Course Handicap Calculator
Course Handicap = Handicap Index × (Slope ÷ 113) + (Course Rating − Par), rounded to a whole number. Enter your index and the ratings for your tees to see your strokes for the day and which holes you get them on.
Course handicap calculator
How the Course Handicap formula works
Course Handicap = Handicap Index × (Slope Rating ÷ 113) + (Course Rating − Par)
The first part scales your index by how hard the tees are for a bogey golfer compared with a standard course (Slope 113). The second part adds the difference between the Course Rating, what a scratch golfer is expected to shoot, and par. Both ratings are printed on the scorecard and usually on a sign at the first tee, for every set of tees, often separately for men and women.
The same index on three sets of tees
| Tees | Rating / Slope / Par | Course Handicap |
|---|---|---|
| Back | 73.6 / 137 / 72 | 19 |
| Middle | 71.2 / 128 / 72 | 15 |
| Forward | 68.9 / 118 / 72 | 12 |
All three rows are for a golfer with a 14.2 Handicap Index (example ratings). Moving up two sets of tees takes away 7 strokes, because the course plays shorter and easier. That is the system working as intended: your expected net score stays about the same whichever tees you play.
Which holes you get strokes on
The scorecard's "Handicap" or stroke index row ranks the holes from 1 (where strokes are needed most) to 18. With a Playing Handicap of 15 you receive one stroke on the holes ranked 1 to 15. With 22 you get one stroke on every hole and a second on the holes ranked 1 to 4. Those strokes also set your maximum hole score for handicap posting: net double bogey is par + 2 + the strokes you get on that hole.
Plus handicaps
A plus handicap is entered as a negative number. A +2.0 index on tees rated 73.8 / 135, par 72, gives -0.59, a Course Handicap of +1: the player gives strokes back to the course and adds them to the gross score. In individual stroke play the 95% allowance gives a Playing Handicap of +1.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate a Course Handicap?
Course Handicap = Handicap Index × (Slope Rating ÷ 113) + (Course Rating − Par), rounded to the nearest whole number. A 14.2 index on tees rated 71.2 with a Slope of 128, par 72, gets 15.28, so 15 strokes.
What is the difference between Handicap Index and Course Handicap?
Your Handicap Index measures your ability on a course of standard difficulty and travels with you. Your Course Handicap is the number of strokes you get on a particular set of tees, so it changes from course to course and tee to tee.
What is a Playing Handicap?
Your Course Handicap after the handicap allowance for the format. In individual stroke play the recommended allowance is 95%, so a Course Handicap of 16 becomes a Playing Handicap of 15.
Why is my Course Handicap higher than my index?
Because the Slope Rating of your tees is above 113, the standard, and/or the Course Rating is above par. Harder tees give you more strokes.
Related guides
This tool is part of our handicap guide, which also covers:
- What Is a Good Golf Handicap? Averages and What They Mean: What a 5, 15 or 25 handicap means, and where average golfers sit.
- How to Calculate a Golf Handicap (World Handicap System): Score differentials, the lowest-8-of-20 rule and a worked example.
Sources
- Rules of Handicapping, Rule 6.1: Course Handicap Calculation, USGA. Used for: Course Handicap formula and rounding.
- Rules of Handicapping, Appendix C: Handicap Allowances, USGA. Used for: 95% allowance in individual stroke play.
- Rules of Handicapping, Rule 3.1: Maximum Hole Score for Handicap Purposes (net double bogey), USGA. Used for: net double bogey uses the strokes received on each hole.
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