Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Course Rating is the expected score for a scratch player on specified tees in normal conditions. It measures difficulty for that player, unlike Slope Rating, which expresses the relative difficulty for non-scratch golfers compared with scratch golfers.
How it matters in match play
Course Rating does not decide who wins a hole or how a match is recorded. It is part of the World Handicap System calculation used to turn a player's Handicap Index into a Course Handicap for the tees being played; the resulting Playing Handicap is then used when the competition's format and handicap allowance require strokes. Match-play results still settle hole by hole.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Course Rating |
| Category | handicap |
| Applicable rule | WHS Rules of Handicapping Rule 1.1, Rule 5.6 and Rule 6 |
| Related concepts | Slope Rating, Handicap Index, Course Handicap, Playing Handicap, Bogey Player |
Worked example
The tees have a Course Rating of 71.2, so a scratch player is expected to score around 71 when playing well in normal conditions; Alex's 10.0 Handicap Index is not itself the Course Rating, and the Course Rating is used with Slope Rating and Par in the Course Handicap calculation.
Rule reference: WHS Rules of Handicapping Rule 1.1, Rule 5.6 and Rule 6
Sources: www.usga.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
Is Course Rating the same as par?
No. Par is the score assigned to a hole or course, while Course Rating estimates the score of a scratch player in normal conditions. They may be close, but they measure different things.
Does Course Rating affect match-play handicaps?
Yes, indirectly. Under the WHS, Course Rating is used in the Course Handicap calculation with the other required inputs. The competition's format and applicable handicap allowance then determine the Playing Handicap used for the match.
Does a higher Course Rating mean the course is harder for every golfer?
It indicates greater expected difficulty for a scratch player. Difficulty for non-scratch players relative to scratch is addressed by Slope Rating, so Course Rating alone does not describe every player's challenge.
Can Course Rating change during a round?
The published Course Rating is based on normal conditions for a particular set of tees. Daily conditions can vary, and the WHS may apply a Playing Conditions Calculation to Score Differentials when the required conditions and score thresholds are met; that is distinct from changing the published Course Rating.
Where can I find a course's Course Rating?
Check the scorecard or the authorised association's course and handicap information for the exact set of tees. Ratings are issued for tee sets, so use the tees actually being played.
Is Course Rating a player's handicap?
No. Course Rating describes a set of tees. A player's Handicap Index represents demonstrated ability, and the WHS converts it into a Course Handicap for the course and tees being played.