PRESENTS
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FAQs
What is The Showdown?
The Showdown is a UK-wide amateur golf tournament where teams of two compete in a better ball match play format. Starting with 960 teams all battling it out through 4 x knockout rounds across 3 months, leaving only 60 teams to reach the final, hosted at the Belfry Hotel & Resort
What is the format of the tournament?
The format is Better Ball Match Play across 18 holes. Handicaps will be included.
Is there a Max Handicap?
Yes the max handicap will be 24
Do we have to use official handicaps
Yes, we will only accept officially recognised handicaps, e.g England Golf, Wales Golf etc
Do you count net or gross scores during matches
A net handicap score is used to determine points for each hole. This allows players at different handicap levels to compete fairly against each other.
How does the tournament work across different regions?
Matches are played across all of the UK. Teams are divided into groups based on location and compete in brackets of 16 teams. We prioritise geographic proximity to minimise travel for teams. However, if there are fewer teams from a particular region, travel time might be longer.
When does the tournament start & finish?
Beginning of May until the 28th August
How do we contact the other team to schedule the match?
Contact details for the opposing team will be provided on your team’s dashboard in the web app once the tournament starts
Do i need to download an app to particpate?
No, the tournament is managed via a web app, which functions like any website. Your team has a dashboard with all necessary information
How many matches does my team have to win to reach the finals?
Your team must win 4 straight matches to qualify for the final event.
Where are the matches played?
Matches are arranged by the nominated home team with their captain selecting the course.
Do we pay a green fee for each match?
Yes. All match-related fees are responsibility of the participating teams.
Can we change a match date once it has been decided?
Match dates can only be changed if both teams agree. You must inform the home team captain at least 24 hours before the match if a change is necessary.
How do we start the match?
When both teams meet at the first tee at the agreed-upon start time, the home team captain opens the tournament app and starts the game from the Matches tab in the app. Here, the home team captain enters the team players and the tee they want to play from, and then starts the match. The app keeps track of scores and standings as they are entered by the home team captain. Either team captain can start the match and record the scores.
Who keeps track of the score
It is the responsibility of the home team captains to keep track of the score for each player. This is easily done through the scorecard function in the app. The app allows either team captain to start and record scores (in case the home team captains cannot access their phone).
Do Both teams need to confirm the score?
Yes, in order to allow both teams to verify the score, the visiting team captain will always be asked to review and verify the scorecard after the home team captain has submitted it. Once verified, the score is officially entered into the tournament results log and the match is deemed completed.
What happens after a match is completed?
After a match, your team’s standing will update on the dashboard, reflecting whether you've progressed or been eliminated from the tournament.
What happens if a match is tied after 18 holes?
Tied matches are decided by sudden death playoffs starting from the next best available hole. If daylight or other conditions prevent further play, a scorecard playoff will be used—comparing the back nine, last six, last three, or 18th hole scores. The "scorecard playoff" is essentially a countback, which may be more familiar terminology for some players.
Can teams use reserve players?
Yes, each team can register two reserve players. Reserves must be registered in advance of each match and cannot play for other teams still in competition. Reserves can be switched in for regular players at the last minute if needed. Reserve players do not need to pay a separate entry fee.
How is the handicap applied in matches?
Handicaps are adjusted using the World Handicap System. The calculation is based on course slop, rating and playing handicap. A 10% reduction of your handicap is applied as per matchplay convention. Our web app then automatically calculates your playing handicap for you.
Which group will my team be placed in?
Upon registration, we ask you to select your home course. You do not necessarily need to be a member of that course's club, but we will use the course location to determine which group of teams to place you in. We will try to minimise travel distance for all teams.
How is the ‘home team’ assigned?
When the tournament starts, ahead of the first round, one of the teams in each match-up is randomly assigned home status. The home team captain gets to choose which course to play the upcoming match on. You can, for instance, suggest that the match be played at your home course. For subsequent rounds, the team that was able to complete their previous match is given home team status.
Who can participate
The tournament is open to amateur teams (men's, women's or mixed) with each player having an official handicap. Participants must be over the age of 18.