Golfers of all ages and abilities can join the Maryland State Golf Association by establishing a Handicap Index® at one of our member clubs. As a member, you can enjoy these benefits, which help support your game and enjoy golf more.
Handicap Index®
A Handicap Index® represents a golfers demonstrated playing ability, regardless of their age, gender, or skill level. Members receive an official Handicap Index® which is a universal measure of playing ability under the World Handicap System™. It can be used on any golf course worldwide to compete in tournaments or play recreationally with anyone else on a fair basis.
GHIN® Services
The Golf Handicap Information Network® (GHIN®), is the largest Handicap management service in the world. Members can use the GHIN® number they are given for their Handicap Index® to post scores and track their statistics at ghin.com. Make your golf experience more enjoyable by using the GHIN® Mobile App to:
- Get access to GPS and course maps for thousands of courses worldwide.
- Use the Games/Score Keeping feature which allows you to set up and track a match (using a Net or Gross Score) as well as keep and digitally transfer scores to other golfers in your group.
- Upgrade to Enhanced GPS for additional features including putt break maps, approach shot heat maps, shot tracking, and more.
Championships & Invitationals
Members can become eligible to participate in MSGA tournaments. Men’s, Women’s, Seniors, and Junior championships and invitationals are held each year from April through October.
One-Day Events
MSGA offers fun golfing events held at private courses around Maryland, with formats including Fourball, Stableford, and more. Men and women of all ages and abilities can participate and members pay a reduced fee.
Hole-in-One Club
Have you ever made a hole in one? Members are eligible to be listed on the Hole-In-One Club Honor Roll and will also receive a certificate suitable for framing.
Marketplace
Members receive a discount for golf apparel and other merchandise from MSGA partners including Imperial, StrackaLine, and Turtleson.
Youth On Course Maryland
For an annual youth membership fee of $25, youth ages 6-18 are eligible to play golf for $5 or less per round at 25 participating courses in Maryland and at more than 2,000+ courses nationwide.
USGA Course Ratings – Member clubs receive a men’s and women’s course and slope rating every ten years, free of charge ($3,000 value).
Team Championship – Member clubs are eligible to compete in the annual Men’s Team Championship, Women’s Team Championship and Senior Team Championship, interclub matches between clubs.
Rules of Golf Seminars – Member clubs can request a Rules of Golf presentation conducted by the MSGA for their membership, free of charge
Scholarship Program – Employees or children of employees of MSGA member clubs are eligible to apply for a college scholarship.
Member Club Directory – Listing in the online directory, exclusively for our member clubs. Features an interactive map, key personnel, website link and driving directions.
Host Tournaments – The ability to host MSGA championships, one-day events, and USGA qualifiers to boost revenue and gain club exposure.
Annual Meeting – Board and staff of member clubs are invited to attend as guests at the Annual Meeting of the MSGA held in November.
Golf Industry Services – The MSGA contributes to and serves the game in various ways, such as sponsoring the Emmet Gary Turf Scholarships at the University of Maryland, assisting with intercollegiate competitions, and monitoring and lobbying state legislation impacting golf and turfgrass industries.
