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Before you start looking ahead to finally breaking 80 or crossing your dream course off the bucket list in 2027, there’s a quick checklist every SCGA member should run through to wrap up the year. Taking five minutes now ensures your Handicap Index® stays seamless, your member perks don't lapse and you're fully geared up for whatever weather SoCal throws at us this winter. Here is everything you should do before the clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31:
Claim your multi-member rebate
Do you belong to more than one SCGA club? If you were a member of 2 or more SCGA clubs for at least 60 days in 2026, you’re eligible for a rebate on a portion of your SCGA dues. To get your rebate, simply fill out this form and the SCGA will process your request. Make sure to get your form in before Dec. 31!
Confirm your contact information
While updating your GHIN profile probably isn’t the first item on your to-do list after a move, keeping your contact information current helps us provide you with your member benefits. Take 30 seconds to check your profile on the GHIN app and make sure your email, phone number and home address are current to make sure you can access Handicap Index® updates, event announcements and your copy of FORE Magazine.
Check your renewal date
For many of our long-time members, Dec. 31 means making sure your membership renews before popping the champagne. Whether you renew online or keep it old-school with a check to your club, make sure you can start the new year without seeing the dreaded NH on your record.
Opt in to auto renewal
Don’t want to bother with this next year? If your club supports auto-renewal, opt in when you renew your membership and save yourself the annual hassle. It keeps your Handicap Index uninterrupted and ensures seamless access to SCGA benefits without requiring you to hunt down your credit card during holiday travel. Consider it a low-effort favor to your future self.
Verify your Handicap Index® is up to date
Do a quick audit of your recent score history. Did you forget to post a casual weekend round from three weeks ago? While posting rounds on the day you play them is the preferred method, getting every acceptable score logged regardless of when you played ensures your Index accurately reflects your current playing ability. Keep things fair (and possibly save yourself some strokes) for your next club event.
Explore the updated GHIN app
If you haven’t opened up the GHIN app in a bit, you might have missed out on the updated look. Take a few minutes to explore the updated interface, features (like your next Differential to drop) and find your GHIN Rewind at the end of the year. Get a feel for it now so you can spend less time on your phone and more time enjoying the scenery once you’re out on the course.
Mark your 2027 calendar
The 2027 SCGA event calendar will be going live soon and spots fill up fast. Make sure to check your inbox or the SCGA website on Jan. 6 so you don’t miss out.
Check On Your Rain Gear for El Niño
It might feel bizarre to prepare for rain in SoCal, but a little water doesn’t need to stop you from getting a round in. Make sure you have a cover for your bag, get an umbrella for the push cart and stock up on extra gloves (especially if you like to rock the double glove in the cold). Now’s a great time to do this, but we also won’t blame you if you want to wait for your 2027 Roger Dunn gift card to arrive.
Gift a Membership to the Friend Without an Handicap Index
We all have that buddy who claims they "usually shoot around 82," yet takes three mulligans per side and gives themselves four-foot gimmes. Gift them an SCGA membership so they can see how their game really stacks up, and gift yourself an end to the debate in the process.
