Slope Rating
A measure of relative difficulty for players who are not scratch golfers, compared with scratch golfers.
Slope Rating describes how much more difficult a set of tees plays for a golfer who is not scratch, relative to a scratch player. It does not measure the steepness of the land. The standard reference is 113.
Why the tee selection matters
| Illustrative tees | Course Rating | Par | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option A | 72.0 | 72 | 113 |
| Option B | 72.0 | 72 | 130 |
For an Index of 10.0, the slope part of the Course Handicap calculation is 10 × 113 ÷ 113 = 10 for A and 10 × 130 ÷ 113 ≈ 11.5 for B. The equal Course Rating and par add no further difference in this illustration.
A higher number needs context
A higher Slope indicates a larger relative challenge for the non-scratch player. It does not mean a fixed number of extra strokes for everyone. Read it with Course Rating, par, length and the correct rating category.
From rating to handicap
For an 18-hole round under the USGA calculation, multiply Index by Slope ÷ 113, then add Course Rating minus par. The Playing Handicap can change again when a competition allowance applies. Use the association’s calculator for the final playing figure.