1. World Final overview and general conditions

1. These rules replace the International Pairs rules issued for previous World Final seasons.
2. The World Final takes place from 5 to 9 October 2026 at Barceló Tenerife, Amarilla Golf and Golf del Sur.
3. The Tournament Committee consists of International Pairs Management and appointed officials. The Committee administers the competition, resolves Rules questions and may amend the programme or issue additional instructions when required for the fair and safe running of the event.
4. Participants must protect the reputation and integrity of International Pairs, represent their club and country appropriately and comply with the Code of Conduct.
5. If a qualified player or pair cannot participate, any substitution is subject to the applicable country or territory rules and approval by International Pairs.
6. Right of admission to the tournament and official programme may be reserved where event rules, safety requirements or the Code of Conduct are not met.

2. Divisions and venues

• Championship: played at Amarilla Golf by teams of two.
• Mixed Pairs Championship: played at Amarilla Golf by a pair consisting of one male and one female player.
• Ryder Experience: played at Golf del Sur as a three-team, captain-led competition. Players will be allocated to one of the three teams.

3. Eligibility

1. Players must be at least 16 years old at the start of the World Final.
2. Every player must be affiliated to a recognised golf club or national body, hold a current official Handicap Index and be in good standing with their club and country.
3. Proof of handicap must be available at registration or whenever requested by the Committee. An official federation application, certificate, club letter or golf-union confirmation may be accepted.
4. Championship and Mixed Pairs prizes are awarded only to eligible teams of two players.

4. Handicapping

1. Players compete from the Handicap Index recorded by the recognised handicapping system in their country under the World Handicap System.
2. The planned allowance for the Championship and Mixed Pairs Better Ball competition is 85% of Course Handicap. The Committee will confirm the final calculation on the competition notice.
3. The maximum playing handicap is 30 for men and 36 for women.
4. Ryder Experience handicap allowances and stroke allocation will be confirmed with the published format notice.
5. Players are responsible for the accuracy of their handicap and score history. Handicap manipulation, false information or failure to submit required scores may result in disqualification.

5. Competition format

The World Final programme includes one official practice round and two tournament rounds.

Championship and Mixed Pairs

These divisions are played as Better Ball Stableford over two tournament rounds at Amarilla Golf. Each player plays their own ball. The better eligible Stableford score on each hole counts for the pair.

Ryder Experience

The Ryder Experience is a three-team, captain-led competition at Golf del Sur. Competition formats and scoring arrangements will be announced soon in the official Ryder Experience notice.

Players must report to their assigned starting point at least five minutes before the published start time. The normal Rules of Golf penalties apply to late arrival.

6. Rules governing play and equipment

1. Play is governed by the Rules of Golf issued by The R&A and USGA, these regulations, the Local Rules page and any dated Committee notice for the relevant division and course.
2. Distance-measuring devices may be used for distance information. Measuring slope, wind speed, temperature or another condition that may affect play is not permitted when prohibited by Rule 4.3.
3. Clubs and balls must conform to the Rules of Golf. Advice is limited to a partner, team captain or another person permitted by the applicable format and Committee notice.
4. Golf carts, caddies, medical accommodations and practice facilities are subject to the instructions for the relevant course and round.

7. Scoring and scorecards

1. Championship groups will use two scorecards per four-ball, with one scorecard for each pair, unless a different approved scoring process is announced.
2. Players and markers must check the player names and hole scores and complete all required certification before returning a scorecard.
3. An approved scoring application may be used in addition to the physical scorecard. Event staff will assist where required.
4. For stroke play, an incorrect lower hole score or a missing hole score is dealt with under Rule 3.3b. A returned higher score stands.
5. Ryder Experience players must confirm the result of each round or team fixture using the published scoring process.
6. Published leaderboards and team standings remain provisional until confirmed by the Committee.

8. Pace of play and care of the course

• Keep pace with the group in front and follow instructions from referees, marshals and course staff.
• Play Ready Golf whenever it is safe and responsible and follow any format-specific pace instructions issued by the Committee.
• Repair pitch marks, replace divots, rake bunkers and protect all course and venue property.

9. Determining results

Championship and Mixed Pairs

Where practical, a tie for first place may be decided by a hole-by-hole play-off. If a play-off cannot be held, the Committee may use the final-round countback: holes 10-18, then 13-18, then 16-18, then hole 18, followed by hole-by-hole comparison from hole 17 backwards. The same sequence may then be applied to the first competition round. If teams remain tied, the Committee may decide the result by drawing lots.

Ryder Experience

The Ryder Experience scoring system and tie procedure will be stated in the official format notice.

10. Weather, suspension and shortened competition

The Tournament Referee or Tournament Director decides whether play must be suspended, resumed, shortened or cancelled. If all players in a division have completed the same number of holes, the Committee may declare a result from the common completed round or hole total. Safety signals and resumption instructions must be followed immediately.

11. Conduct, photography and event decisions

All attendees are bound by the Code of Conduct. On-course misconduct may also be dealt with under Rule 1.2. Event photography and video may be captured during the official programme for event reporting and promotion; privacy or safeguarding concerns should be raised with the event team. Committee decisions are final within the competition process, subject to the Rules of Golf.

12. Tournament contact

Email info@internationalpairsgolf.com or contact the event team on WhatsApp at +27 73 495 7252.