Stroke index

Stroke Index is a term commonly used in the sport of golf to indicate the difficulty of each hole on a golf course. The stroke index is assigned to each hole on a golf course to help in the handicapping process, allowing players of varying abilities to compete on a more even basis. The stroke index ranges from 1 to 18 (or the number of holes on the course), with 1 being assigned to the most difficult hole and the highest number to the easiest.

Overview

The primary purpose of the stroke index is to determine where handicap strokes are given or received on a golf course. In match play, for example, if one player has a handicap of 5 and another has a handicap of 10, the difference is 5 strokes. The player with the higher handicap would receive one stroke on the five holes with the lowest stroke indexes (1 to 5). This system helps to level the playing field by giving the weaker player a better chance to compete.

Allocation

The allocation of stroke indexes is typically determined by the golf course management or the local golf association and is based on various factors such as the length of the hole, the complexity of the green, the number and placement of hazards, and the overall difficulty in achieving par. The goal is to spread the stroke indexes evenly across the course to ensure that handicap strokes are utilized on a variety of holes, rather than concentrating them on a particular type of hole (e.g., all long or all short holes).

Usage in Handicapping

In addition to match play, stroke indexes are also used in calculating net scores in stroke play competitions. A player's net score is determined by subtracting their handicap from their gross score, with strokes being applied on the holes with the lowest stroke indexes first. This allows players of all skill levels to compete against each other on a more equitable basis.

Controversy and Variation

The allocation of stroke indexes can sometimes be a subject of debate among golfers, as perceptions of hole difficulty can vary widely. Additionally, some courses may periodically revise their stroke indexes based on changes to the course layout or feedback from players. There is also variation in how stroke indexes are allocated globally, with some golfing bodies recommending specific criteria for allocation, while others leave it to the discretion of individual clubs.

See Also

• Golf
• Handicap (golf)
• Match play (golf)
• Stroke play