How do I join the AGA and get my Handicap Index?

There are three ways to join the AGA and all include a USGA WHS Handicap Index:

1. Golf Club Member – Become a member of any AGA member club. From private, green-grass facilities to online-only clubs, you can find a club that matches your availability and style in our Club Directory. Once you find a club that meets your needs on the list:
   • If the club allows you to join online, a blue “Join” button will appear to the right of the club’s name in the Club Directory. Simply click on that button and enter your contact information. If you already have a GHIN number, be sure to use the same number every time you join a club.
   • If the club does not allow you to join online, call the club’s phone number to join instead.
2. Join AZ Golf Club – the AGA’s online club is perfect for those who don’t want to play regularly with the same league. Join AZ Golf Club Now!
3. Casual Golfer – Join as an AGA Casual Member and we’ll assign you to a club nearest your entered zip code. It is fast and easy. Join Now!
4. Start your own club – Do things your way…check out how easy it is to start your own club today!

Do I have to join a golf club to join the AGA?

Yes, to maintain a valid USGA Handicap Index, you must be a member of a certified USGA golf club. But don’t worry! We make the process easy and there are several options including the AGA’s online golf club, the AZ Golf Club. Use our Club Directory to find the club that is right for you or join our online club, AZ Golf Club today!

What benefits do I get with my Arizona Golf Association membership?

• USGA Handicap Index – The Arizona Golf Association is the only Arizona-based allied golf association of the USGA authorized to provide golfers with an official USGA Handicap Index, which summarizes a player’s skill level and evens the playing field for golfers of all abilities.
• Course/Slope Ratings – The AGA is licensed and authorized by the USGA to perform and maintain Course/Slope Ratings at all AGA Member Facilities every 10 years or when significant changes have occurred prior to that 10 year mark.
• Score Posting Kiosks – Score posting kiosks are available at facilities that choose to offer one for their members. These score posting computers are maintained by AGA staff to ensure seamless operation and use.
• Exclusive Member Offers – AGA members can save hundreds by taking advantage of exclusive offers for local golf through the AGA Member Advantage Program, travel destinations, apparel, equipment, event tickets and more. Member offers change monthly and are promoted on the azgolf.org website as well as through email communications.
• Playing Opportunities – AGA members of all skill levels, genders, and ages can take advantage of formal and informal playing opportunities at beautiful Arizona public and private facilities by participating in events from individual gross championships and team net events to AGA Scramble Days and Just For Fun Days.
• Member Communications – AGA members stay connected to golf in Arizona through a complimentary subscription to Arizona Golf Insider Magazine in both the print and digital editions, a customized access to azgolf.org and AGA Mobile App, a monthly digital newsletter, bi-monthly Handicap Revision newsletters, and partner offers.
• Private Club Access – AGA members have the opportunity to play select private facilities in both formal and informal settings through championships and tournaments as well as programs like the Senior Cup Series, AGA Scramble Days, and AGA Just for Fun Days. Check out our Event Directory.
• Educational Events – As an allied golf association of the USGA, the AGA is your local resource for Rules of Golf, USGA Handicap System and Course Rating information. Each year the AGA conducts several seminars throughout the state, all of which are free to attend (fee for lunch may apply). You can find education seminars in the Learn tab on our website at azgolf.org.
• Golf Travel Experiences – Each year, the AGA takes groups of members to premier destinations around the world and domestically. The AGA will also provide a resource for golf travel destinations on our website starting in the fall of 2021. Visit our Travel page to learn more about upcoming trips.
• Unique Members Only Contests & Surveys – Each month the AGA conducts a survey in the newsletter with a chance for members to win prizes. Additionally, there is a member appreciation event October 1 – December 31 with a minimum of 10 prizes drawn each week.

Should I use the same GHIN number if I am moving from another state/club?

Yes. You should use the same GHIN number in all participating states and with all clubs. This ensures that your Handicap Index is accurate and includes your full scoring history.

What is the difference between Regular Club Membership, AZ Golf Club Membership and Casual Golfer Membership?

All three options provide you with full AGA member benefits, including a USGA Handicap Index.

• Regular Club Membership means that you are joining an AGA licensed club and you have full access to that club’s events, tournaments and championships.
• If you don’t consistently play at one course or just want to track your Handicap, join the AGA’s online club, the AZ Golf Club, to get your Official Handicap Index and other AGA member benefits. The AZ Golf Club membership is valid a full year and will renew 365 days from purchase.
• A Casual Membership means that you are joining an AGA licensed club as a causal member but does not include that particular club’s tournaments and events. The club determines the limited set of benefits for its casual members.

