What Is Stroke Index in Golf?
Stroke index is the number assigned to each hole on a golf course to determine where players receive handicap strokes. On an 18-hole scorecard, the numbers usually run from 1 to 18, with stroke index 1 receiving the first allocated handicap stroke.
Stroke Index, Explained Simply
Look at a golf scorecard and you will usually see a row labelled SI, Stroke Index or Handicap. Each hole has a number between 1 and 18.
Those numbers tell you the order in which handicap strokes are allocated. Stroke index 1 receives the first stroke, stroke index 2 receives the second, and so on.
Imagine your Playing Handicap for an 18-hole competition is 10. You receive one handicap stroke on each of the ten holes ranked stroke index 1 through 10. You receive no handicap strokes on holes ranked 11 through 18.
If your Playing Handicap is 22, you receive one stroke on every hole, plus a second stroke on the four holes ranked stroke index 1 through 4.
Stroke index is often mistaken for a simple list of the hardest holes on the course. Although hole difficulty can influence the allocation, the rankings are also designed to distribute handicap strokes appropriately across a round. The hole marked stroke index 1 is not necessarily the hole that every golfer will find hardest.
How Do You Use Stroke Index on a Scorecard?
Stroke index becomes useful when you know how many handicap strokes you receive for the format you are playing. You can then use the stroke index row on your scorecard to work out which holes receive those strokes.
Suppose your Playing Handicap is 12 in an 18-hole net stroke play competition. You receive one stroke on each hole with a stroke index from 1 to 12. On a par-4 hole ranked stroke index 7, a gross score of five becomes a net four.
Now imagine another par-4 hole is ranked stroke index 15. With a Playing Handicap of 12, you receive no handicap stroke on that hole. A gross five remains a net five.
In Stableford, the same allocation helps determine your points on each hole. A player receiving one stroke on a par-4 hole effectively has a net par of five for scoring purposes. A gross five would therefore earn two Stableford points under standard net scoring.
In match play, stroke index helps determine where handicap strokes are given between opponents. The number of strokes received is based on the applicable handicap difference and competition allowance, rather than simply using each player's full Playing Handicap independently.
Find your applicable handicap for the competition, then use the stroke index numbers to identify the holes where your handicap strokes apply.
What Matters With Stroke Index?
You don't need to memorise all 18 stroke index numbers. Understanding a few basic relationships will help you use them correctly.
Stroke index 1 to 18
On a standard 18-hole scorecard, each hole is allocated a different number from 1 to 18. The numbers determine the order in which handicap strokes are received, starting with stroke index 1.
Your Playing Handicap
Your Handicap Index is not necessarily the number of strokes you receive in a competition. Your Course Handicap and Playing Handicap account for the course and, where applicable, the competition's handicap allowance. Check the applicable figure before allocating strokes.
Receiving more than 18 strokes
If your Playing Handicap is greater than 18, you receive at least one stroke on every hole. A Playing Handicap of 24 gives you one stroke on all 18 holes and a second stroke on holes ranked stroke index 1 through 6.
Different competition formats
Stroke index is used in net stroke play, Stableford and handicap match play, but the scoring method differs. In net stroke play, strokes reduce the net score. In Stableford, they affect the points earned. In match play, they determine where strokes are given between opponents.
The correct scorecard
Stroke index allocations may differ between tees, courses or competition arrangements. Some courses also publish different allocations for particular formats. Always use the allocation specified for the round you are playing.
Stroke Index vs Handicap Index
Stroke Index and Handicap Index sound similar, but they describe two different things.
Stroke index is assigned to a hole. It helps determine where handicap strokes are received during a round. A hole with stroke index 3 receives handicap strokes before a hole with stroke index 14.
Handicap Index belongs to the golfer. It is a measure of the player's demonstrated scoring ability under the World Handicap System and is used to calculate handicaps for different courses and formats.
Stroke Index
- Assigned to individual holes
- Usually numbered 1 to 18
- Determines where handicap strokes are allocated
- Shown on the course scorecard
Handicap Index
- Assigned to an individual golfer
- Reflects demonstrated scoring ability
- Used to calculate a Course Handicap
- Can change as qualifying scores are recorded
For example, you might have a Handicap Index of 15.2 and play a hole with stroke index 4. The first number relates to your golfing ability; the second relates to where handicap strokes are allocated on that course.
The distinction is useful when playing formats such as stroke play and match play, where the allocation of handicap strokes can affect the result.
Stroke Index — At a Glance
| What it is | A ranking of golf holes used to allocate handicap strokes. |
|---|---|
| Where to find it | Usually in the SI, Stroke Index or Handicap row of the scorecard. |
| Stroke index 1 | The first hole to receive an allocated handicap stroke. |
| Playing Handicap 10 | One stroke on each hole ranked stroke index 1 through 10. |
| Playing Handicap 18 | One stroke on every hole of an 18-hole round. |
| Playing Handicap 24 | One stroke on every hole, plus another on stroke index 1 through 6. |
| Key distinction | Stroke Index ranks holes for stroke allocation; Handicap Index measures a golfer's demonstrated ability. |
Stroke Index Makes Handicap Scoring Easier to Understand
Stroke index can look like another complicated set of numbers on a golf scorecard, particularly when you're starting to play competitions. But its purpose is straightforward: it tells you where handicap strokes are allocated during the round.
You don't need to remember every hole's ranking or work out all the scoring in your head. Know which handicap applies to your competition, check the stroke index row and identify the holes where you receive strokes.
Once that becomes familiar, formats such as Stableford, net stroke play and handicap match play become much easier to follow. The numbers aren't there to make golf more complicated. They're there to help golfers of different abilities compete on a more even basis.
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