GHIN Course Calculator

The GHIN Course Calculator estimates your Course Handicap based on your Handicap Index and specific course ratings. This tool helps golfers determine the strokes needed to play fairly on any course. Whether you are preparing for a tournament, playing a casual round with friends, or tracking your progress, this calculator provides instant, estimated results to level the playing field.

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 Course Handicap Is Calculated

The Course Handicap represents the number of strokes you need to play to par on a specific course. It is calculated using the World Handicap System formula to ensure fairness across different course difficulties.

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

Where:

  • Handicap Index: Your portable measure of playing ability
  • Slope Rating: The relative difficulty of a course for a bogey golfer
  • Course Rating: The expected score for a scratch golfer
  • 113: The standard slope rating based on difficulty

To find your final number, first multiply your Handicap Index by the Slope Rating and divide by 113. Next, add the difference between the Course Rating and Par to this result. Finally, apply any required percentage adjustments and round to the nearest whole number. This process adjusts your ability to the specific challenge of the course you are playing.

What Your Course Handicap Means

Your Course Handicap tells you exactly how many strokes you are allowed to take on a specific course. Use this number to adjust your score and compete fairly against other players.

For Tournament Play: If your Course Handicap is 15 and you shoot a gross score of 90, your net score is 75. This standardized number helps determine winners in net events fairly.

For Target Score: Add your Course Handicap to the course Par. A 15 handicap on a Par 72 course means your target score is 87. This gives you a realistic goal to aim for during your round.

For Casual Rounds: If your handicap is 20, subtract 20 strokes from your total to see how you played against your potential. This allows you to compete with friends who have vastly different skill levels.

Important: Always check the maximum handicap limit for your specific competition, as some events cap the number of strokes allowed.

This calculator provides an estimate based on the World Handicap System. It is for informational purposes only and should not replace the official Course Handicap provided by your golf club or the GHIN app for tournament use.

Adjust your handicap as your Handicap Index changes at the start and middle of every month.

Calculation logic verified using publicly available standards.

View our Accuracy & Reliability Framework →