How long is my membership valid?

Calendar Year Clubs – If your club’s membership is based on a calendar year, new memberships will either be valid from the day you join until December 31 or if you join after September 30, your memberships will be valid through the end of the following December. This can be a maximum of 15 months.

Revolving Clubs – If your club’s membership is based on a revolving year, your membership is valid for 365 days from the day you join.

You can login to your Dashboard on our website at azgolf.org to see when your membership(s) will expire.

How does someone change clubs?

• You can join any club you desire as long as you meet the criteria set for that particular club.
• If you wish to change clubs at the end of the club’s year, simply let your current membership lapse or if auto-renewal is active, turn it off by logging in to your Dashboard at azgolf.org. It is also recommended to let your current club administrator know that you will not be returning.
• If you want to change clubs, partway through the year, you will need to join the new club, paying its membership dues. You may apply for a multi-member rebate on our website in the Products & Services tab. This applies to multiple full year dues only.
• To join a different club, follow the same procedure as outlined above in the section labeled “How do I join the AGA and get my Handicap Index?”

Do I have to play with my club?

Your level of participation with your club is entirely up to you, as long as you meet your club’s minimum requirements. The AGA encourages golfers to engage with their club because they are fun, social and are an essential part of our golf community. While your club may offer regular events, you can play and post your score at any golf course with any group of people you choose.

How do I change my home club designation for handicap purposes if I am a member of more than one club?

In general, this is not important. If you are a member of more than one club and you want to change your home club designation, please contact your club administrator or the AGA. Home club designation is to ensure your Handicap Index is managed in accordance with the Rules of Handicapping and does not change your membership status in any club.

Am I a USGA member when I join the AGA and vice versa?

No. Your AGA membership includes a USGA Handicap Index. It is not a membership to the USGA. Conversely, if you join the USGA Members Program, this does not include a USGA Handicap Index. USGA Membership is a philanthropic donation to the USGA. To establish a Handicap Index, you must become affiliated with a golf club.

Why is there an increase in membership dues in 2022?

• AGA has not raised dues since2009, while the number of members has significantly increased.
• Administrative support of more than 90,000 memberships and 620 clubs requires a full-time, friendly, qualified, and knowledgeable staff to be available throughout the year to answer your questions and meet your needs.
• During the season, October 1 – April 30, AGA staff respond to an average of 700 inquiries a day from members and member clubs.
• Additional programs are required to meet the growing demand for participation at all levels of the game.
• Technology advances to the AGA website, mobile app and state-of-the-art billing system are constantly being developed to make our products more efficient and provide the best possible user experience.
• Tournament software is included with your membership and available with no additional charge to the clubs.
• New events for both men and women, competitive and social, are constantly being added to our schedule to increase engagement among members and potential members.
• Expanded travel program to meet member desires to experience golf in cultures across the United States and around the world.
• As a leader in the industry, the AGA is well positioned to advocate for community organizations and non-profits that make a significant impact in our community through the game of golf through Outreach programs and financial support from the Arizona Golf Foundation.

Why is there an extra $5 discount for people paying individually through Online Join & Renew?

The AGA’s standard membership fee for 2022 is $45. As we have done in previous years, we are again offering a $5 discount to those that renew early between October 1 and December 31, 2021 (Does not apply to revolving year clubs). There is an additional $5 discount offered to those paying through Online Join & Renew because each individual updates and verifies their contact and mailing information in the process. This helps us keep our database up to date and saves us money in the long run. The AGA member benefits include a subscription to AZ Golf Insider Magazine which is mailed through the post office four times per year and requires a current address.

I already paid my GHIN fee in another state. Do I have to pay a second time?

Yes, you do need to join a club in Arizona to receive benefits from the Arizona Golf Association and be eligible to play in Arizona events.

I already joined an Arizona club, but want to join an additional club. Do I need to pay association dues again?

You are required to pay AGA association dues at each club to which you belong. These dues help cover the cost of course rating, kiosks at the club, AGA club support and more. However, you are eligible for a rebate making the association portion of your fees for additional clubs just $15. To apply for a rebate, click here.

• Note, if all of your clubs offer membership through Online Join & Renew, your multi-member discount will be automatically deducted at checkout.

