Stroke Index runs from 1 to 18 on an 18-hole course and determines where handicap strokes are received or given. A Playing Handicap of 10 normally receives one stroke on holes with Stroke Index 1 to 10. It is an allocation method, not necessarily a simple list from hardest to easiest.
The committee sets the allocation to work fairly across match play and stroke play, considering difficulty and the distribution of strokes around the course.
How strokes are allocated
- 01
Playing Handicap 10: one stroke on SI 1–10.
- 02
Playing Handicap 20: one stroke on every hole and a second stroke on SI 1–2.
- 03
Playing Handicap 5: one stroke on SI 1–5.
Use the Playing Handicap and competition instructions, not the Handicap Index alone.
Why SI 1 is not always the hardest hole
Allocation guidance avoids placing the earliest low indices in inconvenient positions and aims to spread strokes across the round. Statistical difficulty can contribute, but match-play fairness also matters.
Stroke Index in Stableford
Determine the handicap strokes received on the hole, calculate the net score and then award the Stableford points.
The points scale is explained in How does Stableford work?.
The essential point
Stroke Index tells you where handicap strokes apply. Read it together with the Playing Handicap and the competition format.
Sources
The following official or specialist sources were used to verify this independently written guide.
- The R&A – official guidance Source used to verify the rules or factual information in this guide.
- The R&A – official guidance Source used to verify the rules or factual information in this guide.
- The R&A – official guidance Source used to verify the rules or factual information in this guide.
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