Golf Course Handicap Calculator

Enter your Handicap Index, Course Rating, Slope Rating, and Par to calculate your Course Handicap for any specific golf course. You'll also see your Playing Handicap based on a selected Handicap Allowance — so you know exactly how many strokes you get before you tee off. Also try the Golf Club Distance Calculator.

Enter your World Handicap System Handicap Index (between +9.0 and 54.0).

The Course Rating™ is found on your scorecard, typically between 60 and 80.

The Slope Rating® is found on your scorecard. Standard slope is 113.

The par for the course (20–90). Use half the 18-hole par for 9-hole rounds.

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Percentage of your Course Handicap applied in competition (commonly 95% for stroke play).

Results

Course Handicap

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Playing Handicap

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Strokes vs. Par

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Allowance Applied

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Course Handicap and how is it different from a Handicap Index?

Your Handicap Index is a portable measure of your playing ability that travels with you to any course. A Course Handicap converts that index into the actual number of strokes you receive at a specific course, accounting for that course's Slope Rating, Course Rating, and Par. The Course Handicap is what you use on the scorecard. See also our calculate Golf Ball Spin Rate Estimated Spin Rate.

What is the formula for calculating a Course Handicap?

Under the World Handicap System (WHS), the formula is: Course Handicap = (Handicap Index × Slope Rating / 113) + (Course Rating − Par). The result is rounded to the nearest whole number. Our calculator applies this formula automatically as you enter your values.

What is Slope Rating and what does 113 represent?

Slope Rating measures the relative difficulty of a course for a bogey golfer compared to a scratch golfer. It ranges from 55 (easiest) to 155 (hardest). A rating of 113 is defined as the standard, or average, difficulty for a course.

What is Course Rating?

Course Rating™ is the evaluation of the playing difficulty of a course for a scratch golfer under normal conditions. It is expressed as a number to one decimal place (e.g. 72.3) and is typically printed on the scorecard next to each set of tees.

What is a Playing Handicap and how is it calculated?

A Playing Handicap is the Course Handicap adjusted by a Handicap Allowance percentage set by the competition committee. For example, a 95% allowance is common in individual stroke play. The formula is: Playing Handicap = Course Handicap × (Handicap Allowance / 100), rounded to the nearest whole number.

How do I calculate a Course Handicap for a 9-hole round?

For a 9-hole round, enter one half of your 18-hole Handicap Index (rounded to one decimal place), along with the 9-hole Course Rating, 9-hole Slope Rating, and 9-hole Par. All other calculations remain the same.

Can my Course Handicap be a negative number?

Yes. If your Handicap Index is low enough (e.g. a scratch or plus handicap golfer) and the Course Rating is below par, your Course Handicap can be zero or even a negative number — meaning you give strokes to the course rather than receiving them.

Where do I find my course's Rating and Slope?

Course Rating and Slope Rating are printed on the scorecard for each set of tees (e.g. White, Blue, Red). You can also look them up through your national golf association's website or the course's official website. Always use the values for the tees you are playing.