If you’ve ever glanced at a golf scorecard and noticed that column labeled S.I. or Index and weren’t quite sure what it was for, you’re definitely not alone. This little number, known as the Stroke Index, is one of the most important yet commonly misunderstood parts of the game for handicap players. It is the key that unlocks how formats like Stableford and match play actually work. This guide will walk you through exactly what the Stroke Index means, how to find it, how to use it, and how it can become a powerful tool in your on-course strategy.
In simple terms, the Stroke Index is a ranking of the 18 holes on a golf course from most difficult to least difficult. The hole ranked number 1 is considered the hardest hole on the course, and the one ranked 18 is considered the easiest.
The main purpose of this ranking system is to provide a standardized way to determine on which holes a player gets to use their handicap strokes. If you’re playing a casual round and just counting your total score, the Stroke Index doesn’t come into play. But the moment you start playing a competitive match, a Stableford competition, or any format using net scores, the Stroke Index becomes your best friend.
Think of it as the course’s way of leveling the playing field. It acknowledges that not all holes are created equal and ensures that higher handicap players receive their strokes on the holes where they will most likely need them.
The Stroke Index is located on the scorecard for every golf course. Pick up a card from your local club and take a look. Alongside the usual information for each hole - like its par, yardage, and hole number - you will see a row or column labeled with "S.I.", "Index", or sometimes "HCP" (for handicap).
The numbers in this column will range from 1 to 18. Hole #1 on the course isn't necessarily S.I. 1, and hole #18 isn't necessarily S.I. 18. It's important to find that S.I. column and reference it throughout your round.
You might notice that scorecards sometimes have separate Stroke Index ratings for different tee boxes (e.g., Men’s, Women’s, Senior’s). This is because a hole's difficulty can change dramatically depending on the tee you are playing from. A long par 4 from the back tees might be a 'simple' mid-iron approach for a low-handicapper, but it might be unreachable in two shots from the forward tees, affecting its relative difficulty ranking for that set of tees.
Calculating the Stroke Index is a detailed process handled by the golf course or its governing association. It’s not just a matter of picking the longest holes as the hardest.
A hole’s difficulty rating is determined by several factors, including:
Generally, courses try to balance the distribution of strokes between the front nine and the back nine. This is why you will typically see the odd-numbered Stroke Index holes (1, 3, 5, etc.) on one nine and the even-numbered ones (2, 4, 6, etc.) on the other. This prevents a player from getting all their strokes clumped on one side of the course, which is particularly relevant in match play.
This is where the theory turns into practical application. Using the Stoke Index correctly can completely transform your scoring experience. Here’s how you do it.
First things first, you need to know your Course Handicap. This is not the same as your Handicap Index. Your Handicap Index is your general measure of potential playing ability, while your Course Handicap adjusts that number based on the specific difficulty (Slope Rating) of the course and tees you are playing that day. Your Course Handicap tells you the exact number of strokes you get for that round.
You can find your Course Handicap by consulting the conversion chart at the golf club (usually near the first tee) or by using a a handicap tracking app.
Once you have your Course Handicap, you use the Stroke Index to figure out where to apply those strokes.
Let's walk through a few common examples:
If your Course Handicap is 14, you receive one handicap stroke on the 14 most difficult holes. You would look at the S.I. column on the scorecard and mark a dot or a dash on every hole with a Stroke Index from 1 through 14.
So, on the Par 4 hole that is ranked S.I. 8, your personal par is a 5. If you make a 5, that's a "net par" for you. If you make a 4, that's a "net birdie." This is how you calculate your net score on a hole, which is used for formats like Stableford, medal play, and match play.
What happens when your handicap is higher than 18? It’s pretty straightforward. You start by giving yourself one stroke on every single hole. Then, you distribute the remaining strokes starting back at the hardest hole.
Let's use a Course Handicap of 25. First, you get one stroke on all 18 holes. You have 7 strokes left over (25 - 18 = 7).
Those extra 7 strokes are applied to the 7 toughest holes. This means:
So, on a Par 4 that is S.I. 5, you get two strokes. Your personal par becomes a 6. A score of 6 is a net par, and a score of 5 is a net birdie.
Beyond being a mechanism for scoring, the Stroke Index is an incredibly useful strategic tool. As a coach, I always encourage my students to use it to manage their game plan.
Golf is a mental game. Knowing which holes you get strokes on helps you stay positive and set realistic goals. Instead of getting upset with a bogey on the toughest hole of the course (S.I. 1), you can recognize it as a net par and feel good about your score. This prevents one "bad" score from derailing your confidence and impacting the rest of your round.
The Stroke Index should influence how you decide to play a hole.
In match play, understanding who gets a stroke and where is everything. If you are playing against someone with a lower handicap, you need to know which holes you receive a shot on. Those are the holes where you have a statistical advantage and should be trying to secure a win. On the other hand, on holes where you both play "straight up" (no strokes given), you know it’s a direct contest, and you might play differently as a result.
The Stroke Index is much more than just a number on a card, it's the bridge between your raw score and how that score performs in a handicap format. By ranking the holes by difficulty, it ensures that strokes are given out fairly and turns your round into a strategic game of cat-and-mouse against the course itself.
Of course, understanding where you get a stroke is one thing, and executing the right strategy is another. Getting a clear, simple game plan for each shot - especially on those challenging, stroke-worthy holes - can be a big help. For this purpose, Our AI Golf tool, Caddie AI, provides instant on-course guidance. You can describe the hole or even take a picture of a difficult lie, and get a smart strategy tailored to the situation, so you can make confident decisions when it matters most.
Thinking about hosting a golf tournament fundraiser is the first swing, executing it successfully is what gets the ball in the hole. This guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, from laying the initial groundwork months in advance to watching your happy golfers tee off. We’ll cover everything from securing sponsors and setting your budget to planning the on-course fun that makes an event unforgettable.
A golf handicap does more than just give you bragging rights (or a reason to demand strokes from your friends) - it’s the game’s great equalizer and the single best way to track your improvement. This guide breaks down what a handicap is, how the supportive math behind a handicap index a is, and exactly how you can get one for yourself. We’ll look at everything from Course Rating to Adjusted Gross Score, helping you feel confident both on the course and in the clubhouse.
The compression of a Pinnacle Rush golf ball is one of its most defining features, engineered specifically to help a huge swath of golfers get more distance and enjoyment from their game. We'll break down exactly what its low compression means, who it's for, and how you can use that knowledge to shoot lower scores.
Figuring out which spikes go into your new (or old) pair of Puma golf shoes can feel like a puzzle, but it’s much simpler than you think. The key isn't the brand of the shoe, but the type of receptacle system they use. This guide will walk you through exactly how to identify your Puma's spike system, choose the perfect replacements for your game, and change them out like a pro.
The Golf Genius app is one of the best tools for managing and participating in competitive golf events, but figuring it out for the first time can feel like reading a new set of greens. This guide cuts through the confusion and shows you exactly how to use the app as a player. We’ll cover everything from logging into your tournament and entering scores to checking the live leaderboard so you can enjoy the competition without any tech headaches.
Walking onto the first tee with sweaty palms, worried you’ll be a good partner to paly wtih...or even asked back again ...We’ve all been there - trust me! The real trick of feeling confortable... is about how you handle you’re ready to plsy. THIS guide explains the simple rules of the rode to show you hnow t play golf while staying calm relaxed and focused... an having much morse fun while you,',re aat it? You'll also play with confidence a dn make fiendsa while you're at i
Just ask a question or share a photo and Caddie gives personalized guidance for every shot - anytime, anywhere.
