International Golf Network (IGN) Club Faq Page.

Q. What is the International Golf Network (IGN)?

A. The IGN was developed by the International Association of Golf Administrators to facilitate the transfer of posted scores between associations, which use different handicap vendors. It provides associations and their handicap vendor.s access through the internet to share scores between the participating associations. Through this system, golfers will have the ability to post scores in one region and have their score routed back to their file in their home region. The network also provides the ability for individual golfers who are members of more than one IGN association to have their score files linked. This enables the golfer to maintain a more accurate Handicap Index at the associations where they are a member. The IGN is the first international network of its kind, with 48 participating associations at this time.

Q. Is my association participating?

A. Currently there are 48 associations across North America and abroad that are participating. For the most recent listing please visit the IGN website, www.ign.net.

Q. Why isn.t my association participating?

A. Each association has to determine if they feel this service will be a member benefit to their association. There are fees involved payable by the participating association to the IGN on an annual basis.

Q. Since my association is not participating, can my club join the IGN?

A. No, an individual club may only be a member of the IGN through a participating association. We would encourage your club to contact your local state/regional golf association and inquiry about their participation in the IGN

Q. How do I post a score when traveling outside of my local region?

A. First, you must be playing golf within an IGN participating association.s region and your home association must be an IGN member. Next, look for the posting computer in the golf shop or locker room. On the front posting screen should be the IGN symbol or lettering. You will want to make that selection for the IGN. In some order you will be asked to enter your association membership number, the date you played, the course and slope ratings, your score and finally what association you want this score routed back to. The order of these steps may vary slightly with each association. Scores may NOT be posted directly on the IGN website.

Q. Can I find out if my score was posted correctly?

A. An individual may track any scores posted through the IGN on the IGN website, www.ign.net. On the home page of the website is the feature Member Functions. The individual should make that selection and then enter their association membership number, the month they would like to view scores for, the year and the association they belong to. The results will show any scores posted by the individual, the date played, course name, corresponding ratings and scores as well as the vendor who sent the score. This information will let the player know the score has been sent to the IGN properly and is waiting to be picked up by their respective home association.

Q. When will the score that I posted show up in my home Handicap Index file?

A. Each golf association is required by the USGA to establish their own time schedule for the revision of Handicap Indexes. Based on that information not all revision dates are the same for all associations. Check with your home association to find out what the revision schedule is. The score posted through the IGN will show up on the first revision of handicap reports following when the score was posted.

Q. I am a member of two associations, do I have to post twice each time I play?

A. No, associations have made provisions for multi-association members whereby their score files can be linked. Through this linking process when an individual has been identified as a multi-association member of participating IGN associations once they post a score to one IGN association a duplicate score is automatically generated and sent to the other IGN association. You will need to contact your association to determine how the linking process is managed (i.e., at the club level, association level or by the individual).

Q. My club has a large member-guest event with many out of state participants. Is there a way to verify a Handicap Index through the IGN?

A. Yes, Handicap Indexes can be verified by name or membership number through the IGN website. This feature is available at www.ign.net under Club Functions. Keep in mind that only individuals of participating IGN associations will be listed in the Guest Inquiry.

Q. How will my club get the IGN software?

A. Your handicap vendor will coordinate with your association for the distribution of new software, which your club will need to install on their handicap system. These new screens will have the same feel and similar look throughout all participating IGN associations.

Q. If my association elects not to participate in the IGN, how will this affect my club?

A. The IGN software will not be installed at your club and any IGN participating golfer will not be able to post scores at your club, nor will your members have the ability to post scores when traveling outside of your home region.

Q. What features are available on the IGN web site for member clubs of participating associations?

A. The web site has a section specifically for member clubs of participating associations. In this password protected section member clubs can run an individual guest inquiry for any member within the IGN (over 2.5 million golfers currently) using a last name, member number and/or association affiliation. If only last name or member number is known, the inquiry can still be run and all matches from all associations will be shown. Handicap Index look up can also be performed for up to 25 individuals of the same association if the member numbers are known. The member clubs have the ability to track scores for their members. If an individual member calls their club wanting to know why the score they posted out of state is not showing in their file, the club can look to see when the score was transferred from the other participating association. Finally, the member club has the ability to view the activity logs from all participating associations. They can view the total number of scores that were passed through the IGN to their association on a month-by-month basis.

Q. What is the password for my club to use the IGN website?

A. Please contact your state/regional golf association for the password.

Q. What features are available on the IGN web site for individuals to use?

A. On the home page of the IGN site, there is an option for Member Functions. Individuals who have posted a score outside of their home region through the IGN system can go into this section and track the score. The individual will put in their membership number, select their home association and the month they want to track. Results will show any scores that were posted through the IGN that month, what handicap vendor sent the scores, and at what golf course the scores were posted.

Q. How can we get more information on the IGN?

A. You may contact Frances Nee, managing director, at (800) 554-7242 x314 or fnee@scga.org.