Southern California golfers have two great choices when establishing and maintaining an official USGA Licensed Handicap Index through TeeTimeHQ's GolfExtra Club.

There are similarities and differences between these two USGA Licensed Associations.

Which is a better fit for you?

To most golfers there is little noticeable differences between the Southern California Golf Association (SCGA) and the brand new Interstate Golf Association (IGA).

Established in 1899 the SCGA, has been around for quite a while. The IGA is in its second year of operation but their management has decades of USGA experience . Both associations are directly licensed by the United States Golf Association (USGA) to provide the basic infrastructure for organized golf in Southern California. The SCGA is also a licensed provider of the USGA Course Rating System. This is the organization that actually rates most of the courses played in southern California.

At this time, the SCGA allows you to post scores at the golf course or online. The IGA allows for online posting but plans to offer members the ability to post scores at golf courses by mid-2011.

Both Associations host Amateur Tournaments for their respective members. When registering, if you choose the SCGA, you are eligible to play in the SCGA Tournaments. If you choose the IGA, then you are eligible to play in IGA Tournaments.

Does this tournament play impact you? If you don’t already know, the answer is probably not. A small percentage of members participate in official Association Tournaments. Almost all other tournaments you may play in should accept your Handicap Index regardless of which Association is providing it. Your TeeTimeHQ staff will be more than happy to help you out if you need any clarification or assistance.

There are a few differences. The SCGA, as the name implies, represents golfers primarily from Southern California. The IGA or Interstate Golf Association represents golfers from other states as well as California.

Price point and renewal dates are major differences. The annual SCGA Membership is $79.95 and includes the convenience of posting scores at the course, a printed course directory and a quarterly magazine. SCGA memberships most be renewed every January 1st even if purchased in September of the previous year (Oct-Dec new SCGA memberships are rolled into the next year)

The GolfExtra IGA Membership is only $49.95. They are working to allow golfers to post scores at golf courses by mid 2011. The IGA membership is valid for 12 full months from the date it was purchased. Both memberships include full tee time privileges.