Stroke Indexes (not Hole Handicaps)

The World Handicap System replaces Hole Handicaps with Stroke Indexes (SI), derived from ranking holes by playing difficulty (strokes relative to par) instead of ranking by individual hole slope ratings. This change was made for compatibility with the WHS method of adjusting hole scores to a maximum of net double-bogey for handicap purposes. Consequently, Stroke Indexes are now used in all rounds for adjusting scores instead of only being used for scoring certain tournament formats (e.g., Better Ball and Stableford).

Playing Difficulty (Estimated or Measured)

One way to determine playing difficulty of each hole is to average the two hole ratings values from NCGA course ratings details and subtract par. The two values are the estimated scores a scratch golfer and a bogey golfer would make. However, we have years of tournament scoring data from our club events, so we use that information to determine relative difficulty for the Yellow and White-tees.

Match Play Considerations Ignored

In the WHS, direct hole ranking is still modified for Match Play use by: (a) requiring odd numbered holes on one side and even numbered holes on the other, (b) minimizing low-SI holes in the early and late parts of the round, and (c) putting the lowest SI on each nine in its middle triad. None of these adjustments, however, are a good fit for Callippe Preserve nor or are relevant for our tournament play, so we use Stroke Indexes derived strictly from direct ranking of hole difficulty and ignore all adjustments for Match Play.

Stroke Indexes Available for All Tees

The CSGC Stroke Indexes are available in a set of tables which include all tees rated for men, where the Black, Blue and Red-tees are ranked using the NCGA hole rating data and the White and Yellow-tee SIs are based on our tournament scoring history. Notice each set of tees has a unique SI allocation, but there is some unanimity for our White and Yellow-tee players where the four most difficult holes are #9, #10, #17 and #18, the easiest is #6 and #5 ranks 12th from either set of tees.

Course "Stroke Indexes"

Callippe Preserve, as have most courses, submitted their obsolete Hole Handicaps to the NCGA for use as WHS Stroke Indexes in the National Course Rating Database. For practical reasons, they assign the same SI allocation to all tees to avoid complicating scorecard layouts—compromising their usefulness. Therefore, you may use the CSGC Stroke Indexes during open play, if desired, both for net scoring and adjusting hole scores for posting to GHIN.

Return to CSGC Home