In the UK most course scorecards have a stroke index for each hole. This represents the difficulty of that hole. For example, a hole that has a stroke index of 1, means that it is considered the hardest hole on the course. Therefore a person with a 1 handicap and above will recieve a shot on that hole. Likewise a hole that has a stroke index of 18 is considered the easiest hole on the course and all players with an 18 handicap and above will recieve a shot there. The match index is used in the same way but for matchplay.

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Thanks

Greg Hutton
Head P.G.A. Professional
golftuitiononline.com