Slope rating measures how much harder a course is for a bogey golfer (18 handicap) compared to a scratch golfer. The standard slope is 113; higher slope (up to 155) means the course is proportionally more difficult for higher handicappers. Slope is used to convert a handicap index to a course handicap: Course Handicap = Handicap Index × (Slope ÷ 113). A high slope course has many penalty areas, length and narrow fairways that punish inconsistency disproportionately.
Key points
- Standard slope = 113
- Higher slope = disproportionately harder for higher handicappers
- Used to calculate course handicap
- Range: 55 (easiest) to 155 (hardest)
Try the tool
Put this into practice with our free calculator.
Open the Golf Handicap Index Calculator →