Changed course ratings....

Folks need to stop thinking about Slope as an indication of difficulty. It is merely a calculated number based on the Course and Bogey ratings.

Although this is true, it is a good indicator of difficulty. The toughest courses like Carnoustie and Bethpage have a high slope index
 
Although this is true, it is a good indicator of difficulty. The toughest courses like Carnoustie and Bethpage have a high slope index
If we stay away from the extremes and look at courses with more average Slope ratings, it's pretty obvious that it's a rather poor indicator of actual difficulty.

A great example is Bransford. From the back tees for men, par is 72, Course Rating is just 70.4, and Slope is 140.
 
If we stay away from the extremes and look at courses with more average Slope ratings, it's pretty obvious that it's a rather poor indicator of actual difficulty.

A great example is Bransford. From the back tees for men, par is 72, Course Rating is just 70.4, and Slope is 140.
Agreed. I hear people at my club laughing that the back 9 at our course is "easier" than the front 9 because it has a lower slope. They completely ignore (or fail to understand) that the CR for the back 9 is about 2 shots higher than the front.
 
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