How to Obtain Your Golf Handicap in Singapore

Golfing at Orchid Country Club driving range

Getting a golf handicap is a key milestone for any aspiring golfer in Singapore. Not only does it give you access to golf courses around the world, it also allows for fairer competition when playing with more experienced golfers.

For many, the traditional route to obtaining a handicap often involves country club membership, which can be prohibitively expensive. Fortunately, alternatives like the Singapore Golf Association, MyGolfKaki (MGK), Keppel Sime and many others make it far more accessible and affordable.

My Personal Experience with MGK

I chose the MGK route, which cost a few hundred dollars for a three-year membership. After signing up, I emailed MGK to express interest in obtaining a Proficiency Certificate (PC)—a required step before obtaining a handicap.

The PC process was straightforward:

  • Step 1: Complete an online golf rules and etiquette quiz (learning slides provided)

  • Step 2: Attend a practical test at Orchid Country Club (OCC)

The test assessed primarily your ability to get the ball airborne using a few commonly used clubs. It’s designed to ensure safety and basic course etiquette rather than perfection in technique, so most golfers with a few range sessions under their belt will pass comfortably.

Once you pass, you’ll receive login details to the Centralised Handicap System (CHS), where you can start logging your scores. After playing three 18-hole games and recording them in CHS, you’ll be issued your official handicap.

Why Your Handicap Journey Matters

Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your game to the next level, having a handicap makes golf more structured, measurable, and enjoyable. For those looking to improve swing mechanics, reduce injury risk, or better understand body-swing connections, this is also a great time to start integrating physical screening and conditioning into your routine.

 

MEET THE AUTHOR

Yu Heng Chin, physiotherapist and ASCA strength and conditioning coach and TPI certified

YU HENG CHIN

Physiotherapist & Performance Coach

SPECIALISATIONS

  • Sports Physiotherapy

  • Musculoskeletal & Post-operative Rehabilitation

  • Chronic Pain & Injury Prevention

  • TPI Certified Golf Screening & Performance Optimisation

  • Youth Strength & Conditioning

  • Personal Training

  • Sports Massage, Dry Needling, Shockwave Therapy

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