FAQs: GHIN Services OFFLINE

From January 1 to 5, 2020, all GHIN services will be unavailable to golfers nationwide as the USGA launches a revamped platform to accommodate the World Handicap System and provide a better score posting and handicap index experience. Score posting, access to score histories and Handicap Index lookup will be unavailable during this time. You will be able to post your scores starting January 6, 2020.

For more information on the USGA GHIN blackout, see the following FAQs.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is the GHIN platform going offline?
This is necessary to implement the new GHIN Platform, which includes World Handicap System procedures.

How long will GHIN be down?
GHIN is scheduled to be down January 1st to 5th. When the system comes back online GHIN expects to send an email notification to all SNGA members. The GHIN system is scheduled to come back online on January 6th .

Can I post my scores during this period?
No score posting will be available during the scheduled down time. However, rounds played during this period should be saved, to then enter with the correct dates once the system comes back online.

Will I have access to any GHIN services during this shutdown period?
No. All services will be unavailable for both club administrators as well as individual golfers.

Will I have access to previous revision histories?
No. Access to any and all previous handicap information, both during the downtime as well as after the system becomes operational, will not be available. Handicaps computed prior to the implementation of the World Handicap System will not be accessible. GHIN’s notification email on Jan. 6, 2020 announcing the system is operational will include a member’s first Handicap Index computed under the World Handicap System formula.

Will the GHIN app open on my phone during the shutdown period?
No. The GHIN App will not be functional during the January 1-5 downtime. Players will receive an “Unable to Connect” error message when trying to access the existing GHIN Mobile App from January 1st forward. Players will need to update the mobile app once GHIN comes back online on January 6, 2020. Players may need to download the app as if it were new in order to access it on January 6th .

Can I post scores via a posting computer at my golf course?
No. Score posting of any kind will be unavailable Jan. 1-5. All posting computers should be turned off.

Can I view my current Handicap Index/Recent Scores?
No access to any Handicap Index or scores will be available January 1-5. All golfers should use the Dec. 15, 2019 Handicap Index until the system comes back online. Prior to January 1, 2020, members will have to access the December 15, 2019 Handicap Index.

Will I receive a January 1, 2020 Revision?
No. The Handicap Index will not be revised on January 1 and GHIN will not send any communications during its scheduled January 1-5 blackout period. SNGA members should continue to use Handicap Indexes from the December 15, 2019 revision until GHIN comes back online and sends its notification email, scheduled for January 6, 2020. The January 6, 2020 email will include a personalized Handicap Index and will reflect the adoption of the World Handicap Index.

How can I prepare in advance for running a tournament during the blackout?
Prior to January 1, 2020 a club should download their December 15, 2019 Handicap Indexes. To conduct an event during the January 1-5 blackout period, clubs using USGA TM should use the Refresh Master Roster from the GHIN feature within TM prior to January 1, 2020. This will store the December 15, 2019 Index for utilization during the blackout.

Will the USGA Tournament Management platform operate during the scheduled GHIN blackout
period?
Yes. The USGA Tournament Management will operate during the blackout period but will not be able to pull updated Indexes.

When do I adopt World Handicap System practices?
WHS procedures should be applied once the system becomes operational, scheduled for January 6, 2020.

When will I be able to post scores again?
All members will be able to post scores as soon as the new GHIN platform becomes operational, scheduled for January 6, 2020.

Do I post scores played during the January 1-5, 2020 shutdown?
Yes. Scores made during this time period should be saved and then posted with the correct date when the platform becomes operational, scheduled for January 6, 2020.

Will I be notified when GHIN is back online?
Yes. SNGA members email addresses will be notified as soon as GHIN is back online, which is scheduled for January 6, 2020.

When will I receive my next Handicap Index?
All players will have a revised Handicap Index calculated effective January 6, 2020, regardless of scores posted, due to formula changes in the World Handicap System. Each SNGA Member with an email address will be notified on January 6, 2020 of their first Handicap Index computed using the WHS
formula.

How often will my Handicap Index change under the new WHS?
Under WHS, each time you post a score, your Handicap Index is subject to being updated the next morning. You may review your Handicap Index using the following options:
The GHIN mobile app
SNGA.org
GHIN.com
A score posting computer at golf facilities