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GHIN Course Calculator

Calculate your golf course handicap and course rating adjustments using the GHIN system. Determine your playing handicap for any tee box.

Your GHIN Handicap Index (0.0 to 54.0)
Course Rating for the tee box you're playing (typically 60-80)
Slope Rating for the tee box you're playing (typically 55-155)
Par score for the course (typically 70-73)
Adjust handicap percentage for certain competitions (typically 90-100%)

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter your GHIN Handicap Index from your membership card
  2. Input the Course Rating and Slope Rating for the specific tee box you'll be playing
  3. Select the tee box and par score for the course
  4. Adjust the handicap percentage if required for your competition format
  5. Click Calculate to see your course handicap and target score

Formula Used

Course Handicap = (Handicap Index × Slope Rating ÷ 113) + (Course Rating - Par)

Where:

  • Handicap Index = Your GHIN Handicap Index (0.0 to 54.0)
  • Slope Rating = The difficulty rating of the course for a bogey golfer (55-155)
  • Course Rating = The difficulty rating of the course for a scratch golfer (typically 60-80)
  • Par = The standard score for the course (typically 70-73)
  • 113 = The standard slope rating used in the calculation

Example Calculation

Real-World Scenario:

A golfer with a 14.2 Handicap Index is playing a course with a Course Rating of 71.3 and a Slope Rating of 125 from the Men's tees, which is a Par 72 course.

Given:

  • Handicap Index = 14.2
  • Course Rating = 71.3
  • Slope Rating = 125
  • Par Score = 72

Calculation:

Course Handicap = (14.2 × 125 ÷ 113) + (71.3 - 72)

Course Handicap = 15.7 + (-0.7)

Course Handicap = 15.0 (rounded to nearest whole number)

Result: The golfer's Course Handicap is 15, and their target score is 87 (72 + 15).

Why This Calculation Matters

Practical Applications

  • Allows golfers of different skill levels to compete fairly
  • Helps determine your target score for any course and tee box
  • Essential for tournament play and handicap tracking

Key Benefits

  • Improves accuracy of score tracking for handicap purposes
  • Helps set realistic goals for your golf game
  • Standardizes competition across different courses

Common Mistakes & Tips

Each tee box has different Course and Slope Ratings. Make sure you're using the ratings for the specific tee box you'll be playing from. Many golfers mistakenly use the championship ratings when playing from forward tees.

The USGA sets maximum Course Handicap limits (36.4 for men, 40.4 for women). For some competitions, even lower limits may apply. Always check if a maximum handicap limit should be applied to your calculation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Handicap Index is a portable measure of your playing ability that can be taken to any course. Your Course Handicap is the number of strokes you receive on a specific course from a specific set of tees. The Course Handicap is calculated using your Handicap Index along with the Course Rating and Slope Rating.

Your Handicap Index is automatically updated by the GHIN system on the 1st and 15th of each month, provided you've posted at least one score since the last revision. It's important to post all of your scores promptly to ensure your Handicap Index accurately reflects your current playing ability.

The maximum Handicap Index is 54.0 for both men and women. This was increased from 36.4 for men and 40.4 for women in 2020 as part of the World Handicap System changes to make golf more inclusive.

References & Disclaimer

Golf Handicap Disclaimer

This calculator provides an estimate of your Course Handicap based on the information you provide. Official GHIN calculations may include additional factors or adjustments not accounted for here. Always verify your official Course Handicap with your golf club or through the official GHIN system before competition play.

References

Accuracy Notice

This calculator follows the standard World Handicap System formula but may not include all local adjustments or exceptions that might apply to specific tournaments or clubs. For official competition purposes, always use the Course Handicap provided by your golf club or the official GHIN system.

About the Author

Kumaravel Madhavan

Web developer and data researcher creating accurate, easy-to-use calculators across health, finance, education, and construction and more. Works with subject-matter experts to ensure formulas meet trusted standards like WHO, NIH, and ISO.

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