Just a quick plug for the Carolina Golf Association. The CGA supports amateur golf in the Carolinas. They run the course ratings programs, maintain the handicap system, run tournaments, provide turf and agronomy services to area Clubs, etc.

For those who are not a member of a Club providing one, membership is one way to obtain a USGA handicap. There are others, some free like The Grint app, but a $40/year eClub membership not only supports their efforts to make our game better but provides other benefits as well.

CGA members are eligible to participate in One-Day individual and four-ball tournaments, often on courses we can’t otherwise play. Local ones this year are at Northstone, The Club at Irish Creek, the Jones Course at Rock Barn a!
nd Red Bridge. Many other desireable courses such as The Olde North State Club, Country Club of Asheville, and Cliffs courses. Also, members get invitations to play other private courses. I just bought two rounds at the Country Club of Salisbury, a classic Donald Ross design, for $40 each. Usually $95 for a guest to play with a member, the only other way to get on the course.