What is Slope Rating? Why Course Difficulty Matters for Handicaps
Slope rating measures how much harder a golf course is for bogey golfers compared to scratch golfers, ranging from 55 to 155 with 113 as standard.
Slope rating is a number from 55 to 155 (113 is standard) that measures how much more difficult a golf course is for a bogey golfer compared to a scratch golfer.
Understanding Slope Rating
While course rating tells you what a scratch golfer (0 handicap) would score, slope rating indicates how much harder the course is for higher-handicap players. A course with lots of hazards, tight fairways, and punishing rough will have a high slope because these features hurt bogey golfers more than scratch golfers.
Slope Rating Scale
| Slope Rating | Difficulty Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 55-90 | Easy | Very forgiving, wide fairways |
| 91-113 | Moderate | Standard difficulty |
| 114-130 | Challenging | Requires accuracy and strategy |
| 131-155 | Very Difficult | Championship-level courses |
Why Slope Matters
The slope rating is crucial for calculating your course handicap. A higher slope means you'll receive more strokes at that course, ensuring fair competition regardless of where you play.
Example: With a 15.0 handicap index:
- Slope 100 course → Course handicap of 13
- Slope 113 course → Course handicap of 15
- Slope 140 course → Course handicap of 19
Related Resources
- Golf Handicap Calculator - See how slope affects your handicap
- Understanding Slope Rating - Complete slope rating guide
- How to Calculate Golf Handicap - Step-by-step handicap calculation