Look at any scorecard and you'll see two numbers for each set of tees: the course rating and the slope rating. They're central to the handicap system, because they let golfers compare scores on different courses fairly. But many golfers don't know what they mean. Here's a simple explanation.
Course rating
The course rating is the score a scratch golfer (handicap 0) would be expected to shoot on a course from a particular set of tees in normal conditions. It's expressed to one decimal place, such as 71.4.
- A rating higher than par means the course is harder than average for scratch golfers.
- A rating lower than par means it's easier.
Bogey rating
The bogey rating is the expected score of a bogey golfer, roughly a golfer with a handicap of about 20 (men) or 24 (women).
Slope rating
The slope rating shows how much more difficult the course is for a bogey golfer compared with a scratch golfer.
- Range: 55 to 155.
- Standard: 113.
- Higher slope: the course is relatively harder for higher-handicap golfers, for example because of long forced carries or deep rough.
Slope is calculated from the difference between the bogey rating and the course rating.
How courses are rated
Trained rating teams from golf associations assess each set of tees, considering:
| Factor | Examples |
|---|---|
| Effective playing length | Distance, elevation, roll, doglegs, altitude, prevailing wind |
| Topography | Slopes and uneven lies |
| Fairway width | How easy it is to hit the fairway |
| Green target | Size and how easy it is to hit |
| Recovery and rough | How punishing the rough is |
| Bunkers | Number and difficulty |
| Penalty areas and out of bounds | How much they come into play |
| Trees | Their effect on play |
| Green surface | Speed and contours |
| Psychological effect | The combined effect of hazards |
Read what makes a great golf course.
From Handicap Index to Course Handicap
Your Handicap Index is portable between courses. Your Course Handicap is the number of strokes you receive on a particular course and tees:
Course Handicap = Handicap Index × (Slope Rating ÷ 113) + (Course Rating − Par)
Example
- Handicap Index: 15.0
- Slope: 130
- Course rating: 72.5
- Par: 72
Course Handicap = 15.0 × (130 ÷ 113) + (72.5 − 72) = 17.3 + 0.5 = 17.8, which rounds to 18.
Use our handicap calculator and read the World Handicap System explained.
Why it matters
- Fair competition between golfers of different abilities.
- Fair comparison between scores on different courses and tees. Read which tees should I play?.
- Score differentials for your handicap are calculated using course rating and slope.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good slope rating?
There's no good or bad slope; 113 is average. Higher numbers mean harder for higher-handicap golfers.
What does course rating mean?
The expected score of a scratch golfer from a set of tees.
Why is my Course Handicap different from my Handicap Index?
Your Course Handicap adjusts your Handicap Index for the difficulty of the course and tees you play.
Who rates golf courses?
Trained teams from national or regional golf associations.
The bottom line
Course rating shows how hard a course is for a scratch golfer; slope shows how much harder it is for a bogey golfer. Together, they turn your Handicap Index into a Course Handicap, making golf fair wherever you play. For more on handicaps, read how to lower your golf handicap.