The Country Club at DC Ranch debuts new Nine-Hole Course: Making Golf Fast and Fun

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:

Melanie Halpert (The Country Club at DC Ranch) …………..(480) 342 -7246  [email protected]

Making Golf Fast and Fun

The Country Club at DC Ranch debuts new Nine-Hole Course

Making Golf Fast and Fun

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (January 2020) In today’s fast paced society, everyone is always looking for ways to squeeze more time into a day. The golf industry has seen a big movement in creating opportunities for golfers to play the game either on a shorter course or in less time than your traditional 4 hours. In keeping with this trend, The Country Club at DC Ranch has introduced two new opportunities to make the game of golf fast and fun.

Introducing the Horseshoe! The Country Club at DC Ranch debuted its a nine-hole, short course this Winter. In continuing with The Club’s brand, the short course was named, The Horseshoe. Featuring nine holes ranging from 54 to 104 yard and designed by Greey/Pickett, this course is perfect for a relaxing, fun, quick round of golf. Great for beginner golfers, wine and dines, family golf, lessons, Juniors, and Seniors; this course is an excellent fit for the diverse Membership at The Country Club at DC Ranch. Making golf more approachable is key. Members are busier than ever and want an opportunity to play even if they do not have 4 hours to commit. This is a perfect fit. Those golfers new to the sport, may be intimidated to play a traditional course. The short course will allow for a fun opportunity to learn and enjoy the game. The Horseshoe features the same tif eagle Bermuda grass putting surface greens like the main course. Fronting these 9 greens, are sand bunkers for a similar look that members would experience on a traditional golf course. Other additions to the Practice Park included: an 8500 square foot practice putting green, an increase practice tee space and a larger short game area with 2 chipping greens and greenside bunkers.  This enhanced practice area gives members plenty of space and opportunity to improve their game.

In addition to the Horseshoe, the Club recently presented the Gold Tees to its Membership.  The new golf tees play to a yardage of 3969 yards, 1100 yards shorter than the red tees and approximately 3000 yards shorter than the black tees.   This new tee is a great option for players of all ages and ability levels including our Junior golfers.  The Gold Tee Box, gives members the opportunity to play and get on the green in regulation more often.  The Gold Tee is rated at 60.5 with a slope of 98 for men and is rated at 61.6 and a slope of 100 for the women.

In keeping with The Club’s objective in making golf approachable for all levels, The Horseshoe and Gold Tees do just that.  The Country Club at DC Ranch continues to be at the forefront of what a modern Club should look and feel like.  The Club continues to welcome all players of every level, while still boasting a very competitive opportunity for those with low handicaps.

Genuine, welcoming and warm in spirit, The Country Club at DC Ranch celebrates families and friends coming together to enjoy the best of times in a truly distinctive setting – including golf on DC Ranch’s classic course layout, redesigned by Tom Lehman and John Fought. It is one of the most classically designed courses in the Valley – resulting in a golf experience that is aesthetically more interesting and strategically more challenging.

Poised prominently on a knoll near the McDowell Mountains, The Country Club at DC Ranch’s stunning Ranch Hacienda Clubhouse, combines the most charming aspects of historic Arizona architecture with those of great Western resorts of the 1920’s and 30’s.

AWGA Members Join Page

2019 Join & Renew is Now Open!
Welcome to the Arizona Golf Assocaition online join and renew portal. We are excited about the integration between the AGA and AWGA and would like to help you through the new join process. 
Two things to remember:
1. YOUR CURRENT AWGA LOGIN CREDENTIALS WILL NOT WORK ON THE AGA SITE, unless you choose to use the same credentials when making a new profile.
2. If you have any problems along the way, please contact either the AGA at 602-944-3035 or the AWGA at 602-253-5655.

Now, let’s get started…what would you like to do?
I WANT TO RENEW MY CURRENT MEMBERSHIP 
If you are active in a club (AGA or AWGA) in Arizona and would like to renew that membership for 2019, you will need to log into the AGA website. 

I’ve Never Logged into the AGA site before:

Chances are, you have never been on the AGA site so you will need to set up a new profile.To create an AGA profile, click First Time Login. This will take you to a page where you will enter your GHIN number and Name. Once verified, you will be able to set up a username and password.

I already have a username and password to the Arizona Golf Association site:

If you’ve already established a username and password, just click Login.The link will take you back to our homepage – the login section is located on the top left of the page.

I WANT TO JOIN A NEW CLUB/REACTIVATE A MEMBERSHIP

Click Join Now! to join a NEW club in Arizona for the first time, or to REACTIVATE a membership from prior to 2018. Use this link even if you are currently a member of a different club in Arizona. If you have a GHIN number from any club throughout the US, you will need to have that number handy when you go through the join process.

NOTE: Not all clubs allow members to pay online. If your club is not listed on the next page, you will have to join through the golf shop.