The Matchplay Championship Rules & Formats

1. The competition will be played in accordance with the rules of golf as laid down by the R&A. Approved for the payment of expenses Rule 4-2g RA/1/2011.

2. The competitions will be Matchplay format as prescribed by the Rules of Golf. GPS systems are permitted for competitors use.

3. Entries not received by midnight on 30th June 2011 will be disregarded. Once accepted, entries cannot be withdrawn, rescinded, amended or refunded, other than in exceptional circumstances at the total discretion of the Tournament Director.

4. Entry is open to all players aged 16 or over on 30th June 2011. Should a golfer(s) under the age of 18 on the 1st May 2012 win through to the Grand Final they must be accompanied to Dubai by either their golf partner (If the golf partner is aged over 18) or a fare paying guest, either must take legal responsibility for the minor.

5. Handicap Rule & Requirements:

There will be a total of 4 events:
Men’s Pairs CONGU ‘Active’ – (A) Only for both players
Men’s Pairs CONGU and Strokes Golf Handicap - (A), (B) & (C)
Mixed Pairs – (A) & (B)
Men’s Singles - (A)

(A) CONGU ‘Active’ - a current member of a CONGU affiliated golf club who has played in at least 3 handicap qualifying competitions between April 30th 2010 and June 30th 2011.

(B) CONGU ‘Non Active’ – a current member of a CONGU affiliated golf club with a handicap.

(C) Strokes Golf Handicap – a current subscriber to Strokes Golf Handicap who has entered a minimum of 3 cards between April 30th 2010 and June 30th 2011 (www.strokesgolfhandicap.co.uk). If either player falls into this category then you must select this option. No other handicap certificates are valid for entry into the events.

Maximum handicap is 28 for men and 36 for ladies. Current handicap certificates must be taken to each match and shown to the opponents before the match commences. If a competitor does not provide a handicap certificate on the day of the match he/she must provide proof of handicap to the organisers within 48 hours of completion of the match if requested by the opponents.

6. The entry fee is £25 per person. Cheques to be made payable to: The Golfers Club UK Ltd.

7. Players will be notified of their opponents in each round by e-mail a valid email address must be provided. No other confirmation of entry will be issued.

8. The pair which plays must be the same as that named on the entry form. Changes in players are not allowed once the entry has been accepted. If a team needs to change a player prior to the first round they must request permission from the Tournament Director.

9. All players are equally responsible for contacting opponents to arrange a mutually suitable date and ensuring play is possible at the chosen course at the time agreed. Teams should share any green fee payable.

10. The winning pair/single in each round must notify the organiser in writing (e-mail/fax/post) by the prescribed date. Failure to do so will result in disqualification. Failure to play a match by the prescribed date will result in the disqualification of both pairs/singles.

11. The winning team/single that registers their results first will benefit from home advantage in the next round.

12. By entering into this event you automatically give permission for your name and contact information to be made available to other competitors.

13. Qualifying rounds will be played between July 2011 and March 2012. The Northern Regional Final will be held at Marriott Hollins Hall in April 2012 (TBC) the Southern Regional Final will be at Marriott St Pierre in April 2012 (TBC).

14. The Grand Final will be held at The Els Club, Dubai with finalists staying at the Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel, Dubai May 2012 (dates to be confirmed).

15. All players who win through to the Grand Final must be in possession of a current valid passport. JRW Group Events Ltd and The Golfers Club UK Ltd accepts no responsibility for any loss or injury. Winners should ensure that they have appropriate travel insurance before leaving the UK.

16. The invitation to the Grand Final will include return scheduled economy flights from the UK to Dubai, internal transfers, 7 nights’ accommodation including bed, breakfast & dinner, single or twin accommodation and four rounds of golf with a free place at the grand prize giving gala dinner and party.

17. All players at the Grand Final will be responsible for any other expenses such as travel upgrades, airport taxes, caddies, golf carts, drinks, additional food and other activities.

18. Friends, relatives, supporters can travel and be accommodated entirely at their own expense. The organisers have arranged special rates. Interested parties should contact the Tournament Director.

19. Winter Conditions: Course conditions, the home team has the responsibility to ensure that the course is fit for play and to inform visiting golfers of the Local Rules prior to match day. If it is essential that Winter Rules be in operation, then these should still allow for the fair and proper playing of the match. If not, the match should be switched to the away course providing it complies with the acceptable Winter Rules and is available. Course closure on match day, If the home course is closed or does not comply with acceptable Winter Rules on the day of the match, and the away course is open and does comply with the Winter Rules, the match should automatically switch to the away course (subject to availability on the agreed match day). Alternatively, if neither course complies with the Winter Rules on the first agreed match date either an alternative date should be found to play at the home club, or the home club may elect to play on a neutral course but if so they will be responsible for any green fees.

20. In the event that play is not possible at either Regional or Grand Finals, the Tournament Director reserves the right to settle the competition in any way deemed fit.

21. All queries should be directed to the Tournament Director at the address shown.

22. All decisions concerning the running and administration of the Matchplay Championships rest with the Tournament Director and his decision in all matters is final and binding on all competitors. Full tournament rules are available upon request.

23. JRW Group Events Ltd reserve right to change the Grand Final venue and date of any rounds at any time without prior notice.

24. Full terms and conditions.