Stroke index is a numbering system used in handicap golf competitions to indicate the relative difficulty of each hole on a golf course. The stroke index is a number from 1 to 18 assigned to each hole, with the lowest stroke index assigned to the easiest hole and the highest stroke index assigned to the most difficult hole. The stroke index is used to determine the order of holes at which handicap strokes are to be given or received. Handicap strokes are given at holes where the stroke index of the hole is less than or equal to the number of strokes given. The stroke index is used in both match play and stroke play competitions. In match play, the stroke index is used to evenly spread the handicap allowances across the course. This is done by allocating the odd stroke index numbers to the more difficult half of the course and the even stroke index numbers to the easier half of the course. Handicap strokes are deducted from a players score in the order of stroke index from indexed hole 1 to 18 recurring.

Knowing the stroke index of each hole can help golfers make informed decisions about club selection, shot placement, and overall strategy, which can lead to better scores and a more enjoyable round of golf. Stroke index is also used in other competitions, prime among them Stableford competitions, where points are earned on each hole in relation to each golfer’s net par for the hole. To work out the net par for each hole, the stroke index is used. If a golfer knows that a particular hole has a high stroke index, they may choose to play more conservatively and aim for a safer part of the fairway or green. The stroke index information is typically found on the scorecard or posted at the tee box of each hole. In addition to helping individual golfers make decisions, the stroke index is also used in tournament play to determine the order of play.