How to Calculate a
Matchplay Handicap.
Handicap Index → Course Handicap → Playing Handicap → shot difference. Four steps, with a full worked example so you can do it for any match.
Definition
A matchplay handicap is the shot allowance given to the higher-handicapped player in a matchplay competition to equalise the contest. In singles, it equals the difference between both players' Course Handicaps. In team formats, a WHS allowance (e.g. 85% for four-ball) is applied first.
What you need
Before you calculate anything, have these four numbers ready. All of them are on the scorecard or in your club's handicap system.
The portable number from your national golf body (e.g. England Golf, Golf Ireland, Scottish Golf). Usually shown as a decimal like 14.2.
The expected score for a scratch golfer on those tees. Printed on the scorecard, e.g. 71.5.
A measure of course difficulty for bogey golfers relative to scratch. Ranges from 55 to 155, standard is 113. Also on the scorecard.
Total par for the round on the tees you're playing. Usually 70, 71, or 72.
Calculate the Course Handicap
The Course Handicap adjusts your Handicap Index for the specific course and tees you're playing. A harder course = more shots. An easier course = fewer shots.
Course Handicap = Handicap Index × (Slope Rating ÷ 113) + (Course Rating − Par)
Round the result to the nearest whole number. The answer tells you how many shots you'd receive in a scratch competition — but for matchplay, you still need step 2.
Calculate the Playing Handicap
The Playing Handicap is your Course Handicap adjusted for the specific matchplay format. Different formats apply different allowances because having a partner changes your scoring probability.
| Format | Allowance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Singles matchplay | 100% of Course Handicap | Full handicap for both players |
| Four-ball (better ball) | 85% allowance | Relative to lowest CH among all four players |
| Foursomes (alternate shot) | 50% of combined CH | Per team; shot difference between teams |
| Greensomes | 0.6 × lower + 0.4 × higher CH | Per team; shot difference between teams |
Find the shot difference
In matchplay, the higher-handicap player or team receives shots from the lower-handicap side. The number of shots is simply the difference between the two Playing Handicaps.
The lower-handicap player gives shots to the higher-handicap player — they don't "lose" shots, they give them. The higher-handicap player receives a shot on designated holes.
Allocate shots by Stroke Index
The Stroke Index (SI) on the scorecard ranks each hole 1–18 by difficulty relative to handicap. SI 1 is the hardest hole to play to your handicap; SI 18 is the easiest.
If the shot difference is 8, the higher-handicap player receives one shot on each hole with SI 1 through 8. On those holes, their net score is one lower than their gross. If the difference is 20+, some holes receive two shots.
Result: Playing Handicaps are 15 and 7 (singles = 100%). Shot difference = 8 shots. Player B gives 8 shots to Player A. Player A receives one shot on whichever holes have Stroke Index 1–8.
Common questions
Do you need an official Handicap Index to play matchplay?
For club competitions you'll need an official WHS Handicap Index registered with your national golf body. For friendly matchplay between regular playing partners, many golfers use an agreed "playing handicap" based on recent scores. The calculations work the same either way — you just need a starting number both players agree is fair.
What if the shot difference is not a whole number?
Round to the nearest whole number after calculating each player's Course Handicap. This is standard WHS practice. Some formats (like four-ball) produce fractional results after applying percentage allowances — round each player's Playing Handicap individually before calculating the difference.
Can the shot difference be zero?
Yes — if both players have the same Playing Handicap (after rounding), the match is played off scratch with no shots given. This is common in scratch competitions or between players with similar indexes. Both play their gross score on every hole.
Should you use the most recent Handicap Index or freeze it for a competition?
For club knockouts, most clubs specify a cut-off date for handicaps — all players use their Handicap Index as of that date regardless of subsequent changes. For friendly matchplay, it's common to use the current Handicap Index each time you play. Check your club's local rules if competing.
Related guides
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