Course Handicap Calculator

Using the World Handicap System (WHS), calculate exactly how many strokes you get on a specific course.

Your Handicap Index
Course Slope Rating
Course Rating
Course Par
WHS Course Handicap Formula
Index × (Slope ÷ 113) + (Course Rating - Par)
Your Playing Handicap
16
16.3 Exact Calculation
Scratch
0.0
Single Digit
9.0
Bogey Golfer
18.0
High Handicap
36.0+
Mid Handicap

Understanding the WHS Formula

In 2020, golf unified under the World Handicap System (WHS). Your Handicap Index travels with you, but you don't actually subtract that exact number from your score. Instead, you convert it into a Course Handicap based on the tees you are playing from.

  • Slope Rating: Measures the relative difficulty of a course for a bogey golfer compared to a scratch golfer. A standard course has a slope of 113. If the slope is higher than 113, you will likely get extra strokes!
  • Course Rating: Measures the expected score for a scratch (0 handicap) golfer. If par is 72 but the rating is 74.5, it means the course plays very difficult.
  • The Rounding Rule: Your exact calculation (e.g., 14.4) is rounded to the nearest whole number. You would receive 14 strokes for your round. If the exact math was 14.5, you would round up and receive 15 strokes.
  • Plus Handicaps (+): If you are better than a scratch golfer (e.g., a +2.0 index), you actually have to add strokes to your final score!