Competition Rules
1. Each team will consist of 10 players. 5 Players with a Handicap Index of 15.0 or less, the remaining 5 players with a handicap index of 15.1 to 24.0 inclusive. All handicaps must be current and active. All players must be a member of the relevant golf club.
2. Players must be over 55 years of age on 1st January 2026.
3. The format will be 4 ball better ball matchplay. The Playing Handicap generated is 100% of the Course Handicap – players take 90% of the difference between that of the lowest handicapper and each other player in the group.
4. **Any player representing a club MUST have submitted a minimum of 5 acceptable scores for handicap purposes in the 12 months prior to the date of the match.**
5. The home team will decide which tee will be used for the competition i.e white or yellow and the corresponding stroke index will be used.
6. Before play commences the team captains must exchange team sheets with the order of play.
7. The order of play will be as per the team sheet. Any team failing to field a full team will forfeit the match not played. The opponents of the forfeited match must be in attendance and ready to play in order to claim the match.
8. There are no halved matches. If a match finishes all square after 18 holes the match will be awarded to the AWAY team.
9. Members of more than one MDGA club can only play for one nominated club in all 2026 MDGA team knockouts.
10. The HOME TEAM must offer a choice of three dates which must be weekday dates i.e Monday to Friday. The home team are under no obligation to offer any alternative dates to these three dates. The match may be played on a Saturday or Sunday WITH THE AGREEMENT OF BOTH TEAMS. The weekend dates are in addition to the three weekday dates.
11. Extensions to the closing date will not be granted and it is recommended that matches are played as early as possible so as to allow for a re-arranged match in the event of adverse weather conditions and course closures.
12. A courtesy round should be offered for each round for a maximum of six pairs. Arrangements are to be made between the relevant team captains.
13. If a match is not completed in the specified time the MDGA Executive will adjudicate.
14. The winners must notify the MDGA secretary of the result by text or email by the closing date of each round.
15. **Use of Buggies.** Please refer to the MDGA Buggy Policy on the website.
16. Should any contingency arise which is not covered by the rules the decision of the MDGA Executive will be final. LOCAL RULES ON THE DAY OF THE MATCH APPLY
Preliminary Round
The draw for the Preliminary Round has been completed and is shown below. A list of clubs receiving a bye to the first round is shown at the end of the draw.
The rules of the competition are shown above and also please refer to the ‘Guide for Organisers’ which details a number of FAQ’s
Matches to be played and the result emailed to mdgainfo@yahoo.co.uk by: Tuesday 7th April 2026.
Please note that it is the responsibility of BOTH teams to make contact and please allow sufficient time to play the match in case of postponement due to bad weather.
| Home Team | Versus | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
| Bramall Park | v | Dunham Forest |
| Vale Royal Abbey | v | Crewe |
| Prestwich | v | Macclesfield |
| Antrobus | v | High Legh Park |
| Withington | v | Hart Common |
| Stand | v | New Mills |
| Ashton in Makerfield | v | Hurlston Hall |
| Dukinfield | v | Bury |
| Rochdale | v | Romiley |
| Tunshill | v | Blackburn |
| Mellor | v | Fairfield |
| Ashton under Lyne | v | Davyhulme Park |
| Hazel Grove | v | Marple |
| Saddleworth | v | Werneth |
| Blackley | v | Pike Fold |
| Walmersley | v | Bolton Old Links |
| Regent Park | v | Darwen |
| Leyland | v | Greenmount |
| Alderley Edge | v | Whitefield |
| Wychwood Park | v | Alder Root |
| Northenden | v | Chorley |
| Turton | v | Dunscar |
| Shrigley Hall | v | Deane |
| Marriott Worsley Park | v | Harwood |
| Ringway | v | Birchwood |
| Wilpshire | v | Eaton |
| Didsbury | v | Stamford |
| Sale | v | Heyrose |
The followings clubs have a bye to the 1st Round of the competition. The draw for the 1st Round will be published online on Wednesday 8th April 2026
| Alsager | Ashton on Mersey | Bolton | Breightmet | Brookdale |
| Cavendish | Cheadle | Chorlton cum Hardy | Crompton and Royton | Davenport |
| Denton | Disley | Ellesmere | Flixton | Haigh Hall |
| Haydock Park | Helsby | Hindley Hall | Houghwood | Bouldsworth |
| Heaton Park | Leigh | Lowes Park | Lymm | Manchester |
| North Manchester | Pleasington | Reddish Vale | Rossendale | Shaw Hill |
| Stockport | Tytherington | Warrington | Wsthoughton | Wigan |
| Worsley |