Stroke Index (Handicap Holes)
Also known as: stroke index, handicap holes, which holes do I get strokes on, where do I get my strokes, handicap row on the scorecard, number one handicap hole
Stroke index ranks the 18 holes from 1 to 18 to show where strokes are given. You receive a stroke on every hole ranked at or below your Course Handicap. With a Course Handicap of 8, your strokes fall on the holes ranked 1 to 8.
The stroke index row appears on most scorecards, and in the US it is often labelled HCP. The committee ranks each hole by how hard it plays compared with par. Under the World Handicap System's recommended method, odd numbers go on one nine and even numbers on the other. The lowest numbers sit near the middle of each nine. That spreads the strokes out. A match is then rarely decided before they can be used.
Start with the number of strokes you receive from the tees you play. Receiving 14 means one stroke on each of the numbers 1 to 14. Above 18 the count starts again, with stroke index 1 also serving as 19. A player receiving 22 gets two strokes on numbers 1 to 4 and one everywhere else. In a 9-hole round on an 18-hole course, strokes follow the published order for those nine.
In match play, a common method has the lower player play off zero. The other player receives the difference, taken on the lowest numbers. The strokes you receive on each hole also set your maximum score for posting, net double bogey.
Tips by skill level
Before the round, circle the holes where you receive a stroke. It saves confusion when you add up net scores.
In match play, know where you give and receive strokes before you tee off. It changes when to play safe and when to attack.
Example
Two friends receive 6 and 15 strokes. In their match the higher player gets 9, one on each hole ranked 1 to 9. On the hole ranked 3 she makes a gross 5 on a par 4 for a net 4.
Why it matters
Stroke index decides where your strokes land in net events and matches. It also sets the most you can post on a hole.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the stroke index 1 hole must be the longest one
- Reading the yardage row instead of the stroke index row
- Forgetting that strokes above 18 start again at stroke index 1
- Counting strokes from your index instead of your Course Handicap
Frequently asked questions
Which holes do I get strokes on in golf?
The holes ranked at or below the number of strokes you receive. With a Course Handicap of 10, you get a stroke on the holes ranked 1 to 10.
What does the handicap row on a golf scorecard mean?
It is the stroke index, a ranking of the holes from 1 to 18. Strokes are given starting with the hole ranked 1.
What if my course handicap is over 18?
You get one stroke on every hole, and extra strokes start again at stroke index 1. Receiving 22 strokes means two on the holes ranked 1 to 4.
Sources
Related terms
- Course Handicap vs Handicap IndexHandicap Index is a portable number representing a golfer's general ability, calculated from past scores. Course handicap converts that same index into the actual number of strokes they receive on a specific course and tee, using that course's slope rating.
- Net Double Bogey (Maximum Hole Score)Net double bogey is the most you can count on any hole for handicap purposes once you have an index. It equals par plus 2 plus any strokes you receive on that hole. Before you have an index, the cap is par plus 5.
- Net Score vs Gross ScoreGross score is the actual number of strokes taken. Net score subtracts a player's course handicap from that total, letting golfers of different skill levels compete on a fair, adjusted basis.
- Match Play vs Stroke PlayStroke play scores every shot across the whole round for a cumulative total. Match play scores hole by hole, awarding each hole to whoever takes fewer strokes on it. So a single bad hole only costs one point, not a pile of extra strokes.
- Handicap IndexA Handicap Index is the World Handicap System (WHS) measure of a golfer's demonstrated playing ability on a neutral course. A lower index means a better player.
- Stableford ScoringStableford scoring awards points based on how a hole score compares to par (or net par) rather than counting total strokes. This softens the impact of a single disaster hole and keeps a bad hole from ruining an entire round's result.
Related guides & benchmarks
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