Easy. In California we have the NCGA, Northern Calif Golf Association. You post your scores on the computer in your courseu2019s pro shop. After 10 rounds, you will have your official legal handicap. It uses your previous 10 rounds to make your handicap, dropping older matches so your handicap is accurate and up to date.Most states have some kind of association for keeping track of rounds played and scores for its members.Note: A u201csandbaggeru201d only posts his higher score rounds and not his best rounds. (Lower scores) That way they have a higher handicap and a big advantage with extra strokes in local tournaments. Not posting all of your scores is considered cheating and is unfair to all the other golfers in your club.You usually have to pay a small yearly fee for the service. Itu2019s well worth it. That way every golfer has a fair chance to win if they play well.