NJSGA Goes Mobile With Apps For Ghin

By Mike Moretti

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Now, for New Jersey State Golf Association members, keeping track of their GHIN (Golf Handicap Information Network) handicap is easier than ever, thanks to the new for 2012 GHIN mobile app for Android and iPhone and iPad subscribers.

The mobile app is available via the Android market or the iTunes app store on smartphones. Simply type ``GHIN” in the search and download the app. Golfers should have their personal GHIN number at the ready.

All a GHIN member should do is visit the Android Market or I-Phone App store on his or her phone, search ``GHIN Mobile," and download the app. Golfers must have a GHIN number handy and then it´s just a matter of following the simple instructions.

SEE BELOW FOR FREE DOWNLOAD OF THE APP

NJSGA membership is available to all golfers within the state, who play at both public and private facilties.

``We are very excited about being able to provide a mobile app to NJSGA members. The ease of posting handicap scores with an app is extraordinary and is just the start of the NJSGA leveraging mobile technology in this way,” said Rich Kennedy, NJSGA Director of Handicap and Membership Services.

``Members can also register for NJSGA tournaments via the mobile app and in the near future, news feeds and information posted on Twitter and Facebook will all be accessible.”

Members will realize when they download the app that it is a customized for NJSGA members only.

Kennedy conducts three handicap seminars around the state, including the Beacon Hill Country Club in Atlantic Highlands, the USGA Golf House in Far Hills, and the Ramblewood Country Club Mount Laurel.

USGA Handicap System procedures and rules are discussed throughout the seminars in relation to the functionality of the handicap software and Web services.

``A USGA handicap is about making competition more fair and more fun. All a golfer need to do is to try his or her best and post all eligible scores,” Kennedy said. ``Golf is a sport of personal integrity."

``I really like the access to the internet,” said Kevin Maciorowski, the head professional at the Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson. ``Golfers can access their handicaps on a daily basis on their laptops. I can’t wait to tell my membership about the mobile apps.”

The NJSGA will continue the policy put into practice last year of revising handicaps twice each month.

Members can post scores for New Jersey and surrounding areas between April 1 and October 31. Golfers who travel and play in temperate climates can continue to post scores during the winter months.

Handicaps will once again be revised on the 1st and 15th of each month. Members of the handicap service also receive a free copy of the quarterly 52-page NJSGA Golf magazine, which is loaded with articles, tips, ideas, rules seminars, tournament previews and result stories, golf holes, etc, ….just about everything golf in New Jersey.

Also, members are presented with E-Bulletins; more stories, facts and tips that are delivered electronically, along with exclusive E-Benefits, great deals on golf play at courses around the state.

Also, free handicap services are provided to junior golfers 18 years and under.

Individual handicaps are calculated by taking a player’s 10 lowest score differentials (adjusted scores taking Course Rating and Slope into consideration) from a player’s last 20 rounds, dividing by 10, and then multiplying by 96 percent. The 96 percent factor is the so-called USGA ``Bonus of Excellence,” which gives better players a slight advantage against higher-handicapped opponents.

The GHIN service provided by the NJSGA allows for rain-shortened rounds (seven of nine and 13 of 18 must be played), with a golfer adding most-likely scores for unplayed holes. It also provides for golfers who are members at clubs in other states.

``I really enjoyed the seminar,” said Pat Vivalo, the handicap chairman at the Hominy Hill Golf Course in Colt Neck. ``I’ve already downloaded the mobile apps and the online access will make things a lot easier.”

CLICK HERE for FREE download of the app