Source-backed fit guide
Grassy vs. GHIN: Course Identity or Official Handicap Record?
GHIN is the USGA’s official Golf Handicap Information Network service for participating golf associations and combines score posting, statistics, games, group scoring, and GPS tiers. Grassy connects Course GPS Beta and scoring to personal course rankings, discovery, and friends on iPhone.
Grassy Course GPS is currently in beta, and Grassy is currently on iPhone. Course eligibility and advanced map detail vary.
Grassy is best for
iPhone golfers who want all current Course GPS Beta planning tools and supported-course terrain detail included for everyone inside a ranking-first social course app.
GHIN is best for
Eligible golfers who need official Handicap Index management, score posting, statistics, games, group scoring, and the USGA ecosystem.
Where GHIN stands out
Strengths from its official product page
These are the product’s own current claims, summarized without a hands-on or pricing judgment.
GHIN
GHIN is the USGA’s official Golf Handicap Information Network service for participating golf associations.
GHIN
The app includes statistics, games, group scoring, and Apple Watch support in its broader workflow.
GHIN
Standard GPS for eligible users includes 3D color maps, a touchpoint distance, and center-green distance.
GHIN
The paid Enhanced GPS add-on adds front and back yardages, shot tracking, a movable hole location, approach heat maps, and putt-break maps.
Side by side
How the product focus differs
| Priority | Grassy | GHIN |
|---|---|---|
| Core identity | Course rankings, social discovery, scoring, and Course GPS Beta. | Official Handicap Index record, score posting, statistics, games, groups, and GPS. |
| Handicap workflow | This comparison does not position official Handicap Index administration as Grassy’s main job. | GHIN is the USGA’s official Golf Handicap Information Network service for participating golf associations, including eligible Handicap Index and score-posting workflows. |
| Standard GPS | Live front, middle, and back yardages, scoring, and planning tools are included for everyone on eligible beta rounds. | Standard GPS for eligible users includes 3D color maps, touchpoint distance, and center-green distance. Trial-user access differs. |
| Enhanced map tools | Draggable hazard and layup targets, both-leg distances, adaptive arcs, plays-like guidance, and club suggestions are included for everyone. | The paid Enhanced GPS add-on adds front and back yardages, shot tracking, movable holes, approach heat maps, and putt-break maps. |
| Course context | Personal course rankings, lists, friend activity, and discovery remain central before and after a round. | Course search and the round support an official scoring and handicap record rather than a ranking-first course identity. |
| Groups and devices | Friend activity and social course discovery are built into the app; current GPS positioning is iPhone. | GHIN promotes games, group scoring, statistics, and Apple Watch support. |
The decision
Which one fits?
Choose GHIN when Handicap Index management through the USGA’s official network, score posting, games, or group scoring is essential. Choose Grassy when your iPhone GPS round should be part of a ranked and social course history, with all current Course GPS Beta planning tools included for everyone.
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Straight answers
Frequently asked questions
Is GHIN the better choice for an official Handicap Index?
Yes. GHIN is the USGA’s official Golf Handicap Information Network service for participating golf associations. Grassy is positioned around course rankings, discovery, friends, scoring, and Course GPS Beta and does not issue or maintain a Handicap Index.
Does every GHIN trial user receive GPS?
No. The USGA FAQ says 30-day trial users do not receive GPS access. Standard GPS depends on eligible full-account access, and Enhanced GPS is a paid add-on. Confirm current terms with the USGA.
What Grassy planning tools are included for everyone?
Front, middle, and back yardages, scoring, draggable hazard and layup targets, both-leg distances, adaptive arcs, plays-like guidance, and club suggestions are included for everyone in the current Course GPS Beta. Supported-course 3D terrain and LiDAR Green Books are included where available.
Official sources