BDDC – Match Play Tournament Rules (Handicap Format)
1. Format of Play
- The tournament will be played in a 1 vs 1 match play format.
- Each match consists of 18 holes unless otherwise specified.
- The player who wins the most holes wins the match (e.g., “3 & 2”).
- The tournament follows a single elimination bracket.
- Players in the first round of the event will also track their total score for a stableford leaderboard.
- Players will play the first round as a normal stroke play event.
- Players who top the stableford leaderboard that lose their match will be matched with other match play winners if the event needs additional players due to an uneven of entries.
2. Handicap Application
- Handicaps are used to level the playing field.
- The player with the lower handicap is considered the “scratch player.”
- The higher handicap player receives strokes equal to the difference between the two handicaps.
- Strokes are applied based on the course’s stroke index (hole handicap ranking): Example: If Player A (5 handicap) plays Player B (12 handicap), Player B receives 7 strokes on the 7 hardest holes.
3. Tees & Course Setup
- Players must play from designated tees based on tournament guidelines (Women play from the front tees and Men play from the 2nd from the back tees)
- If both players agree on a specific tee box that can also play another one head of the designated playing area.
4. Scoring
Match play scoring is based on holes won, lost, or tied:
Win a hole = UP 1
Lose a hole = Down 1
Tie (halve) = E
The match ends when one player is up by more holes than remain.
5. Match Completion & Ties
- If the match is tied after 18 holes, it proceeds to a sudden death playoff: (if more holes are playable then playoff hole will start. If not a putting contest will be sufficient.)
- Handicap strokes will not apply during playoff holes based on stroke index.
6. Match Scheduling
- Each round has a set deadline for completion. Matches will have 7 days for completion. (Matches must be complete aligning with the possible next match.)
- Players are responsible for coordinating their match time.
- Failure to complete a match by the deadline may result in: Disqualification of one or both players
- Advancement determined by tournament committee
7. Rules of Golf
- All matches are governed by the Golf Canada Rules of Golf.
- Local rules may be applied and must be agreed upon before the match begins.
8. Concessions
- Players may NOT concede putts, holes, or the match during the 1st round of the event.
- Players may concede putts, holes, or the match after the second round has started.
- A conceded putt is considered holed; it cannot be declined or replayed.
