Golf
Golf course handicap.
Turn your Handicap Index into the number of strokes you get on a specific set of tees. Enter your Index, the tees’ Slope Rating, Course Rating and par, for 18 holes or 9. Runs in your browser.
Index and tees
Course Handicap
Fill the form and press Calculate.
Worked example
Handicap Index 15.4 on tees with Slope Rating 130, Course Rating 71.2 and par 72: 15.4 × (130 / 113) = 17.72, plus (71.2 − 72) = -0.8, giving 16.92, which rounds to a Course Handicap of 17. A plus handicap of +2.1 entered as −2.1 on tees of 125 / 70.1 / par 70 gives −2.1 × (125 / 113) + 0.1 = −2.22, a Course Handicap of −2 (you give back 2 strokes).
How it works
Course Handicap (18 holes) = Handicap Index × (Slope Rating / 113) + (Course Rating − par), rounded to the nearest whole number with .5 rounded up. For 9 holes: (Handicap Index / 2, rounded to a tenth) × (9-hole Slope Rating / 113) + (9-hole Course Rating − 9-hole par). The 113 is the Slope Rating of a course of standard difficulty, so a harder course than that adds strokes, and a Course Rating above par adds strokes too.
What this is not. A Course Handicap is not a Playing Handicap. Many competitions apply a handicap allowance, a percentage of the Course Handicap set by the format (for example in team events), and your committee decides it. Confirm the allowance with your club before you play a competition.
Sources and basis (checked 2026-10-05): USGA Rules of Handicapping, Rule 6.1 (Course Handicap calculation, 18 and 9 holes).
FAQ
How do I convert a Handicap Index to a Course Handicap?
Multiply your Handicap Index by the tees’ Slope Rating divided by 113, then add the Course Rating minus par, and round to a whole number.
Why is my Course Handicap different on different tees?
Each set of tees has its own Slope Rating, Course Rating and par, so the same Index gives different strokes. Harder tees give more strokes.
How do I enter a plus handicap?
Enter it as a negative number, so +2.1 is -2.1. A negative Course Handicap means you give strokes back.
Is the Course Handicap the same as the Playing Handicap?
No. The Playing Handicap applies the competition’s handicap allowance to the Course Handicap. This tool gives the Course Handicap only.
How is a 9-hole Course Handicap worked out?
Halve the Handicap Index to a tenth, then use the 9-hole Slope Rating, Course Rating and par in the same formula.
Disclaimer
This is an unofficial calculation of the World Handicap System Course Handicap. Your club or competition committee decides handicap allowances and the strokes you actually receive.