Frequently Asked Questions
The Tournament Referee has compiled a list of his responses to 'frequently asked questions'.
It is recommended that you take a copy of the Tournament Rules and these 'Frequently Asked Questions' to each of your round matches, in case of any queries while on the course.
If you have any further questions please call the Tournament Office on 020 7384 3757.
Q: Is there an entry fee for the competition?
A. There is no entry fee for the Tournament, but courtesy of the course must be extended to visiting competitors when the match is played.
Q: Are 5-day members eligible to play?
A. Yes. However bear in mind that many matches, particularly in the early rounds are played at weekends which may be a problem if you are drawn at home and select 5-day members.
Q: Can we elect to play all of our matches away?
A. No. It is a condition of entry that clubs must be able to host matches if drawn at home.
Q: We have contacted our opponents and they can only play at weekends, whereas we play all of our golf during the week. What happens in such circumstances?
A. In the early rounds, when it is not possible to play evening golf, the vast majority of matches take place at weekends and therefore it is essential that at least one weekend date is offered.
Q: Can we change players match by match?
A. Yes. Any bona fide member of your club can play. However the rules state that a player must have played in at least two qualifying rounds to be eligible for the Quarter Finals and Grand Finals.
Q: If I select the same players for consecutive matches must they play in the same order as they did in the first match?
A. No. However whichever player is named as No.5 on the day of the match MUST play the sudden death play off in the event of the match ending in a tie.
Q: Can the playing order be changed after the captains have exchanged team sheets?
A. No. Once the team sheets have been exchanged the players must remain in the order selected.
Q: As captain am I responsible for checking my team’s handicaps?
A. No. It is up to individual players to check their respective handicaps and the shot allowance prior to their match commencing. However if as captain you fill in the handicaps for your team on the team sheet every effort should be made to ensure that they are up to date.
Q: In trying to arrange our match I have given numerous dates but our opponents can only play on the last weekend. What will happen if the weather prevents us playing on that date?
A. Whilst it is both desirable and advisable to give as many dates as possible, the objective is to find a date that is suitable for both clubs. If a match is not played on or before the last weekend the Tournament Director will decide, on the basis of availability which team will go through to the next round. No match extensions will be allowed.
Q: On the only date we can agree with our opponents to play the match some of my best players are unavailable. Must I play under these conditions?
A. As stated in the last answer the objective is to find a suitable date for both teams. Whilst we appreciate that captains will want to select their best team, if by doing so this restricts the availability of suitable dates then you will have to consider selecting other members of your club to play.
Q: In order to reduce the number of tee times is it possible to play two single matches in the same fourball?
A. No. Matches MUST be played as 5 single matches.
Q: During the early months of the year we always have winter rules in place. Is this acceptable?
A. It depends on the rules. Our rules state that if winter rules are in force then they should still allow for the fair and proper playing of the match. You MUST notify the visiting captain of any winter rules when arranging your match and unless he or she agrees to play the match under those rules (or the away course has similar rules in force) then the away team can claim home advantage if any of the following apply:
a) Carrying a piece of Astroturf mat around and playing from it.
b) *Generally dropping off the fairway in the semi rough or rough.
c) * Generally teeing the ball up on the fairway.
d) Winter tees and greens are acceptable (maximum 6) as long as they do not manifestly alter the length of the course. In the case of winter greens these must be cut to an appropriate height and the holes MUST be regulation size (bucket holes are not acceptable).
*The odd fairway is acceptable if it is for course maintenance purposes.
Q: Must matches be played off Medal Tees?
A. Whenever possible matches should be played off Medal Tees.
Q: The Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) has issued a directive stating that singles matchplay should be full difference. Why is The Mail on Sunday Classic played with 3/4 difference?
A. We are aware of the CONGU directive but when we launched our competition last year it was only a recommendation that clubs use full difference in singles matchplay. Therefore we felt it was only fair that we run this year's competition with three-quarters difference.
Q: Is there an age limits ?
A. No, there is no age limits.