What is the Soft or Hard Cap?

Resources on this topic:

• Video - "On Course with the USGA Handicap Department - Soft Cap and Hard Cap"

• Detailed Explainer - Understanding the soft cap and hard cap

• Poster - Capping Excessive Increases in Handicap Index®
• FAQ - Is there a limit on how much my Handicap Index can increase?
• FAQ - What is my Low Handicap Index™ and why is it displayed in my scoring record?

What you should know - In 150 words or less

Although all players have good and bad stretches, a player's underlying ability does not typically change significantly within a one-year period. As a result, the soft cap and hard cap are built into the Handicap Index calculation as a safeguard to prevent extreme upward movement.

• If your Handicap Index increases by 3.0 strokes within a year, the soft cap slows the rate of additional movement beyond 3.0 strokes by 50%.
• The hard cap sets a max increase of 5.0 total strokes within a year.

The illustration below demonstrates how the caps are tied to a player's Low Handicap Index - which is used as a reference point.

Note that a Low Handicap Index is not established until the player has 20 scores in their scoring record.

Key Notes:

• The Handicap Committee at a player's golf club can override the caps if circumstances such as injury or illness exist.
• If the soft cap or hard cap is applied to your Handicap Index, it will be clearly identified within your scoring record.