FOREWORD
Welcome to the inaugural Matchplay Golf SA tournament! We are thrilled to launch this exciting, competitive tournament that gives golfers the opportunity to test their skills against their peers. Whether you are teeing off for bragging rights or aiming for the SA Final, we aim to create an enjoyable, fair, and memorable experience for everyone involved.
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Matchplay Golf SA event is a fiercely competitive matchplay tournament for teams.
1.2 It is played in Better Ball Matchplay format, managed entirely through our custom mobile-friendly website.
1.3 Registration opens on 1 May 2026.
1.4 By registering, you agree to abide by the Tournament Rules, Regulations and Conditions.
2. OVERVIEW AND GENERAL TERMS
2.1 We aim to build a tournament known for its integrity and enjoyment. We reserve the right of admission.
2.2 This is purely about competition, great golf and rekindling competitive spirit.
2.3 The Organisers reserve the right to change, amend or add any tournament rules they deem necessary to ensure the successful running of the tournament.
3. TEAM COMPILATION AND SUBSTITUTIONS
3.1 The team competition can be made up of any two (2) golfers who hold an official handicap on the South African golf handicapping system.
3.2 If a player cannot play in any round due to health, bereavement, business or other reasons, a substitution is allowed.
3.3 A team is only allowed one (1) substitution per season. Once a player is substituted, they cannot return to that team.
3.4 The team that played in the Divisional Final cannot substitute a player for the SA Final.
3.5 Admin must be informed immediately and must approve all substitutions.
3.6 If a qualified pair cannot attend the SA Final, their spot is awarded to the team they defeated in the last round.
4. MEASURING DEVICES
4.1 Players may use distance-measuring devices for yardages only.
4.2 Penalties apply if devices are used to measure slope, wind, temperature or other conditions, per the Rules of Golf.
5. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
5.1.1 Participants must hold a valid, active Golf RSA Handicapping Network Africa (HNA) handicap.
5.1.2 Participants must be in good standing at their club.
5.1.3 Participants must be at least 18 years old.
5.2.1 Admin handles verification kindly and may request additional documents if needed.
5.2.2 Handicap verification involves cross-checking the HNA number against the official database.
6. REGISTRATION
6.1 Registration opens on 1 May 2026 and closes on 1 August 2026.
6.2 Players must provide: full name, email address, SA mobile number, HNA handicap number, current handicap index, city/town of residence, and postal code.
6.3 It is critically important that the correct postal code is provided. Geo-plotting for division assignments is done entirely based on the postal code entered.
6.4 Teams consist of two (2) players — mixed, all-male or all-female are all permitted.
6.5 Teams form via partner invite — Player 1 invites Player 2 via name and mobile number or email address.
7. ENTRY FEES AND PAYMENT
7.1 Entry fees are R1,500 per player (R3,000 per team).
7.1.1 Sign-on discount: full team payment of R2,800 if paid in full at time of registration — saving R200.
7.2 Payment is by electronic payment portal or EFT.
7.3 Once a team has paid and is included in the draw, no refunds can be issued.
7.4 Any withdrawal before 1 August 2026 will incur a 20% administrative penalty fee. After 1 August 2026 there will be no refunds.
8. TOURNAMENT FORMAT
8.1 The format is Better Ball Matchplay throughout.
8.2 Divisions are assigned by geo-plotting — closest teams are grouped together. Each division consists of exactly eight (8) teams.
8.3 Postal code must be 100% correct.
Bracket Structure — Double Elimination:
Round 1: 4 matches among 8 teams. Winners to Winners Bracket; losers to 2nd Chance Bracket.
Round 2: 2 matches in Winners Bracket and 2 matches in 2nd Chance Bracket.
Round 3: 2 undefeated teams get a bye. 2 cross-bracket matches played.
Round 4 — Semi-Finals: Round 3 winners vs the two bye teams.
Round 5 — Division Final: One match to determine the division winner.
Round 6 — SA Final Qualifiers: Division winners paired for playoffs. Winners advance to SA Final.
Home and Away:
8.7.1 Home and away designations are drawn at the start of each round.
8.7.2 The home team books a GolfRSA-affiliated course and confirms the tee time.
8.7.3 If the home team cannot book a course, the match takes place at the away team club.
8.7.6 Home teams must negotiate the cheapest possible rate with their club.
8.7.7 Each team is responsible for their own costs on the day.
9. HANDICAPS AND SCORING
9.1.1 Course Handicap is determined per World Handicap System rules.
9.1.2 A 90% allowance is applied to each player Course Handicap and rounded to the nearest whole number.
9.1.3 The maximum handicap index is 20.0. Players with a higher handicap will play off the cap.
9.1.4 The lowest 90% Course Handicap among the four players is set to scratch; all others receive strokes equal to the difference.
9.1.5 It is each player full responsibility to ensure they are playing off the correct handicap.
Scoring Format:
9.4.1 The better (lower net) team score on each hole counts.
9.4.2 A hole is won by the team with the lower net score, or halved if equal.
9.4.3 The match is won by the team that is more holes up than holes remaining.
Score Submission:
9.5.1 Scores are entered hole-by-hole in the app.
9.5.2 Manual scorecards are mandatory and serve as the official legal document.
9.5.3 Both teams must photograph and retain their scorecards.
10. TIED MATCHES
10.1 All square after 18 holes results in sudden death playoff starting from Hole 1.
10.2 If sudden death is not possible, a countback from Hole 18 applies — the team last in the lead wins.
10.3 If countback is also not possible, the winner is determined by a chip-off. Nearest to the pin wins.
11. MATCH SCHEDULING — ROUND WINDOWS
Round 1: 10 August – 6 September 2026
Round 2: 11 September – 18 October 2026
Round 3: 23 October – 29 November 2026
Round 4: 4 December 2026 – 24 January 2027
Round 5: 31 January – 28 February 2027
Round 6: 5 March – 11 April 2027
SA Final: Mid-May 2027
12. DISPUTES AND APPEALS
12.1 If a rules dispute cannot be resolved on the course, log a dispute in the app or contact admin@matchplaysa.co.za.
12.2 Admin reviews scorecards and seeks clarification from both teams.
12.3 Admin decisions are final.
13. SA FINAL
13.1 The SA Final is a multi-day event scheduled for around mid-May 2027.
13.2 Full details will be published by end of August 2026.
13.3 Organisers arrange on-site accommodation, golf rounds and meals.
13.4 Players are responsible for transport to and from the venue.
13.5 One practice round is provided.
13.6 Social events take place every evening except one, with live entertainment on at least one evening.
13.7 SA Final participants must sign the standalone Code of Conduct.
14. GENERAL PROVISIONS
14.1 Amendments are notified via the web-app; continued participation constitutes acceptance.
14.2 Force majeure: Organisers are not liable for events beyond their reasonable control.
14.3 Participation is at the player own risk.
14.4 Governing law: Republic of South Africa.
15. CONTACT
Email: admin@matchplaysa.co.za
16. ACCEPTANCE
By registering, you confirm that you have read, understood and agree to these Tournament Rules, Regulations and Conditions.