Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A handicap stroke is a stroke a player receives, or gives back when holding a plus handicap, to make a handicap competition fairer. The strokes are applied by hole using the published Stroke Index and the player's Playing Handicap, rather than being added as a separate physical stroke.
How it matters in match play
In match play, handicap strokes are applied hole by hole and the lower net score wins the hole. Under the usual individual-match method, the player with the lowest Playing Handicap plays off zero and the other player receives the difference. The competition's Terms and the course's published Stroke Index determine the allocation, including any Extra Hole procedure.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Handicap Stroke |
| Category | handicap |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 3.2c; Committee Procedures, Rule 5J(4); WHS Rules of Handicapping, Appendix C |
| Related concepts | Handicap Index, Course Handicap, Playing Handicap, Stroke Index, Handicap Stroke Allocation |
Worked example
Alex has a Playing Handicap of 12 and Ben has 6, so under the usual individual-match method Alex receives six Handicap Strokes relative to Ben, on the six holes ranked Stroke Index 1 to 6; if Alex scores 5 and Ben 5 on one of those holes, Alex's net 4 wins it.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 3.2c; Committee Procedures, Rule 5J(4); WHS Rules of Handicapping, Appendix C
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
Is a Handicap Stroke an extra shot after I finish the hole?
No. It is a handicap adjustment applied to the hole's score. Your Playing Handicap and the published Stroke Index identify where the adjustment is used.
How many Handicap Strokes does the higher-handicap player get in match play?
For the usual individual match-play calculation, subtract the lower Playing Handicap from the higher one. The higher-handicap player receives that difference, allocated by Stroke Index. The Terms of the Competition may specify a different approved method.
Are Handicap Strokes based directly on my Handicap Index?
Not directly. The Handicap Index is converted to a Course Handicap and then a Playing Handicap; any applicable allowance is applied to the unrounded Course Handicap before the Playing Handicap is used in competition.
Who decides which holes receive Handicap Strokes?
The course's Committee publishes the Stroke Index allocation, normally using the authorised association's guidance and course data. Check the scorecard or another Committee notice for the allocation used in your match.
Do Handicap Strokes continue in an Extra Hole?
The Terms of the Competition should state how handicap strokes are applied when a tied match goes to an Extra Hole. Do not assume a universal procedure.
Does a plus Playing Handicap mean the player receives Handicap Strokes?
No. A plus Playing Handicap normally means the player gives strokes back to the course, beginning at the hole with the highest published Stroke Index unless the Committee specifies otherwise.