Every set of tees at a rated golf course has two numbers: a course rating and a slope rating. They tell you how hard the course is, and they are the reason a golf handicap works across different courses.
Course rating
Course rating is the expected score of a scratch golfer under normal conditions. A rating of 72.4 means a scratch golfer is expected to average about 72.4. Course rating is usually close to par, but it can be higher or lower depending on length and obstacles.
Slope rating
Slope rating describes how much harder the course plays for a bogey golfer compared with a scratch golfer. The scale runs from 55 to 155, and 113 is the standard average. A higher slope means higher-handicap players are penalized more.
| Slope rating | Relative difficulty for higher handicaps |
|---|---|
| Around 100 | Easier than average |
| 113 | Standard (average) difficulty |
| 125 to 135 | Harder than average |
| 140+ | Very difficult |
How they are used
- Score differential: (113 / Slope) x (Adjusted Gross - Course Rating)
- Course handicap: Handicap Index x (Slope / 113) + (Course Rating - Par)
Run the numbers in the course handicap calculator, then see how your recent rounds feed an index in the handicap calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good slope rating?
There is no good or bad value. 113 is average and higher numbers mean a harder course for higher-handicap golfers.
Is course rating the same as par?
No. Par is a fixed number of strokes. Course rating is the expected score of a scratch golfer.
Do different tees have different ratings?
Yes. Each set of tees has its own course rating and slope rating.
