Free golf tool

Course Handicap Calculator

Turn your Handicap Index into the strokes you get on a specific course and set of tees. WHS-style math, 9-hole and plus handicaps supported.

How the math works

Course handicap

Index × (Slope ÷ 113) + (Rating − Par)

Rounded to the nearest whole number. A harder course (higher slope or rating) gives you more strokes than an easier one.

Playing handicap

Many formats apply an allowance, such as 95% for individual stroke play. The playing handicap is the unrounded course handicap times the allowance, rounded once at the end.

Nine holes

Halve your index, then use the 9-hole rating and par. Without a native 9-hole rating, we use half the 18-hole rating and half the par with the same slope.

Plus handicaps

A plus handicap, such as +2.1, belongs to a player who typically beats the course rating. Plus players give strokes back, so the result is shown with a plus sign.

Want to keep a running index? Try the free handicap tracker. Or read how golf handicaps work.

Questions

What is the difference between a Handicap Index and a course handicap?

Your Handicap Index measures your potential ability on a course of standard difficulty. Your course handicap converts that index into the strokes you receive on a specific course and set of tees.

How do you calculate a course handicap?

Course Handicap = Handicap Index x (Slope Rating / 113) + (Course Rating - Par), rounded to the nearest whole number.

How do I calculate a 9-hole course handicap?

Halve your Handicap Index, then apply the same formula using the 9-hole course rating and par. If a tee has no 9-hole rating, this calculator uses half the 18-hole rating and half the par with the same slope.

What is a plus handicap?

A plus handicap, such as +2.1, belongs to a player who typically scores better than the course rating. Plus players give strokes back, so the course handicap is shown with a plus sign.

Why does my club or league show a different number?

Some leagues run their own handicap method, cap indexes, or apply a different allowance. Use the allowance menu to match your format.

Running a league?

This does one course. We do the season.

The calculator works off numbers you type in. LeaderBoard Caddie applies handicap strokes from each player's index and tees automatically, and keeps handicaps up to date every week.

  • Scores entered live from players' phones
  • Handicaps kept up to date every week
  • Season money list and standings
  • Multiple flights in one event
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