Golf Handicap Guide

Everything you need to know about the World Handicap System

Key Terms

Handicap Index (HI)

Your official handicap that reflects your overall playing ability.

Course Handicap (CH)

The number of shots you receive on a specific course and set of tees.

Stroke Index (SI)

A ranking of each hole from 1 (hardest) to 18 (easiest).

Slope Rating (SR)

A measure of a course's difficulty ranging from 55 (easiest) to 155 (hardest).

Course Rating (CR)

The score a scratch golfer should be able to shoot on the course.

Beginner's Guide to Golf Handicaps

New to golf? Understanding the World Handicap System is easier than you think. In this guide, you'll learn what a golf handicap is, how to calculate your Course Handicap, what Stroke Index means, and how your shots are allocated on the course.

What is a Handicap Index?

A golf handicap, known as a Handicap Index, is a numerical measure of your golfing ability. It allows players of different skill levels to compete fairly against each other by adjusting their scores.

Your Handicap Index is your official handicap, calculated from your best 8 of your recent 20 scores. This number is then used to work out your Course Handicap when you play on a specific course and tee.

Why Do You Need a Golf Handicap?

Fair competition with golfers of all skill levels
Track your improvement over time
Access to official competitions
Enjoy social games with handicap-based scoring