You see these numbers on the scorecard all the time, but do you ever stop to think about what they actually mean?

Course Rating is a numerical value that indicates the difficulty level of a golf course which is then used to determine a player’s handicap. A course rating will be higher in value if the course is more difficult. You’ll notice on a scorecard a few course ratings, which correspond to the different tees.

Essentially, the course rating is the number estimated to be the average scores of half of the best rounds played at that course. The International, a course in Bolton,MA, measures a whopping 8,325 yards with a par 73 (from the “Tiger” tees…yes that is what they are called) – with a course rating of 80! That means that there aren’t many scratch golfers hitting par on this course. Half of the average scores result in 80.

Slope Rating is a measurement of the difficulty of a particular course for bogey golfers, relative to the course rating. Again, slope values will increase with difficulty – try to stick to the lower course and slope ratings if you’re an average Joe. The main idea of slope ratings is to level the playing field for players of different skill levels.

For example, let’s say you and I average 90 strokes each for 18 holes. But my average is established on a very difficult course, like The International (slope rating of 154), while your average is established on a much easier course (slope rating of 95). If we were only using handicaps to play a match against each other based on our average scores, we’d establish that we would have the same handicap index. But clearly I am the better golfer, and in a match between the two of us, I would have to give you some strokes.

Course ratings will tell a scratch golfer how difficult the course will be, while slope ratings tell bogey golfers the same. Honestly, I would stick to slope rating courses in the range of 113-130 if you average in the mid-90s. Don’t try to be a hero.

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