Page type: Glossary / definition
Free tool: Open the calculator →
Meaning
An Authorized Association is an organisation authorised under the WHS structure to implement and administer the Rules of Handicapping within its jurisdiction. It may be a multi-national, national or regional association, federation or union, unless the USGA and The R&A approve another arrangement where no such body exists.
How it matters in match play
An Authorized Association does not decide the winner of an individual match. It provides the handicap framework that makes a handicap match possible: it administers the Rules of Handicapping in its jurisdiction, may issue Handicap Indexes, and may determine or delegate handicap administration. For individual match play, Appendix C recommends a 100% handicap allowance unless the Committee sets another allowance in the Terms of the Competition.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Authorized Association |
| Category | handicap |
| Applicable rule | WHS Rules of Handicapping, Rule 1.2 and Rule 1.3; Appendix C |
| Related concepts | World Handicap System, Rules of Handicapping, Handicap Index, Jurisdiction, Handicap Committee |
Worked example
In an illustrative match, Alex has a Course Handicap of 8 and Ben has 14; the relevant Authorized Association’s WHS procedures support the club’s handicap administration, while the Committee applies the published match-play allowance and Ben receives the six-stroke difference unless the Terms of the Competition say otherwise.
Rule reference: WHS Rules of Handicapping, Rule 1.2 and Rule 1.3; Appendix C
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
What does an Authorized Association do?
It implements and administers the Rules of Handicapping within its jurisdiction under authority from the USGA and The R&A. Depending on its structure, it may issue Handicap Indexes and Course Ratings and may delegate some responsibilities to clubs or regional bodies.
Is a golf club an Authorized Association?
Usually no. A golf club is generally affiliated with an Authorized Association and administers the Handicap Indexes of members who designate it as their home club. The association can delegate responsibilities, but delegation does not automatically make the club an Authorized Association.
Does an Authorized Association set the result of a match?
No. Players settle the match under the Rules of Golf and the competition’s Terms. The association supplies the handicap framework; the Committee applies the stated allowance and the players compare the resulting net scores hole by hole.
What handicap allowance is recommended for individual match play?
Appendix C recommends 100% for individual match play. The Committee should specify the allowance in the Terms of the Competition, so players should check those terms rather than assume the recommendation applies unchanged.
Can a player get a Handicap Index without a club?
Under Rule 1.4, a player must generally belong to a golf club affiliated with an Authorized Association, or be a direct member of an Authorized Association that has assumed the responsibilities of a golf club.
Does the term apply worldwide in the same way?
The role is defined within the WHS structure, but the authorised body and local administration depend on the jurisdiction. The relevant association’s procedures and the competition’s Terms should be checked for local implementation details.