How to Adjust a Golf Handicap for Different Tees
Adjusting a golf handicap to a particular set of tees, or a particular course, is known as calculating the course handicap. Courses that have more than one set of tees will list a rating and slope for each set of tees based on the level of difficulty determined at that set of tees.
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Instructions
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Know your handicap index. An individual handicap index is a numerical value based on a mathematical formula derived from the best of a certain number of most recent rounds. For this example, assume an individual handicap of 14.3.
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Determine the slope rating for the course you are playing on the set of tees you are playing. The rating and slope should be listed on the scorecard. The rating is generally a value around 65 and the slope is around 113. Essentially, the rating reflects what a "scratch" golfer (0 handicap) could expect to shoot on the course and the slope is what a "bogey" golfer could expect, as defined by the USGA rating system.
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Input the applicable slope number into the course handicap formula. The formula is your handicap multiplied by the slope and the result divided by 113. Using the 14.3 assumption and inputting a slope value of 121, the formula becomes 14.3 x 121/113. The result is 15.3.
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Apply the course handicap to the round. The course handicap is rounded to the nearest whole number (15), and that is how many strokes you would get on the course from that particular set of tees. This can be compared to a playing partner to determine how many strokes you should give or receive in competition with each other or can be added to the course par to give you an idea of your potential ability on the course.
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Tips & Warnings
The course handicap is only as accurate as your handicap index. Be sure to regularly update your handicap index after each round played.
Keep in mind the handicap system is designed to show a golfer's potential, not his average ability.
