Women's Golf Network. Once a member you can send your cards into us and we will issue you with your official handicap.
Special Note: When putting in cards to gain a handicap, once you are four over par on any hole, simply pick your ball and record the 4 over par score on the card for that hole.
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about getting a handicap:
I would like to gain a handicap without joining a Golf Club | How do I maintain my handicap? | What is the AWCR? | How do I find competitions to play in? | How many cards do I need to put in to retain my handicap? | What is the maximum GA Handicap? | How can I check what my handicap is?
I would like to gain a handicap without joining a Golf Club
You can obtain an official Golf Australia handicap in Victoria by being a member of a golf club or by being a member of Women's Golf Network or Girls' Golf Network (juniors).
After you've joined a Club, you can gain your handicap by submitting three completed stroke rounds of golf. That is, you will need to play three rounds of 18 or 9 holes of golf, completing each hole, and having each of the three score cards marked and signed by a member of a golf club (or a member of WGN). Give these score cards to your club or if a member of WGN or GGN send these score cards to WGV and a handicap will be allocated in about a week.
How do I maintain my handicap?
After receiving your initial handicap you must play in a competition in order to have scores processed to maintain your handicap. All cards played in competition must be marked and signed by an affiliated member of a golf club or WGN and they must have the AWCR (Australian Women's Course Rating) printed on the card.
Click here for more information on the Australian Handicapping System.
What is the AWCR?
The AWCR (Australian Women's Course Rating) is the figure assigned by WGV to each affiliated golf course, that reflects the difficulty of the golf course. Sometimes this rating is different to the Par of the course.
Click here for more information on Course Rating
How do I find competitions to play in?
The Women's Golf Network has a calendar of WGN Events and Playing Opportunities. Most of these events can be used to collect a card for handicapping.
You can also visit WGV's Central Calendar to view a full list of events and tournaments.
How many cards do I need to put in to retain my handicap?
You need to complete three cards per calendar year to keep your handicap.
What is the maximum GA Handicap?
The maximum handicap for women is currently 45.
How can I check what my handicap is?
Via the internet, log on to www.golflink.com.au. Type in your Golflink number (as shown on your Golflink card) and your current handicap will appear on the screen. Alternatively, you can telephone Golflink directly on 1300 650 750 and quote your Golflink number.
