Handicap in Match Play: How It Works
Match play handicap: different rules than strokeplay
Match play applies handicap differently from strokeplay. Instead of adding all strokes at the end of a round, each hole is an independent contest between two players — or two pairs. Knowing how many strokes you receive (or give) and on which holes is essential for playing the right strategy on each hole.
What percentage of Course Handicap is used
According to the official WHS allowances table (USGA/R&A approved), the Course Handicap percentages for match play formats are:
| Format | % of Course Handicap |
|---|---|
| Individual Match Play | 100% |
| Four Ball (Better Ball) | 85% |
| Foursomes (Alternate Shot) | 50% of combined handicap |
Note: In individual strokeplay and individual Stableford, the percentage is 95%, not 100%. It's a common mistake to assume strokeplay and match play use the same allowance.
How to calculate your Playing Handicap in individual match play
- Calculate your Course Handicap:
round(HI × Slope / 113 + (Course Rating − Par)) - Apply 100%: in individual match play, your Playing Handicap = Course Handicap (rounded to the nearest integer).
- In the head-to-head, the lower-handicap player plays from 0. The other player receives the difference between the two Playing Handicaps as extra strokes.
Example: Player A with Playing Handicap 12, Player B with Playing Handicap 20. Player A gives strokes. Player B receives 8 strokes (20 − 12) distributed across 8 holes.
Which holes carry the extra strokes
Strokes are not distributed evenly. Each hole has a Stroke Index (S.I.), numbered from 1 to 18. Hole with S.I. 1 is the hardest to concede; S.I. 18 is the easiest.
If you receive 8 strokes, you receive them on the 8 holes with the lowest Stroke Index (1 through 8). On those holes, your net par is one stroke better than your opponent's gross par.
The Stroke Index is printed on the course scorecard and often on the tee markers.
Strategy: how to use your strokes well in match play
Unlike strokeplay, in match play what matters is winning holes, not accumulating the fewest total strokes. This changes strategy dramatically:
- On holes where you receive a stroke, you can take more risk — you already have a one-stroke advantage over your opponent.
- On holes where you don't receive a stroke, losing the hole isn't catastrophic as long as you win more than you lose overall.
- If your opponent has already lost the hole (e.g., they're lying many), play conservatively and secure the halve.
Four Ball (Better Ball): 85% of Course Handicap
In Four Ball, each player calculates their own Playing Handicap at 85% of their Course Handicap. The difference is then applied against the lowest handicapper in the group — that player receives 0 strokes, and the others receive the difference on holes by Stroke Index.
Foursomes (Alternate Shot): 50% of combined handicap
In Foursomes, the two players on each side combine their Course Handicaps and apply 50%. The result is the team's Playing Handicap. The difference between the two teams' Playing Handicaps is then distributed by Stroke Index in the same way.
Example: Side A has HI 10 and 14 → combined CH ~24 → 50% = 12. Side B has HI 20 and 28 → combined CH ~48 → 50% = 24. Side B receives 12 strokes (24 − 12) distributed by Stroke Index.