1. What is Golf Course Rating?

Golf Course Rating (CR) is a numerical value that represents the difficulty of a golf course for a scratch golfer. It indicates the expected score a scratch golfer would achieve under normal course and weather conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard golf course rating formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Sum Yardage Factors} \) — Combined yardage difficulty factors (unitless)
• \( \text{Obstacle Factors} \) — Combined obstacle difficulty factors (unitless)
• \( CR \) — Course Rating (unitless)

Explanation: The formula combines yardage-based difficulty factors with obstacle-based difficulty factors to determine the overall course rating.

3. Importance of Course Rating

Details: Course Rating is essential for handicap calculations, tournament setup, and comparing the relative difficulty of different golf courses. It helps ensure fair competition across various courses.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the sum of yardage factors and obstacle factors as determined by course rating guidelines. Both values must be non-negative numbers representing the accumulated difficulty factors.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are Yardage Factors?
A: Yardage factors represent the difficulty contributed by the length of the course. Longer courses typically have higher yardage factors due to increased playing distance.

Q2: What are Obstacle Factors?
A: Obstacle factors account for difficulties like bunkers, water hazards, rough, trees, green contours, and other challenges that affect playability beyond pure distance.

Q3: What is a typical Course Rating range?
A: Course Ratings typically range from 67 to 77 for most regulation courses, with higher numbers indicating more difficult courses.

Q4: How is Course Rating different from Slope Rating?
A: Course Rating measures difficulty for scratch golfers, while Slope Rating measures relative difficulty for bogey golfers compared to scratch golfers.

Q5: Who determines the yardage and obstacle factors?
A: Certified course raters from golf associations conduct detailed evaluations to assign these factors based on established rating criteria.