| Course Rating | Slope Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| What it means | Expected score of a scratch golfer (index 0) | How much harder the course plays for a bogey golfer than for a scratch golfer |
| Typical values | Close to par, e.g. 67–75 for 18 holes | 55 to 155; 113 is standard; most courses 110–140 |
| Example | 71.2 | 128 |
| In the formula | Subtracted from your score | Scales the result: 113 ÷ Slope |
How hard is this course?
How the two numbers change your handicap
Score Differential = (113 ÷ Slope) × (score − Course Rating)
The same 92 counts for more on a harder course:
| Course | Course Rating / Slope | Differential for a 92 |
|---|---|---|
| Easier | 69.5 / 108 | (113 ÷ 108) × (92 − 69.5) = 23.5 |
| Standard | 72.0 / 113 | (113 ÷ 113) × (92 − 72.0) = 20.0 |
| Harder | 74.5 / 140 | (113 ÷ 140) × (92 − 74.5) = 14.1 |
A lower differential is a better round. That is why a 92 on a hard course can lower your index while the same 92 on an easy course doesn't count.
Where to find them
- Scorecard: listed for each set of tees, sometimes as "CR/SR" or "Rating/Slope".
- First tee: many courses post them on a sign.
- Online: the USGA course rating database covers most US courses; golf association apps such as GHIN show them too.
Played 9 holes? Use the 9-hole ratings, about half the 18-hole Course Rating. See the 9-hole handicap calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Course Rating and Slope Rating?
Course Rating is the score a scratch golfer (Handicap Index 0) is expected to shoot on those tees, for example 71.2. Slope Rating says how much harder the course plays for a bogey golfer (about a 20 handicap) compared with a scratch golfer. It runs from 55 to 155, and 113 is standard.
What is a good Slope Rating?
There is no good or bad: it just describes difficulty. Most courses are between about 110 and 140. Below 113 is easier than average for higher handicappers, above 130 is a demanding course.
Where do I find the Course Rating and Slope?
On the scorecard, next to each set of tees, and usually on a sign by the first tee. In the US you can look them up in the USGA course rating database (NCRDB). Golf apps like GHIN show them too.
Why does each set of tees have different ratings?
Longer tees make the course harder, so both numbers go up. Always use the ratings for the tees you actually played, and for men's or women's ratings as appropriate.
What is a Bogey Rating?
The score a bogey golfer is expected to shoot. It is used to work out the Slope: the bigger the gap between Bogey Rating and Course Rating, the higher the Slope. You don't need it for your handicap.