Frequently asked questions
What are the scheduled play-by dates for each round and when and where are the finals?
First round (by May 5). Second Round (by June 2). Third Round (by July 7). Fourth Round (by Aug 4). Fifth Round/Regional Final (by Sep 8). Finals on September 26/27 at Celtic Manor Golf Resort in south Wales.
How do I know if I am playing home or away?
The first-named club is the home club. But home and aways will be redrawn after each round to make sure clubs are not advantaged or disadvantaged with an excess of either as they progress.
We can’t agree a date to play our game. What do we do?
Flexibility and compromise are the key. Both sides need to offer each other a series of weekday and weekend dates until one is agreeable. If neither side can agree a date to play, organisers reserve the right to draw lots to decide who goes through. But this really shouldn’t be necessary.
I can’t get in touch with the team we are playing. What do I do?
Please keep trying the contact we were given when the team originally entered? If unsuccessful, please contact the club directly? If still no luck, please contact us via info@mixedgolfevents.com and we will try on your behalf. The contacts we have are those given to us when teams entered. Some contacts may have changed or left since entering. Clubs will be given a walkover or a bye if their opponents remain uncontactable or don’t make any efforts to contact you or decide to withdraw.
When should matches be played?
Matches can be played in midweek or at weekends. Clubs should offer a mix of both when arranging games.
Why am I not playing a team in my county in the first round?
Several reasons. Some counties have multiple entries making it easier to arrange. But some counties have odd numbers of entries meaning one team will have to play a side or sides from a neighbouring county or area. And sometimes it is closer and more convenient to pair teams from neighbouring counties.
Why am I in the particular region I am?
The four regions – North, Midlands, South East and South West – are not set in stone but will remain flexible year-on-year with boundaries changing and counties added or removed depending on the number and range of clubs that enter. Clubs on the edge or corner of certain regions will be allocated into regions that gives the best, balanced draw.
Can a player play if their handicap index is higher than 24 for men and 36 for women?
Players with higher handicap indexes can be selected but must play off a maximum course handicap of 24 or 36.
Is there a limit to the number of players in a squad?
There is no limit to the number of players allowed in each team squad per year. But players can only play for one team and one club in the competition each year. Juniors (under 18 on January 1 of the year the competition starts) are not eligible.
What is the match format?
Each of the five mixed matches will be played in a greensomes 18-hole format with each match played to a finish with extra holes if necessary.
Some results have a half point? How is this possible?
Teams can agree to halve a pairs result where the match has already been decided?
In what handicap order should matches be played?
Team pairs should be selected in handicap order (lowest first) with team sheets exchanged before the match.
How do you work out greensomes?
Greensomes 60%/40% formula – calculate the course handicap for each pair as follows (lower course handicap x 0.6) plus (higher course handicap x 0.4). Add together and round up or down as necessary. If the handicaps in the pair are equal, then use half the combined handicaps. The lower handicap pair then give strokes to the other based on the full difference between the two handicaps.
Shouldn’t we be using the England Golf mixed greensomes formula?
No. For the purposes of this competition, the simple 60%/40% formula should be used.
What tees should the match be played off and should strokes be taken from the men’s or ladies’ index?
The match should be played off the medal tees of the day – usually white for men and red for ladies – and strokes should be played off the ladies’ card.
Can you clarify the minimum drives rule?
Both players in each pair must play a minimum of six drives each based on playing an 18-hole match. Where matches finish earlier, it does not matter if one player hasn’t taken at least six of their drives.
Are buggies allowed?
Yes buggies are allowed.
Why are the regional finals not being played at neutral venues?
This is not logistically or economically possible at this time. However it is something we would like to introduce so if any club wishes to host a regional final we would love to hear from you. We would just need you to offer five complimentary tee times at a date and time to be decided. No catering would be necessary. Just email info@mixedgolfevents.com
Why are entry fees higher this year than previously?
The increase in cost is regrettable but necessary in order to try and maintain the future of the event. It was actually instated following feedback from other clubs who said the previous entry fee was too low in their opinion. They pointed out that entry into the national men’s and ladies’ competitions is actually £70 for each event, when only five players are involved. We obviously have twice as many people per team to accommodate at the finals, where most of the costs are accrued, so pro-rata are still cheaper. The good news is that the entry fee won’t rise again in 2025.
Any other queries?
Visit mixedgolfevents.com or email info@mixedgolfevents.com