Who can issue a USGA Handicap?
A USGA licensed Golf Club. The USGA does NOT issue handicaps, they develop and maintain the handicap system methodolgy and rely on their “licensees” (i.e. golf clubs) to issue handicaps in accordance with their system. Golf Clubs can become licensed directly with the USGA or through an authorized golf association (i.e. Washington State Golf Association) already licensed with the USGA and that has jurisdiction in the geographic location of the golf club.