OFFICIAL COMPETITION REGULATIONS

1. Competition Overview

The Nations Cup is an international team golf competition played over three (3) days on three (3) different golf courses.
Each participating nation enters a team of ten (10) players.

2. Rules of Golf

The competition is governed by:

  • The Rules of Golf as approved by the R&A and USGA
  • The World Handicap System (WHS)
  • The Local Rules in force at each host golf course

The Tournament Committee’s decisions are final.

3. Format of Play

  • The competition is played in Individual Net Stableford format.
  • One round is played each day, with each round contested on a different course.

4. Handicap Regulations (WHS)

  • All players must hold a valid Handicap Index issued under the WHS.
  • The maximum Handicap Index permitted is 24.0.
    Any player with a higher index will have it reduced to 24.0 for this competition.
  • Playing Handicaps are calculated daily using the player’s Handicap Index, Course Rating, Slope Rating, and Par.
  • Handicap allowance is set at 100% of the Playing Handicap, subject to the maximum index of 24.0 and golf courses handicaps.

5. Scoring

5.1 Individual Scoring

Net Stableford points are awarded on each hole as follows:

  • Net double bogey or worse: 0 points
  • Net bogey: 1 point
  • Net par: 2 points
  • Net birdie: 3 points
  • Net eagle: 4 points
  • Net albatross: 5 points

All individual classifications are based on net scoring only.

5.2 Team Scoring

  • For each round, the best eight (8) individual net Stableford scores out of the ten (10) players count towards the team total.
  • The team score for a round is the sum of these eight scores.

6. Final Ranking

  • The final team ranking is determined by the total net Stableford points accumulated over the three rounds.
  • The nation with the highest total score is declared the Nations Cup Champion.

7. Tie-Breaking

In the event of a tie in the final team ranking, the following criteria apply in order:

  1. Highest team score in the final round
  2. Highest team score on the last 9 holes of the final round
  3. Best individual net Stableford score on the final day

8. Player Conduct

All players are expected to:

  • Observe proper golf etiquette
  • Maintain acceptable pace of play
  • Comply with all instructions from officials and the Tournament Committee

9. Tournament Committee

The Tournament Committee reserves the right to:

  • Interpret and enforce these regulations
  • Amend the conditions of the competition if required by exceptional circumstances

10. Team Identity & National Representation

  • Each nation must design its team uniform and equipment in national colors
  • Uniforms must include a discreet national flag or symbol
  • Objective: reinforce international identity, unity, and national pride