Golf index to handicap calculator
This golf index to handicap calculator converts your Handicap Index into a course handicap and a playing handicap for any set of tees. It also builds the conversion chart that clubs pin up by the first tee, so nobody has to do sums in the car park.
Playing handicap = course handicap × handicap allowance
Course handicap = index × (slope ÷ 113) + (course rating − par)Golf index to handicap calculator: convert your index
Enter your Handicap Index, the details of the tees and the format. You get your playing handicap and a conversion chart for golfers either side of you.
What is the difference between handicap index and handicap?
Your Handicap Index measures your ability on a course of standard difficulty. It is not the number of strokes you receive. To get that, the index has to be converted into a course handicap for the tees you are playing, and then into a playing handicap for the format of the competition.
How to use the golf index to handicap calculator
- Enter your Handicap Index.
- Enter the slope rating, course rating and par of the tees.
- Choose the format: stroke play, Stableford, match play or four-ball.
- Read your playing handicap and the index to handicap conversion chart for players either side of you.
Handicap index to course handicap formula
Course handicap = Handicap Index × (slope rating ÷ 113) + (course rating − par)
Playing handicap = course handicap × handicap allowance
Change tees and the answer changes, which is why an index on its own never tells you how many strokes you get. The allowance is applied to the unrounded course handicap, and the result is rounded once at the end.
Index to handicap conversion example
A 14.2 index on tees with a slope of 128, a course rating of 71.4 and a par of 72 gives a course handicap of 15.48, shown as 15. In individual stroke play at 95% the playing handicap is 15.48 × 0.95 = 14.7, which rounds to 15. In four-ball stroke play at 85% it is 13.
Handicap allowance chart by format
| Format | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Individual stroke play and Stableford | 95% |
| Individual match play | 100% |
| Four-ball stroke play | 85% |
| Four-ball match play | 90% |
| Foursomes | 50% of combined |
| Greensomes | 60% low + 40% high |
These are the allowances recommended in the Rules of Handicapping. A committee can set its own, so check the competition sheet.
Golf index to handicap calculator FAQs
How do I convert my handicap index to a course handicap?
Multiply the index by the slope rating over 113 and add course rating minus par. The golf index to handicap calculator above does the conversion and lists the result for nearby indexes as well.
What is an index to handicap conversion chart?
It is a table showing which range of Handicap Indexes gives each course handicap on one set of tees. Clubs display one for each tee so players can look up their strokes.
Do I round before applying the handicap allowance?
No. The allowance is applied to the unrounded course handicap and the result is rounded once at the end. The calculator does it in that order.
What if I have a plus handicap index?
Type a plus sign, as in +2.1. The sums work the same way, and the allowance moves a plus handicap closer to zero.