FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

MEMBERSHIP & BENEFITS

What is a GAP membership and who can join?
A GAP membership connects you to the oldest regional golf association in the U.S., serving golfers in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and parts of Maryland. Any golfer (private club, public course or independent player) can join and receive a USGA Handicap Index along with access to events, services and benefits.
How do I sign up for a USGA Handicap Index?
You can join online through gapgolf.org by selecting “Join GAP” and researching your options. If you belong to a GAP Member Club, your club’s staff can also activate your membership for you.
What benefits come with GAP membership?
Members receive a USGA Handicap Index, eligibility for GAP championships and GAP Member Play Days, access to exclusive member benefits and discounts, and tools to track performance. GAP also provides education, communications, course rating services and community programs for golfers at all levels.
Do I need to belong to a private club to join GAP?
No. Nearly half of GAP’s members are public golfers. You can join directly through GAP as a public player and enjoy the same Handicap Index, events, and member benefits as private-club golfers.
How much does a GAP membership cost?
Membership pricing varies depending on whether you join through a GAP Member Club or as a public golfer. Handicap Index memberships start around $45–$55 per year, with club memberships set by individual facilities.

Championships & Events
How do I register for GAP championships?
All GAP Championships and events are listed on the GAP Tournament Schedule at gapgolf.org. Registration is completed through the official Golf Genius portals linked to each event.
What are GAP Member Play Days and how do I participate?
GAP Member Play Days are casual one-day events at top regional courses where members of all skill levels can compete in a net format. Registration is handled through Golf Genius portals, accessible from the GAP website.
Can juniors play in GAP events?
Yes. GAP offers a full Junior schedule including the Junior Boys’ and Girls’ Championships, Christman Cup, Jock MacKenzie Memorial, and other opportunities. Juniors with a GAP membership and Handicap Index are eligible to register. 
Does GAP offer a Youth on Course membership?
Yes. Youth golfers ages 6 to 18 can play at participating facilities for $5 or less per round. The $20 annual fee gives members access to participating facilities throughout the GAP region and across the country. When Juniors join Youth on Course through GAP, they will also be granted a GAP membership.
Are there GAP events for women golfers?
Yes. GAP runs the Women’s Championship, the Mixed Foursomes, and additional GAP Member Play Days and formats designed for women. All female members are welcome to participate.
Where can I find GAP championship results?
Results for all current and past GAP championships are published in the News section of gapgolf.org. Live scoring is available during events, with full recaps and archives posted after completion.
Does GAP offer adaptive golf programs?
Yes. GAP is committed to making golf accessible for all. Through the GAP Adaptive Championship and partnerships with community programs, adaptive golfers have opportunities to compete and connect. No Limit Clinics (about 20 annually throughout the region) are offered to adaptive golfers of all playing abilities, fostering a sense of community and empowerment through the beautiful sport of golf. See gapadaptive.org for more information.


Rules & Handicap Services
How do I post a golf score to my GHIN account?
Scores can be posted online through the GHIN website or mobile app, or at a posting kiosk at a club. Enter the date, course, tees and your score and your Handicap Index will update automatically overnight for use the next day.
What is a Handicap Index and why do I need one?
A Handicap Index is the measure of a golfer’s ability, used to level the playing field in competition. It allows you to compete fairly with golfers of any skill level and is required for entry into most GAP Championships and GAP Member Play Days.
How does GAP calculate my handicap?
Handicaps are calculated using the World Handicap System, which averages your best recent scores and adjusts for course difficulty and playing conditions. GAP maintains and administers the system for all members in the region.
How do I transfer my handicap if I move clubs?
Ask your new club staff to link your GHIN profile. Your Handicap Index and scoring history will move with you—nothing is lost.
Does GAP rate golf courses?
Yes. GAP conducts USGA Course and Slope Ratings for clubs and facilities within its territory. This ensures handicaps are calculated accurately and consistently across all member courses.


GAP Communications & News
How do I subscribe to GAP email updates and newsletters?
If you are an active GAP Member, you are automatically subscribed to both GAP’s email communications and monthly custom newsletter, The GAP Index. If you are no longer receiving email communications, please reach out to email@gapgolf.org to opt back in.
How do I subscribe to GAP Magazine?
GAP Magazine, a quarterly publication, is FREE to all GAP Members. Opt-in to your Magazine subscriptions, including Golf Digest, by filling out the subscription form. 
Where can I find GAP news and press releases?
Besides the front page of gapgolf.org, all news, features, and press releases are posted in the News section of gapgolf.org. You may also use the search bar to find content throughout the site.
Which social channels does GAP use?
Follow GAP on Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn and YouTube. Event clips, results, and highlights are posted in real time during the season.
Can I get alerts when championship registration opens or closes?
Email communications are customized to your golf game. You will receive reminders throughout the season that are personalized to you. Important windows are also posted on GAP social channels.
Does GAP have live scoring during events?
Yes. Live scoring links are posted on the event pages and promoted on social media. Final results and full recaps are added after each event.
Can clubs or golfers submit stories, photos or news to GAP?
Yes. Send items to email@gapgolf.org with a short summary, names, dates, location and photo credits. A member of our Communications team will reach out to you.
How do I report a website or email issue?
Contact us at email@gapgolf.org with any errors you may notice throughout your gapgolf.org experience. We’ll get back to you ASAP!


GAP & The Region
What states/region does GAP cover?
GAP serves Eastern and Central Pennsylvania, all of Delaware, central and south New Jersey, and parts of Maryland. The territory extends west to just outside of State College, north to Scranton, and east through South and Central New Jersey.
Which clubs are members of GAP?
More than 340 clubs and facilities are part of GAP, ranging from historic private clubs to public and municipal courses. A full directory of GAP-member clubs is available here.
How long has GAP been around?
GAP was founded in 1897 and is recognized as the oldest regional golf association in the United States. For more than 125 years, GAP has promoted, protected and preserved the game of golf in the Philadelphia region.
How is GAP different from the USGA?
The USGA governs the game nationally. GAP is a regional association that delivers the USGA’s services (like handicapping, course rating, and national championship qualifying) locally while also running its own championships, GAP Member Play Days, and member benefits tailored to the region.
How do I volunteer with GAP?
GAP relies on volunteers to support championships, course ratings and community programs. Opportunities include serving as tournament officials, course raters and junior golf mentors. To get involved, visit gapgolf.org and complete the volunteer interest form, or contact GAP staff directly.
Can I buy GAP branded merchandise?
Yes. Visit shop.gapgolf.org for a full listing or merchandise available featuring the GAP brand. Be on the lookout for discounts throughout the year.
How do I contact GAP for support or questions?
You can reach GAP by phone at 610-687-2340 or by email at email@gapgolf.org. Office hours and directions are also listed on the site.