The Golfer Product Access (GPA) Program is primarily designed to provide handicap integration with complementary golfer products and services – operating in accordance with the Rules of Handicapping. The GPA program is intended to provide limited handicap integration for approved third-party golfer facing products and services, allowing for seamless handicap data integration and convenience for golfers.
Handicap data integration includes the retrieval of a Handicap Index®, the retrieval of the golfer’s scoring record, the retrieval of Course Rating™ and Slope Rating® to support score posting and the calculation of a Course Handicap™ or Playing Handicap™, and the posting of scores.
The USGA is the Authorized Association responsible for the World Handicap System™ (WHS™) within the U.S. and its territories, delegating to the Allied Golf Associations (AGA) the responsibility of handicap administration and oversight of their member clubs as well as conducting and issuing Course Ratings within their territory. The Golfer Product Access (GPA) program is limited in use and restricted to the U.S. and its territories only.
Only an Authorized Association is authorized to implement and administer the Rules of Handicapping within its jurisdiction by entering into an agreement with the USGA and The R&A. Within its area of jurisdiction, an Authorized Association may:
- Use the Rules of Handicapping and the Course Rating System™.
- Use the registered marks of the World Handicap System.
- Issue a Handicap Index either directly or, where delegated, through a golf club.
- Issue a Course Rating and a Slope Rating.
The following trademarks and service marks are owned or licensed by the United States Golf Association and The R&A. All rights reserved: World Handicap System™, WHS™, Handicap Index®, Score Differential™, Low Handicap Index™, Course Handicap™, Playing Handicap™, Course Rating™, Bogey Rating™, SLOPE® and Slope Rating®.
Any provider or organization that is not authorized to use the World Handicap System is prohibited from using these marks or any part of the World Handicap System. This includes the handicap calculation formula, the Course Rating System, or the Course Rating Database which is a copyright work owned by the USGA.
Key eligibility requirements:
- Signed GPA agreement on file
- Product must be used in accordance with the Rules of Handicapping and the Rules of Golf
- A GPA provider may not provide an alternative handicap system, calculate an alternative handicap value (use of value for play/compete), or provide a handicap value to indicate a player’s demonstrated ability. Any GPA product or service that may cause confusion with the WHS and/or a Handicap Index, including use of terminology or works, is prohibited.
- Annual fees $6,000