Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
In the World Handicap System, a Cap limits how far a player's Handicap Index can rise above their Low Handicap Index. After the Low Handicap Index is established, the Soft Cap slows upward movement beyond 3.0 strokes, and the Hard Cap limits the total increase to 5.0 strokes.
How it matters in match play
A Cap does not award or remove a stroke directly in a match. It affects the Handicap Index that may later be converted into a Course Handicap and Playing Handicap for the competition. Use the current capped Handicap Index and the event's authorised handicap method; do not treat the Cap as a special match-play allowance.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Cap |
| Category | handicap |
| Applicable rule | WHS Rules of Handicapping Rule 5.8 (with Low Handicap Index defined in Rule 5.7) |
| Related concepts | Handicap Index, Low Handicap Index, Soft Cap, Hard Cap, Handicap Review |
Worked example
Alex has a Low Handicap Index of 12.0 and a newly calculated Handicap Index of 16.0: the first 3.0 strokes rise normally, and half of the remaining 1.0 is applied, so the capped Handicap Index is 15.5; Ben's match strokes are then calculated from the competition's stated method.
Rule reference: WHS Rules of Handicapping Rule 5.8 (with Low Handicap Index defined in Rule 5.7)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
What does a Cap do to a Handicap Index?
It limits upward movement relative to the player's Low Handicap Index. The Soft Cap restricts the portion above a 3.0-stroke increase to 50%, and the Hard Cap limits the post-Soft-Cap increase to 5.0 strokes.
When does the Cap start to apply?
The Soft Cap and Hard Cap start only after a player has established a Low Handicap Index. Under Rule 5.7, that occurs once the scoring record contains at least 20 acceptable scores.
Does a Cap change the handicap allowance in match play?
No. A Cap changes the Handicap Index used as an input. The competition's applicable Playing Handicap calculation and allowance still determine how strokes are given in the match.
Can a Handicap Index fall below the Low Handicap Index?
Yes. The Cap limits upward movement only; the R&A states that there is no limit on how much a Handicap Index can decrease under the Cap procedure.
Can a Handicap Committee override a Cap?
A Handicap Committee may consider adjustments under its wider handicap-review responsibilities, such as where circumstances affect a player's demonstrated ability. Any override is a committee action, not an ordinary match-play rule.