Page type: Glossary / definition
Free tool: Open the calculator →
Meaning
Handicap Stroke Allocation is the course’s published order for giving or receiving handicap strokes. Each hole receives a Stroke Index, normally numbered 1 to 18, and a player uses their strokes on the holes with the lowest applicable Stroke Index numbers. The Committee publishes this order.
How it matters in match play
In singles Match Play, the difference between the players’ Playing Handicaps determines how many strokes the higher-handicap player receives after the lower player plays off zero. Those strokes are applied at the holes with Stroke Index 1 upwards; for example, six strokes are used on Stroke Index 1 to 6. The Terms of the Competition should state any different procedure.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Handicap Stroke Allocation |
| Category | handicap |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Handicapping, Appendix E: Stroke Index Allocation; Rules of Golf, Committee Procedures, Rule 5J(4) |
| Related concepts | Stroke Index, Handicap Stroke, Playing Handicap, Course Handicap, Handicap Competition |
Worked example
If Alex has a Playing Handicap of 12 and Ben has 18, Alex plays off zero and Ben receives 6 strokes; Ben therefore receives one stroke on each hole ranked Stroke Index 1 through 6.
Rule reference: Rules of Handicapping, Appendix E: Stroke Index Allocation; Rules of Golf, Committee Procedures, Rule 5J(4)
Sources: www.usga.org , www.usga.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
What does Handicap Stroke Allocation mean?
It is the published order of holes showing where handicap strokes are given or received. The order is represented by each hole’s Stroke Index, with the lowest numbers normally receiving strokes first.
How are handicap strokes allocated in singles Match Play?
After the applicable allowance, the player with the lowest Playing Handicap plays off zero. The other player receives the difference between the Playing Handicaps, applied at the holes with Stroke Index 1 upwards.
Who decides the Stroke Index on each hole?
The Committee is responsible for publishing the order of holes at which handicap strokes are given or received. The World Handicap System provides recommended methodology, but the course’s published allocation is the one used for play.
What happens when a player receives more than 18 strokes?
The same allocation order repeats. Under the recommended procedure, Stroke Index 1 is used again for stroke 19, then for stroke 37 and later repetitions, with additional strokes continuing sequentially.
Is Handicap Stroke Allocation the same as the handicap allowance?
No. A handicap allowance is the percentage used to calculate a Playing Handicap for a format. Handicap Stroke Allocation is the hole-by-hole order used after the relevant Playing Handicaps are established.
Does every course use the same Stroke Index order?
No. Each course publishes its own hole order. The World Handicap System recommends a method for creating a balanced allocation over 18 holes, but it does not make every course’s numbering identical.