A Handicap Index® is the numeric measure of a player’s demonstrated ability calculated against the Slope Rating™ of a golf course of standard playing difficulty (that is, a course with a Slope Rating of 113). This number, which is always expressed as a number taken to one decimal place (e.g., 10.4) is then converted to a Course Handicap™ indicating the number of handicap strokes a player receives from a specific set of tees, to play to the level of par. This allows golfers of all skill levels to compete on an even playing field. The Handicap Index is the most universally trusted and accepted means to measure skill, improvement levels and equitable competition. For more information on the World Handicap System™, check out this great article on our blog..