Leveling the playing field for amateur golfers in SoCal since 1899!
The revamped World Handicap System, led by the USGA and R&A brings the game of golf under a single set of handicapping rules and provide a more consistent measure of players’ ability between different regions of the world. The SCGA is SoCal's resource for an official Handicap Index® and provides administrative support to the clubs who are the life-blood of the system at the local level.
The SCGA re-rates golf courses every eight years to comply with the Course Rating System’s 10-year requirement. Re-ratings are also conducted after significant hole construction or course renovations have been completed. There is no charge to SCGA member clubs to re-rate or measure their golf courses.
The SCGA Course Rating Team is comprised of an SCGA staff member and a group of trained male and female volunteers. When rating a course, the course rating team evaluates each hole using the Course Rating System guidelines and procedures. The majority of the team's time is spent measuring distances to various obstacles from specific landing zones based on shot parameters. After rating the obstacles, the rating team plays the golf course to gain greater insight from a playing perspective, and to clarify any doubts or questions that may arise on specific holes or shots.
After evaluating the course, the rating data information is entered in the Course Rating Program. This program calculates Ratings based on playing length adjustments such as Roll, Elevation and Wind. Additionally, obstacle rating values are calculated for the scratch and bogey golfer, which produces Course Ratings and Slope Rating for every set of tees.
For more information about the rating process, explore the related information links or contact courserating@scga.org
The SCGA administers over 40,000 competitive and social rounds per year for it's members. Event serve golfer of all skill levels and often offer access to exclusive courses! Find you community today:
Produced in-house, the award-winning FORE Magazine comes as an exclusive bonus with your SCGA membership. From swing tips that transform your game to in-depth features on legendary courses, FORE is your golden ticket to the heart of the sport. As a SoCal golfer, you don't just play golf; you live it, and FORE magazine is your companion in this golf mecca.
The SCGA is unique among the nation’s amateur golf associations in providing legislative and regulatory advocacy services to its members, member clubs and the California golf industry. Whatever the public policy issue—water, drought, environmental compliance, taxes, land use or mounting costs of doing business— the SCGA is a constant presence at local, state and national levels, working to ensure that the political terrain is friendly for all who love and play the game of golf in Southern California.
The SCGA Junior Golf Foundation operates all SCGA Junior programming allowing all youth in Southern California affordable access to play and grow in the game. The Foundation inspires kids by creating a fun, engaged community that develops character through mentorship and empowerment. We create local golf communities that provide a safe, supportive and encouraging environment for youth to have fun, explore their future and develop the necessary skills to achieve their goals.
OUR MISSION: The mission of SCGA Junior Golf Foundation is to develop an inclusive golf community that enables kids to thrive on and beyond the course. The Foundation believes that every kid in Southern California, no matter their circumstance, should have the opportunity to pursue the game and experience the positive impact that it can have.
The Southern California Golf Association is devoted to providing all Southland golfers with the best experience possible.
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