Page type: Computed handicap worked example
Free tool: Open the calculator →
Assumptions and calculation
This is an explicit neutral-tee demonstration: Slope Rating 113, Course Rating 72 and Par 72. Using HI × (Slope Rating ÷ 113) + (Course Rating − Par), Handicap Index 36 produces unrounded Course Handicap 36 only under those assumptions; it is not a general identity between Handicap Index and Playing Handicap.
Relative match strokes
At 100%, the calculated Playing Handicaps are 0 and 36. Under Appendix C's general match-play procedure, the lowest Playing Handicap plays off zero, so the 36-handicap player receives 36 relative strokes. The illustrative card applies strokes to Stroke Index 1 upward and repeats each 18-hole cycle.
Authority and scope
Appendix C states that the National Association establishes handicap allowances, or may delegate that responsibility, and that a Committee should specify the allowance in the Terms of Competition. An authorised national, regional, club, or event procedure therefore controls. Do not transplant this illustrative result as a universal arbitrary rule for house games.
Table
| Player | Unrounded Course Handicap | Allowance | Playing Handicap | Relative Strokes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player 0 | 0 | 100% | 0 | 0 |
| Player 36 | 36 | 100% | 36 | 36 |
Worked example
[object Object]
Rule reference: [object Object]
Sources: www.usga.org
Common questions
Is 95% used for this individual match?
No. Appendix C's recommended allowance for Individual Match Play is 100%, not 95% -- that is why this gap-of-36 example gives Player 2 exactly 36 strokes rather than 95% of it. A Committee's authorised Terms of Competition control the event.
Why does Player 0 play from zero?
Appendix C's general match-play procedure has the player with the lowest Playing Handicap play off zero; here that leaves Player 2 receiving the full 36-stroke difference after the Playing Handicap calculation, not a fraction of it.
Are these strokes tied to a real course?
No. The 18-hole stroke-index card used to place these 36 strokes is illustrative only. Use the authorised course scorecard and event procedure for an actual 36-stroke match.