Each hole on the course has its own Stroke Index Allocation (SIA) value, 1 through 18. These values are known informally as “stroke holes” or “handicap holes”.

The process to determine a Stroke Index Allocation was adjusted with the introduction of the World Handicap System in 2020.  It now utilizes a simple, consistent and data-based approach that can be applied to any course in the world, regardless of the number or type of players at the course.

In simplest terms – and as a starting point – the Stroke Index table is based on the Course Rating and on the overall difficulty of each hole relative to par. Value 1 for the hardest hole, value 18 for the easiest hole. Odd difficulty values are then assigned to the front 9 and even difficulty values to the back 9. Adjustments are made to the final allocation of values to holes for equitable assignment of strokes in match play. 

In the end, it’s important to understand that the SIA values are not purely an indicator of hole difficulty.

Here’s a look at the Stroke Index Allocation values for Men and for Women as outlined on our scorecard.