Seniors Team Matchplay 2025

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 old on 1st January 2025.
   
   3. The format will be 4 ball better ball matchplay. The Playing Handicap generated is 100% of the Course Handicap - players now 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 2024 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.

This is a general guide for organisers of teams participating in the MDGA Inter Club knockout Competitions. They are based on the most frequently asked questions by team organisers over the years.

1. Familiarise yourself with the rules of the competition which are displayed on the website above the draw for the particular round.
2. Make contact with your opponents as soon as possible after the draw is made. It is the responsibility of BOTH teams to make contact.
3. Allow yourselves plenty of time to play the match. Playing the match on the last day before the closing date will leave you as being a hostage to fortune in the event that the match cannot be played.
4. Extensions to the closing date of each round will not be granted as this has a knock on effect with the later rounds and the dates of the final are fixed. (2024 was the exception due to the weather in the spring).
5. LOCAL RULES OF THE DAY APPLY. This is particularly significant in the earlier rounds. If there are temporary greens, preferred lies, mats, holes closed or other restrictions these are the conditions of the day and the match is played under those conditions. The host clubs organiser should inform the visiting clubs organiser in reasonable time before the date of the match of any restrictions that are in place or may be in place on the day of the match.
6. The venue of the match may be changed (The match is switched to the away teams course) with the agreement of BOTH organisers. In this event the club hosting the competitions becomes the HOME team and the visiting team are the AWAY team.
7. CATERING does not have to be provided. It is entirely at the discretion of the home club. The visiting club should be advised of the situation regarding catering in advance of the match.
8. HANDICAPS. In accordance with the Rules of Golf it is the PLAYERS responsibility to ensure that they play the match with the correct handicap and that any adjustments are correctly applied. In accordance with the rules of golf any player playing with an incorrect handicap that is HIGHER than their actual handicap will be disqualified and will lose their individual match PROVIDED the error is discovered prior to the draw to the next round being made.
9. A player may play off a handicap that is LOWER than their actual handicap. This includes where a player deliberately knows it is lower or accidently players off a lower handicap.
10. MDGA COMPETITION RULES. It is the responsibility of both teams to ensure that the relevant competition rules of MDGA are complied with for the relevant competition. If an error is made and a match is played contrary to the MDGA rules then the result will stand.
11. It is expected that clubs will allow courtesy of the course for a practice round for visiting clubs however this is not compulsory. If a club does not allow a courtesy round or imposes conditions on the round it is expected that the club will not request a courtesy round if drawn away from home but will instead request to play using the same conditions that they impose.
12. DISPUTES. Almost all eventualities are covered by the rules of golf. If a dispute occurs please refer first to the rules of golf to resolve the matter.
13. If anything is not covered by the rules or requires clarification please contact MDGA BEFORE the match. We want to avoid uncertainty on the first tee on the day of the match.
14. If a dispute occurs and a matter is referred to MDGA for a decision the MDGA Executive will refer to the Rules of Golf and rules of the competition taking into account the comments made above. We cannot enter any 'courtroom drama' style enquiry although accounts will be taken from both teams. ONCE A DECISION IS MADE NO FURTHER CORRESPONDENCE WILL BE CONSIDERED.
15. And finally......Good luck, enjoy the matches and thank you for organising your teams !!