Course Rating
The course rating is the difficulty value of a course for a scratch player, expressed as the expected number of strokes.
The course rating, often abbreviated as CR, answers a clear question: How many strokes does a scratch golfer, that is, a player with a handicap of 0, need on average on this course? The value is usually close to the par, but it can also be significantly above or below it. A long, narrow course with many hazards receives a higher rating than an open, short one. Length, hazards, fairway width, greens and further factors are assessed according to a standardized procedure. Every set of tees, that is every color, has its own rating, and there are separate values for ladies and men.
Together with the slope value the course rating forms the basis of your handicap calculation. An example: your course has a par of 72, a course rating of 73.8 and a slope of 130 from the yellow tees. Your handicap index is thereby converted into a course handicap for exactly this set of tees; in Stableford it decides your net points. Both values are shown on the scorecard and on the notice board. Anyone playing unfamiliar courses should briefly check them before the round, because they explain why a course plays harder than its sheer length would suggest.
Typical mistake: equating the course rating with the slope. The rating measures the difficulty for the very good player, the slope the additional difficulty for the average bogey golfer by comparison. A course can therefore have a moderate rating and still a high slope if it primarily punishes weaker players. Also popular is comparing the ratings of different courses as a matter of prestige. The value is a calculation tool for fair handicaps, not a ranking of quality.
FAQ
Where can I find the course rating of my course?
On the scorecard and on the notice board at the clubhouse, separated by tee color and for ladies and men. On unfamiliar courses a brief look before the round is worthwhile — the value explains why a course plays harder than its sheer length would suggest.
Is the course rating the same as the slope value?
No. The course rating measures how difficult the course is for a very good player with a handicap of 0, expressed as the expected number of strokes. The slope measures the additional difficulty for the average bogey golfer by comparison. A course can therefore have a moderate rating and still a high slope.
Does a high course rating say anything about the quality of the course?
No. The value is a calculation tool for fair handicaps, not a ranking of quality or prestige. A short, easy course can be immaculately maintained, while a long monster with a high rating is mediocre. For your handicap calculation the rating counts together with the slope — as a badge of quality it does not work.