Topic - Stroke Index Allocation

Resources on this topic:

• FAQ - How does a course determine the stroke index allocation?
• FAQ - Which holes do players receive strokes in a competition?
• Infographic - How stroke index allocation works under the World Handicap System™
• Detailed Article - A Guide to Stroke Index Allocation in the WHS

Know Before You Play:

Stroke index allocation is the order of holes where handicap strokes are given or received. It’s generally based on each hole’s difficulty relative to par and slightly modified for match play.

Your local Allied Golf Association provides a recommended stroke index order using course-specific data. However, the final allocation is determined by your club’s Handicap Committee.

What stroke index allocation means for you:

Your Course Handicap is used to apply the correct maximum hole score for handicap purposes – net double bogey. For example, if your Course Handicap is 14, your max score on holes with stroke index values 1–14 is double bogey + 1 stroke.

Your Playing Handicap determines which holes you’ll receive strokes on during competition. For example, if your Playing Handicap is 12, you’ll receive strokes on holes ranked 1–12.

Additional Resources:

• Quick Read Flipbook - Player Reference Guide on the Rules of Handicapping

Read the Rules:

• See Appendix E - Rules of Handicapping