Your Course Handicap tells you how many strokes you receive on a particular course. But in competitions, you often don't receive all of them. A handicap allowance, a percentage of your Course Handicap, makes different formats fairer. Here's how allowances work and the commonly recommended percentages.
Why allowances exist
Some formats favour higher handicappers, especially team formats where the better score counts. Allowances balance this. Read the World Handicap System explained.
Recommended allowances
These are commonly recommended allowances under the World Handicap System; committees may set their own.
| Format | Recommended allowance |
|---|---|
| Individual stroke play | 95% |
| Individual Stableford | 95% |
| Individual match play | 100% (strokes given on the difference) |
| Fourball stroke play | 85% |
| Fourball match play | 90% (strokes off the lowest player) |
| Foursomes stroke play | 50% of the combined team handicap |
| Foursomes match play | 50% of the difference between combined team handicaps |
| Greensomes | 60% of the lower plus 40% of the higher |
| Four-player scramble | 25%, 20%, 15% and 10% (lowest to highest) |
| Two-player scramble | 35% of the lower, 15% of the higher |
Worked examples
Individual Stableford
Course Handicap 20 × 95% = 19 strokes.
Fourball match play
Players' Course Handicaps: 8, 12, 18 and 24. At 90%: 7, 11, 16 and 22 (rounded). The lowest (7) plays off zero; the others receive 4, 9 and 15 strokes.
Four-player scramble
Course Handicaps 6, 12, 18, 24: 25% of 6 = 1.5, 20% of 12 = 2.4, 15% of 18 = 2.7, 10% of 24 = 2.4. Total about 9.
Read golf scramble strategy.
Rounding and mixed tees
Committees round playing handicaps according to their procedures. When players use different tees, an adjustment for the difference in course rating may apply. Read course rating and slope explained.
Where to find the allowance
In the competition terms, on the entry sheet or from the committee.
Allowances in team formats in more detail
- Fourball better-ball: each player receives a percentage of their own course handicap; the best score on each hole counts.
- Foursomes (alternate shot): the pair receives a percentage of their combined course handicaps.
- Greensomes: a percentage of the lower handicap plus a percentage of the higher.
- Scrambles: a percentage of each player's handicap, with the highest percentage for the lowest handicap, added together.
Read golf formats and games explained and golf scramble strategy.
A worked example: fourball stableford
Player A has a course handicap of 10, Player B has 22. With an 85% allowance:
| Player | Course handicap | Allowance | Playing handicap |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 10 | 85% | 8.5, rounded to 9 |
| B | 22 | 85% | 18.7, rounded to 19 |
Each player receives strokes on the holes indicated by the stroke index, and the better Stableford score on each hole counts. Use our Stableford calculator to check scores.
Why allowances aren't 100%
In team formats, the higher-handicap player would gain a large advantage without a reduction, because the team only needs one good score per hole. Allowances balance the competition so that teams of all handicap mixes have a similar chance.
Common mistakes
- Using handicap index instead of course handicap. Always convert the index to a course handicap first, using the slope and course rating. Read course rating and slope explained.
- Rounding at the wrong stage. Apply the allowance, then round.
- Applying the wrong percentage for the format.
- Forgetting mixed-tee adjustments when players use different tees.
Using the handicap calculator
Our handicap calculator helps you work out a course handicap from your index. Then apply the allowance for your format.
Who sets allowances?
Allowances are recommended by the handicap authorities, but competition committees can set terms for their own events. Read who runs golf and world handicap system explained.
Frequently asked questions
What is a handicap allowance?
A percentage of your Course Handicap used in a specific format.
Why is Stableford 95%?
It helps balance competition between lower and higher handicappers in larger fields.
How are strokes given in match play?
The higher handicapper receives the difference, on the lowest stroke index holes.
Who sets the handicap allowance?
The committee running the competition.
What's the allowance for singles match play?
Typically 100% of course handicaps, with the lower-handicap player playing off scratch and the other receiving the difference.
Do allowances apply in friendly games?
They're optional, but using them makes games fairer.
The bottom line
Handicap allowances keep different formats fair. Know the common percentages, check the competition terms and use our handicap calculator to work out your Course Handicap. For format tactics, read Stableford strategy.