Golfing News & Blog Articles

The History

During the summer of 1920, a twenty-eight year old Walter Hagen set off to prepare for his first Open Championship. In doing so, he might have unintentionally completed one of the greatest practice rounds in history. How might one describe this practice round? Unorthodox. According to Walter Hagen, that never crossed his mind as he and Englishman Jim Barnes as they traversed the British coastline.  

“While we were in London for the 1920 British Open, Jim Barnes and I started one morning to play the three links as if they were one. After playing eleven holes on the Deal course, we hopped a fence over to Sandwich and played ten holes there, crossed to Prince’s links and completed all the holes there, coming back to the original starting place. We finished the remainder of the holes on the Sandwich and Deal layouts, ending up on the eighteenth at Deal. Scores? I’ve forgotten. We weren’t trying to break any records. We were just lucky to go that far. We did it for fun.” – Walter Hagen

Golf handicaps aren’t just for experienced players. The sooner you establish one, the easier it is to compete equitably with golfers of any skill level. Every golfer can benefit from having a handicap and if you’ve been asking, “how do you get a golf handicap?”, we’ve got you covered.

Understanding the World Handicap System

Before diving into how to get a golf handicap, it’s helpful to understand how this all works.

The World Handicap System (WHS) is a global framework developed by the USGA and The R&A. The WHS was set up to ensure handicaps are consistent and portable worldwide. You don’t have to get your handicap directly from either of these organizations. You can get your golf handicap index through authorized golf clubs, leagues or other golf associations no matter where you live.

In the U.S., regional groups are called Allied Golf Associations (AGAs). They connect golfers to the World Handicap System and typically use the GHIN system (Golf Handicap and Information Network).

GHIN is the most widely used platform for posting scores, managing your index and tracking progress. Outside the U.S., most national golf federations play the same role under the R&A’s oversight, using their own local systems.

The Masters has produced plenty of low scores over the years. But what's the Augusta National course record?

The post Masters 2025: What is Augusta National course record? appeared first on Golf.

Should you play a 7-wood and a 4-iron that are the same loft? Here's what you need to know about setting up your golf bag.

The post Confused at the top of your golf bag? Here’s what you should know appeared first on Golf.

Where is Augusta National Golf Club? The famed host of the Masters is located in Augusta, Georgia. Find out more here.

The post Where is Augusta National Golf Club? appeared first on Golf.

Where is the Masters played? Learn all about the location and importance of Augusta National, the golf course that hosts the Masters.

The post Where is the Masters played? appeared first on Golf.

What channel is the Masters on? CBS and ESPN will provide TV coverage of the 2025 Masters. See full TV and streaming options here.

The post What channel is the Masters on? How to watch the 2025 event appeared first on Golf.

How to watch the 2025 Masters on Thursday, including full Masters TV coverage and streaming info for Round 1 at Augusta National.

The post 2025 Masters Thursday TV coverage: How to watch Round 1 at Augusta National appeared first on Golf.

Rory McIlroy's four-year-old daughter, Poppy, stole the show at the Masters Par 3 contest on Wednesday by making an incredible 25ft, downhill putt.

From sweet family moments to little kids sinking putts, here's who stole the show at the Masters Par-3 Contest.

The post Here’s who stole the show at the Masters Par-3 Contest | Rogers Report appeared first on Golf.

Masters rookie Nico Echavarria won the Par 3 Contest on Wednesday, beating J.J. Spaun with a birdie on the second playoff hole after each shot 5-under 22.

From kids stealing the show to holes-in-one, the Par 3 Contest is always a highlight of Masters week. Here are some of the best moments.

Rory McIlroy has had his heart broken at majors recently. But it's those lessons that might be the key to winning the 2025 Masters.

The post Rory McIlroy’s Masters key is something learned in past major heartbreaks appeared first on Golf.

Augusta National famously does not allow cell phones, but the Masters' journey into the future rests upon them.

The post The Masters’ most forbidden item is also its secret to world dominance appeared first on Golf.

What has our on-site staff observed early in Masters week? We asked them for their last-minute favorites to win the 2025 Masters.

The post Masters picks: Last-minute betting advice from our on-site staff appeared first on Golf.

Until Tuesday evening, it was unclear whether Tiger Woods would make an appearance at this Masters. In the end, he did not.

The post There is Tiger Woods news at this Masters. But no Tiger Woods appeared first on Golf.

The Masters will continue to invite international golfers to the Masters with special invitations, but the tournament doesn't otherwise plan to add special pathways for LIV Golf League players.

Bryson DeChambeau hit more than four times as many balls on the range than most players did Tuesday at the Masters. Here's why.

The post Inside Bryson DeChambeau’s bizarre Masters range prep appeared first on Golf.

Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley is no fan of slow play. On Wednesday, he clearly delivered that message.

The post Augusta National boss takes dead aim at one of game’s chronic issues appeared first on Golf.

Rory McIlroy's endless pursuit of a green jacket continues Thursday. As we witnessed Tuesday, he's already making it an emotional week.

The post What to expect at Augusta? An emotional Rory McIlroy | Seen and Heard appeared first on Golf.