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Understanding the Difference Between an Indoor Golf Handicap and Your GHIN Number


For golfers who play both indoors and outdoors, the concept of a handicap can sometimes be confusing. While your GHIN (Golf Handicap and Information Network) number is the gold standard for tracking your skill level on traditional courses, an indoor golf handicap operates differently. At South Bay Golf Club, we want to break down the key differences, how each is calculated, and why they matter.



What is a GHIN Handicap?

A GHIN handicap is an official handicap index maintained by the United States Golf Association (USGA). It provides a standardized way to measure a golfer’s ability based on scores from real outdoor courses.

How is a GHIN Handicap Calculated?

  • The system takes the best 8 of your last 20 rounds.

  • Course rating and slope are factored in to adjust for difficulty.

  • Handicaps update on a daily basis, reflecting your most recent scores.

  • The lower your handicap, the better the golfer you are compared to the field.

A GHIN handicap is meant to level the playing field, allowing golfers of different skill levels to compete fairly, regardless of the course they play.

What is an Indoor Golf Handicap?

An indoor golf handicap is a rating based on rounds played in a golf simulator, such as the ones we use at South Bay Golf Club. While similar in function to a GHIN handicap, there are important differences.

TrackMan’s Indoor Golf Handicap System

At South Bay Golf Club, we use TrackMan, one of the most advanced golf simulators available. TrackMan’s indoor handicap system is designed to provide players with a reliable way to measure their performance in a controlled environment.

How is a TrackMan Indoor Handicap Calculated?

  • Scores from indoor rounds on virtual courses are used to determine your handicap.

  • TrackMan factors in shot accuracy, consistency, and ball-striking efficiency.

  • Unlike GHIN, TrackMan does not include environmental variables such as wind, weather, or uneven lies.

  • Handicaps update dynamically after each round, providing real-time feedback.

Why Are They Different?

1. Course Conditions

  • GHIN Handicap: Includes real-world elements like wind, rain, rough thickness, and green speeds.

  • TrackMan Indoor Handicap: Controlled conditions with no weather, making for more consistent play.

2. Lies and Course Setup

  • GHIN Handicap: You deal with uphill, downhill, and unpredictable lies.

  • TrackMan Indoor Handicap: Lies are standardized, often set to fairway or rough without extreme variations.

3. Putting Differences

  • GHIN Handicap: Putting is one of the biggest challenges in outdoor golf, varying by green speed, slope, and conditions.

  • TrackMan Indoor Handicap: Offers different putting settings—some rounds require full putting, while others use automatic putting features.

4. Swing Data vs. Actual Play

  • GHIN Handicap: Only based on score, not swing mechanics.

  • TrackMan Indoor Handicap: Uses ball speed, club speed, launch angle, spin rate, and shot dispersion to calculate performance.

Which Handicap Should You Use?

If you’re playing outdoor golf and want an official handicap that can be used in tournaments, your GHIN number is what you need. However, if you primarily play indoor golf, TrackMan’s indoor handicap helps track progress in a simulated environment.


At South Bay Golf Club, we encourage players to use both! If you train indoors, you’ll get better feedback on your swing and ball striking, which will help lower your GHIN handicap over time.


Looking to sharpen your game? Visit South Bay Golf Club’s indoor golf facility in Hermosa Beach and start tracking your indoor handicap today!


1601 PCH STE 180 Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

 
 
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