How to Maintain Club Authorization and Complete Annual Assessment via USGA Admin Portal

Starting in 2026, the USGA introduced a new feature in the USGA Admin Portal that allows clubs to easily view their Club Authorization status. This tool helps clubs monitor their compliance throughout the year and quickly identify any missed requirements using clear visual indicators.

The USGA checks the following items at each Club Authorization checkpoint:

• The club has at least 10 active members on its GHIN roster.
• The annual assessment is completed by July 1 each year.
• The education training and quiz are completed with each revision of the Rules of Handicapping. This does not need to be completed by each new Handicap Chairperson.
• A club-wide Handicap Review is performed using the USGA Handicap Review Tool in the USGA Admin Portal. This is not required in 2026 but will become a requirement in the future.

Clubs can also complete the annual assessment directly in the USGA Admin Portal. To remain compliant in 2026, the assessment must be completed by July 1, 2026.

To complete the assessment, a club Admin Portal user should log in to the USGA Admin Portal, select the Club Authorization tab, and click Complete Assessment in the Annual Assessment section. The assessment includes confirming or updating contact information and acknowledging that the club follows the Rules of Handicapping.

The USGA reviews Club Authorization status quarterly on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Clubs that miss multiple checkpoint dates may be marked as Not Authorized.

If you have questions about Club Authorization, please contact Audrey Orem, WA Golf Assistant Director of Membership & Handicapping.

Thank you for being a WA Golf member club and for supporting the World Handicap System.