What is a slope rating in golf?

In golf, a course's slope rating measures the course's difficulty for a non-scratch or average golfer. A course's slope rating depends on its bogey rating and course rating.

The United States Golf Association (USGA) calculates slope rating by subtracting the course rating from the bogey rating. The result is multiplied by 5.381 for male golfers and 4.24 for female golfers. The bogey rating evaluates the course based on the skills of a bogey golfer who routinely golfs above par and fulfills other criteria outlined by the USGA. The course rating indicates the course difficulty for a scratch golfer who golfs at par without a handicap. All ratings are taken in normal weather and normal course conditions.