Auto-GHIN Lookup
RoundBoss can automatically look up a player's official USGA handicap index from the GHIN system when you add or rename a player. This eliminates the need to manually enter GHIN numbers for most players.
How Auto-GHIN Works
When a player is added to a league (or their name is changed), RoundBoss searches the GHIN database in the background using the player's name and the league's geographic region. If a clear match is found, the GHIN number and handicap index are automatically linked to the player.
Triggers
Auto-GHIN lookup fires in two situations:
| Trigger | Condition |
|---|---|
| Adding a new player | The player does not already have a GHIN number set |
| Renaming an existing player | The player's name changed AND they do not already have a GHIN number set |
If the player already has a GHIN number assigned, the auto-lookup is skipped.
Matching Logic
The search uses the player's first and last name along with the state derived from the league's zip code:
The player's name is split into first name and last name.
The league's zip code is converted to a US state abbreviation.
RoundBoss searches GHIN for golfers matching that name in that state.
If exactly one result is returned, it is automatically linked. If multiple results are returned, only an exact name match (case-insensitive) is linked. If no results or no exact match, nothing is linked.
What Data Is Retrieved
When a match is found, the following fields are saved to the player record:
- GHIN Number — the official USGA golfer identification number
- Handicap Index — the current official handicap index
- Last Updated — timestamp of when the handicap was last fetched
The GHIN data is also synced across all league player records that share the same player profile, so a golfer in multiple leagues gets the update everywhere.
Requirements
Auto-GHIN requires two things:
- GHIN service enabled — GHIN lookup must be active on your RoundBoss account. If you see a message that GHIN is unavailable, contact RoundBoss support.
- League zip code — your league must have a zip code set so RoundBoss can determine the state for the GHIN search. Set this in your league settings.
Manual GHIN Management
In addition to auto-lookup, managers have full manual control over GHIN numbers.
Setting a GHIN Number
Open your league and go to the Players tab. Click on a player to edit their details.
Enter or update their GHIN number. RoundBoss immediately looks up the current handicap index and saves it.
Searching the GHIN Database
Managers can search the GHIN database by name directly:
From the player edit screen, use the GHIN search.
Enter a last name (and optionally first name). The state is auto-derived from your league zip code, or you can specify one.
Browse results and select the correct golfer to link.
Refreshing a Single Player
To pull the latest handicap for a player who already has a GHIN number:
- Open the player edit screen
- Click Refresh GHIN
- The latest handicap index is fetched and saved
Bulk Refresh
To update all players' GHIN handicaps at once:
- Go to the Players tab in your league
- Click Refresh All GHIN
- RoundBoss fetches the latest index for every player who has a GHIN number set
- A summary shows how many were refreshed and how many had errors
Unlinking GHIN
To remove a GHIN number from a player:
- Open the player edit screen
- Click Unlink GHIN
- The GHIN number, handicap index, and last-updated timestamp are cleared
How GHIN Is Used
A linked GHIN index drives display, the player directory, flight assignment, and auto-assign — in that priority order over a player's WHS handicap and established handicap. It does not govern match stroke calculation.
Match strokes always follow the league's configured handicap method (rolling average, established, or WHS). Setting a GHIN number does not change a player's match strokes.
See the GHIN Integration and Handicap Strokes pages for more detail on how handicaps affect scoring.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Auto-GHIN did not link a new player | The search may have returned no results or multiple ambiguous results. Try setting the GHIN number manually via the player edit screen |
| GHIN shows as unavailable | GHIN lookup is not currently available. Contact RoundBoss support for assistance |
| Wrong GHIN number was auto-linked | This can happen if another golfer has an identical name in the same state. Unlink the GHIN number and set the correct one manually |
| State not detected for GHIN search | Your league needs a zip code set. Go to league settings and enter the zip code for your area |
| Handicap not updating after refresh | GHIN may return "NH" (No Handicap) for golfers without enough posted scores. This is stored as no handicap index |
| Player in multiple leagues only updated in one | GHIN data syncs across all player records sharing the same player profile. If profiles are not linked (different phone/email), the sync will not reach all records |