The sad fact remains that the vast majority of golfers judge a course by its slope.
Lets look at French Creek vs. Merion East.
FC has a course rating from the tips of 73.0 and a slope of 140.
Merion East has a course rating from the back tees of 72.4 and a slope of 142.
That alone tells you nothing. Merion East is one of the top courses in the world. French Creek, as nice as it is, isn't
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Jim:
Here's how slope is used (from ghin.com):
Q: I found my record and my Handicap Index® . I am playing a course today with a different Slope Rating. How can I figure out my Course Handicap for that round?
A: Click on the "Course Handicap Calculator" link at the bottom left of your scoring record. Input your Handicap Index® and Slope Rating. Click "Calculate Course Handicap" and your Course Handicap for that set of tees will appear.
If you do not know the Course Rating and Slope Rating of where you are going to play, consider using the following link to look up that information:
http://www.usga.org/playing/handicaps/course_ratings/course_rating_lookup.asp This will take you to the USGA’s Course Rating and Slope Rating lookup. This can also be helpful if you are trying to post a score online and you do not know the ratings.