Rules

The Series

The Qualifying Competitions and the World Finals are to be played in accordance with the Rules of Golf as laid down by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, the USGA and any Local Rule that the golf club has in place.

If there is any difference between the men’s and ladies par / standard scratch / slope, handicaps are to be adjusted in accordance with the relevant National Golf Union guidelines.

It is to be an 18 hole Stableford competition, playing handicap is 90% (after slope adjustment) for a singles event with a maximum handicap of 28 for men and 36 for ladies. For a pairs event the playing handicap is 75% (after slope adjustment) with a maximum handicap of 28 for men and 36 for ladies

Local organisers may, with the prior agreement of International Golf Charity Trustees, run the event as a pairs competition.

Distance only measuring / GPS devices are allowed for the duration of the whole series including the World Finals.

Because of duty of care a qualifier must be 18 years or older on the start date of the World Finals.

Qualifying Events

International Golf Charity will determine the number of qualifiers from each event.

The agreed number of players with the best net Stableford scores over 18 holes either male or female will qualify for the World Finals.

At the qualifying event, contestants must have a current valid handicap to qualify for the World Finals. Validity is to be in

accordance to the rules of the National Golf Association of the country holding the event. Non-resident contestants must produce a current valid proof of handicap from their own national association. Any adjustment needed will be calculated using this.

Ties

Ties will be decided by count back of the last nine, six, three, two and final hole of the course regardless of the order played. If still

the same then the last six, three, two and final hole of the front nine will decide.

If there is still no result there will be a sudden death play-off using Stableford scoring with full handicap.

World Finals

The finals will consist of three separate events run concurrently: ‘The Duke of Edinburgh Cup’ for national qualifiers only, ‘The Invitational Trophy’ for guests and sponsors, and a ‘Pairs Trophy’ for all contestants.

The players with the top aggregate net Stableford scores over 36 holes in each of the three separate events will be the Winners.

To win a trophy the contestants must produce a current valid national handicap certificate or electronic proof before the start of the World Finals.