UKBGS Competition Format
1. Golf Season:
The UKBGS golf season runs from October to September of the following year. Throughout the season, monthly competitions are held using the Stableford scoring system, with handicaps applied to ensure fair competition and points contributing towards the UKBGS Order of Merit standings. A designated winter break takes place during December, January, and February, during which the UKBGS International Tour is typically organised, subject to demand, seasonality, and availability, and may, where necessary, be scheduled as late as March. A Matchplay tournament is also held during the season, alongside the Summer Getaway—a two-day, team-based competition played in a Ryder Cup format.
Alongside regular season competitions, UKBGS may also organise additional tournaments, including charity golf events and other special events, which will be announced and published on the UKBGS website.
2. Monthly Competitions:
UKBGS currently hosts eight main monthly competitions during the season, typically held on Sundays on dates set by the Committee. Members are required to register via the UKBGS website and ensure that the entry fee is paid in full prior to the deadline specified by the Committee. All UKBGS events are played using each member’s current UKBGS handicap and are conducted as individual competitions with full handicap allowance. Each event will award winners in both divisions, alongside additional on-course competitions such as ‘Nearest to the Pin’ and ‘Longest Drive’, with prizes awarded accordingly. The Committee reserves the right to introduce additional categories and prizes for each competition at its discretion.
3. Scoring Format:
All UKBGS monthly competitions are played using the Stableford scoring system, where points are awarded based on a player’s net score relative to par on each hole, with handicaps applied to ensure fair competition across all abilities. This format encourages consistent play throughout the round and contributes towards the UKBGS Order of Merit standings. For Matchplay competitions, UKBGS uses a standard matchplay format played on a hole-by-hole basis. Any applicable allowances or competition conditions will be determined at the discretion of the UKBGS Committee to ensure fair and competitive play.
4. Competition Qualification & Eligibility:
To promote fair and enjoyable competition for all participants, UKBGS operates a competition qualification requirement for new and returning players.
Any new member or guest participating in a UKBGS competition for the first time shall have their first competition treated as a qualifying round. The player may participate fully in the competition and their Stableford points will count towards their Order of Merit standings where applicable; however, they will not be eligible to win the main competition during that qualifying round. They will become eligible to win from their next UKBGS competition, provided they do not subsequently miss three consecutive UKBGS competitions and subject to meeting all other competition and membership requirements.
The same qualification requirement shall apply to an existing UKBGS member who has been absent from three consecutive UKBGS competitions. Upon returning, their first competition shall be treated as a qualifying round before they become eligible to win a UKBGS competition. Any Order of Merit points earned during the qualifying round will continue to count towards their season standings.
The UKBGS Committee shall retain discretion over competition qualification and eligibility matters and may review individual circumstances where necessary in the interests of fair and balanced competition.
5. Order of Merit:
The Order of Merit shall be determined by the cumulative Stableford points from a player’s best six (6) performances out of the eight (8) events in the UKBGS calendar. Points will be awarded and recorded within each player’s respective division.
In the event that one or more scheduled competitions cannot take place, the number of counting scores shall be adjusted accordingly. For example, if only seven events are held, a player’s best five scores shall count towards the Order of Merit, with the remaining scores discarded, and so on.
Where a member moves between divisions during the course of a season, their Order of Merit points shall be attributed to the division in which they have participated for the majority of that season. The UKBGS Committee shall retain sole discretion in determining the applicable division for Order of Merit purposes. Where a member has participated in an equal number of competitions across both divisions during the season, their starting division for that season shall be taken into consideration. The Committee also reserves the right to consider the member’s UKBGS handicap, playing ability, performance throughout the season, handicap progression/regression and any other relevant golfing factors in determining the division in which their Order of Merit points shall be attributed. The final determination shall remain at the sole discretion of the UKBGS Committee in the interests of fair and balanced competition.
6. Awards Evening:
At the conclusion of each season, an annual awards evening is held at the beginning of the new season, typically in October. This event provides an opportunity for UKBGS members to come together as a community to celebrate the achievements of fellow golfers and recognise performances throughout the season. Order of Merit winners are honoured across Division 1 and Division 2, alongside a range of individual awards which may include categories such as Most Improved Player, Best Gross Medal, Best Gross Stableford, and other awards as determined by the Committee.
The awards evening is an important part of the UKBGS calendar, reflecting the Society’s values of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and shared enjoyment of the game. It allows members to take pride in both individual accomplishments and the continued growth and success of UKBGS as a whole.