Matchplay is a game that is decided hole by hole instead of a cumulative score over 18 holes

A hole is won by the team and/or player with the least number of strokes on each hole. Captains will mark the opposing teams’ cards before each day’s play to ensure all scoring is correct.

Handicaps for each day will be determined by subtracting the lowest SLOPE Handicap from the highest SLOPE Handicap and the difference will be the number of shots the team will have on the course as per the Matchplay Index.

Example:
J Tedesco (28) vs. J Suttor (10) 28 – 10 = 18
Jugsy will be awarded +18 Shots over John and these will be determined by the
Matchplay Index holes 1 – 18

Score is kept by the number of holes “Up” (won) and the number of holes to play

Example:
Fourwood Blue Devils 2Up with 6 (Holes) to play

When a team is “Up” (winning) by more holes than there are holes remaining, then the match is “Closed Out” and 1.0 Point is awarded.

1.0 Point is awarded for each match won. If the match is tied or “Halved” through 18 holes of play, each team or individual receives 0.5 Point

In TOTAL there are 12.0 Points awarded in Governors Cup competition

Concessions are an important part of Matchplay golf, also known as “Gimmes” or “Inside the leather”

A stroke, hole or an entire match can be “Conceded” at any time prior to the conclusion of the Hole or Match. Concession of a Stroke, Hole or Match may not be declined or withdrawn.

No player is obligated to concede holes or strokes, but please be conscious of slow play, etiquette and sportsmanship.

Remember:
Its only “good” when your opponent tells you it’s “good”.

1) To win the Governors Cup either Team will need to score 6.5 Points or more from a total of 12 Matches

2) 1.0 Point is awarded for each Match Won and 0.5 of a Point awarded to each team for Matches that are ‘Halved’

3) The Team with the most points at the conclusion of the Governors Cup matches Wins the Governors Cup.

4) Mathematically the Governors Cup can not be “Won” prior to Day 3 Singles ensuring that every Match is “Live” on the final days play.

If, at the conclusion of the Governors Cup the Teams are tied at 6.0 Points each, there will be a “Sudden Death Playoff” involving all 12 Players on the 18th Hole (in the event of a Par 3 Captains may agree on another more suitable hole to play)

Team order designated by the respective Captains, each member Must play a shot in the predetermined order until the hole has been completed.

Example:
(1) “Player 1” – Tees Off (2) “Player 2” - Plays the second shot (3) “Player 3” – Chips on to the green (4) “Player 4” – Putts (5) “Player 5” – Putts to finish out the hole (6) “Player 6” – Not required in this example

Important Note:
Order will commence again from the top should the Hole not be closed out during the rotation

The Private Captains Toss

Each Team Captain will be required to submit his chosen “Pairs” for the next day’s play at these sessions, all other players are not permitted to attend.

During the “Private Captains Toss” Captains are permitted to negotiate with one another on all matches, should the Captains not be able to agree on any matches during the negotiation phase they will then revert to a coin toss.

When all Matches have been finalised, Captains are then required to determine the “Order of Play” where group speed will be taken into consideration.

Captains will then be required to front the Media and present the “Groupings” and “Order of Play” back to the group.

Thus, “Pairings” are not subject to change once confirmed.

As many well know, etiquette is part and parcel of golf. This boils down to respect and manners. That said, we are here to enjoy one another’s company and give each other a damn thorough sledging.

Bear in mind the following when smoking your opponents from the lip:

1) Be on time. Making others wait for you on a tee prior to tee off disrespects your team mates and opponents – not cool

2) Keep quiet when any player within your line of sight is addressing the ball or making a shot. Talking & making noise during someone’s swing is the height of poor form, bad manners and cheap, Bevan behaviour.

3) Halt your conversation whilst other players address their ball to play – believe me, you will have plenty of opportunity to chat throughout the tour. This includes your own as well as nearby groups

4) Play ready golf: Get on with the game – and the gamesmanship if you must

5) Be considerate at all times – remember this when you vote for the Hopetoun Medal

Slow play is the perennial bugbear of Golfing enjoyment. Whilst we would rather not enforce one single set of rules regarding slow play, remember that the pace of play of any one group is down to each of its’ individuals.

If you have a partner who is slower than average, discuss this with them and work out a strategy to keep play as fast as possible. Go directly to your balls, have a plan mapped out for the hole and be decisive.

A few things to remember:

1) The round – no matter how intense or competitive should take four (4) or a maximum of four and a half (4.5) hours. Signs at resorts which give other, longer times are written for old farts, Asians who confuse the game with a Tea Ceremony and Americans who doddle

2) As soon as your shot comes to rest, start thinking about the next one. If you are starting your thought process as you approach your ball, it is already too late and you are slowing your group down

3) Get to your ball ASAP. Don’t wait around watching others – GC is not a spectator event (unless your match is finished then is very much is)

4) ALWAYS be aware of the group ahead AND behind. Be conscious of where you are on the course and within the field

5) Consider your friends – we don’t want a Day 3 Playoff ending in the dark

6) GET ON WITH IT – it is after all, just a game albeit a very important one

Always apply common sense. If you are not sure of a rule, ask your partner and playing group for a decision.

The rules apply to all of us – even if they’re not fair. If at any time you require clarification on any Governors Cup matters, please consult your Team Captains or experienced GC competitors.

Important Notice:
CHAIRMAN’S CALL
In extreme circumstances where a dispute cannot be resolved by Team Captains then the “Chairman’s Call” should be activated.  

INJURIES & UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES
In the event of an injury or unforeseen circumstance and a Player cannot complete his Match or remaining Matches:

a) Captains can agree to forfeit all Matches and award the opposing Team 1.0 Point for every match forfeited (Singles format this is the only option)
b) At the agreement of both Captains Day 1 & Day 2 Matches may continue in a 2 vs 1 format with the 2-Man team gaining an advantage teeing off at “Dormie” which means the 1-Man team can only win 0.5 Point should the Win or Halve the Match