Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Course Handicap is the number of handicap strokes a player receives or gives for a specific set of tees. Under the World Handicap System, it converts a Handicap Index using the tee set's Slope Rating, Course Rating and par, so the player's handicap travels between courses and tees.
How it matters in match play
Course Handicap is an input to the Playing Handicap used for the match. For individual match play, the recommended allowance is 100%, so the Playing Handicap is normally the Course Handicap before opponents are set against each other. The player with the lower Playing Handicap plays from zero relative strokes, and the other player receives the difference; the Terms of the Competition can specify otherwise.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Course Handicap |
| Category | handicap |
| Applicable rule | WHS Rules of Handicapping Rule 6.1 (Course Handicap Calculation) and Rule 6.2 (Playing Handicap Calculation); Appendix C |
| Related concepts | Handicap Index, Playing Handicap, Slope Rating, Course Rating, Handicap Allowance |
Worked example
Using an illustrative 18-hole course with par 72, Course Rating 71.4, Slope Rating 125 and Alex's Handicap Index 12.0: 12.0 × (125 ÷ 113) + (71.4 − 72) = 12.68, which rounds to a Course Handicap of 13. If Ben's Course Handicap is 8, Alex receives 5 strokes in individual match play when the recommended 100% allowance applies.
Rule reference: WHS Rules of Handicapping Rule 6.1 (Course Handicap Calculation) and Rule 6.2 (Playing Handicap Calculation); Appendix C
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Is Course Handicap the same as Handicap Index?
No. Handicap Index is a portable measure of demonstrated ability. Course Handicap converts it for a particular set of tees using Course Rating, Slope Rating and par.
How is Course Handicap calculated?
For 18 holes, the WHS formula is Handicap Index × (Slope Rating ÷ 113) + (Course Rating − par). The result is rounded according to the applicable Rules of Handicapping. The course or handicap service normally performs the calculation.
Do match-play strokes use Course Handicap directly?
They first use Course Handicap to calculate each player's Playing Handicap. In individual match play, the recommended allowance is 100%, then the lower Playing Handicap is set to zero and the higher player receives the difference.
What happens if a handicap allowance applies?
The allowance is applied to the unrounded Course Handicap as the final step in calculating Playing Handicap. The applicable percentage depends on the format and may be set in the Terms of the Competition.
Does Course Handicap change from course to course?
It can. The same Handicap Index may produce different Course Handicaps from different tees because Course Rating, Slope Rating and par can differ.
Is Course Handicap a score I am expected to shoot?
No. It is a number of handicap strokes for the course and tees. A target score may be estimated by adding Course Handicap to par, but actual scores vary.