Tee up for a great time at the world’s largest golf tournament for amateurs
Keen golf fans are in for a treat…
Not everyone is ready for the Masters. But here’s a golf tournament that will allow you to experience what it’s like to be a golf pro.
Whether you’re just beginning to start golfing or you’re an old pro, it’s time to tee up for the World Amateur Match Race – the biggest match play golf tournament in the world (for amateurs) that starts locally in Saudi Arabia and countries around the world and ends with a magical golfing experience in Dubai.
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By joining the tournament, competitors get a unique chance to walk in the footsteps of champions, such as Rory Mcllroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Francesco Molinari, Jon Rahm, Lee Westwood and Collin Morikawa.
The World Amateur Match Race has opened team registration for the new season. Here’s all you need to know about the unique golfing race and how to get in on the action.
What is the World Amateur Match Race?
It is a season-long, two-player match play knock-out competition that starts locally in 39 countries from 6 continents and ends with a World Final in Dubai in April 2024, where winners from the six continents will compete for the final trophy.
The new season in Saudi Arabia will begin on Sunday October 1.
How does it work?
The World Amateur Match Race is played in 2-man teams (men’s teams, women’s teams or mixed teams) and is played all as the same class.
The competition starts with small local group races with 16 teams in each group race. Teams will be matched in a radius of 150 kilometres from your chosen target golf course. The draw takes place the week before the first round starts.
All matches are played as 4-ball, Match / Best ball. The two players in the team with the best scores on each hole are measured against each other. The best score wins the hole for the team.
Teams are required to rack up eight straight wins between October 2023 and March 2024. From each group race, two teams advance to the playoffs, where they compete for the directly decisive playoff spots for the final in Dubai.
Who can participate?
The tournament is open to amateur men, women and mixed pairs with official handicap. Players must be at least 18 years old before the competition.
How do I create a team?
As a team captain, you can create your team with members. Each team consists of two players, either men, women, or a mix. Each team has the right to use two reserve players. These reserves can complement the team if needed throughout the competition.
When does the group game start?
Each group race starts with the first round played between October 1 and October 14. For each round, the matches are played for pre-determined periods between 14 to 28 days to get the match played.
All communications between participants can be easily done through the World Amateur Match Race website, where everyone gets access to digital scorecards and reports for their matches. They can also follow other matches live throughout the year while the race is in progress.
What happens next?
The group game includes a total of four rounds. Winning teams in each round advance to the next round. All teams are guaranteed the opportunity to place in the playoffs with one losing match in the group game.
In the event of a loss in any of these four rounds, the team gets a second chance in the loser bracket, where the team still has a chance to reach the playoffs. In the event of a second loss, the team is eliminated from the tournament.
The two winning teams from each group qualify for the round of 16, with 14 other teams from seven geographically close groups for the directly decisive playoff for final placements in Dubai.
During the group Game and playoffs, all green fees or other fees/costs are paid by each team.
What to expect at the final event in Dubai?
For all teams that win their group playoffs, a magical golfing experience awaits in Dubai, where travel, hotels and golf courses are paid for. The final event in Dubai will be held in April 2024 and winners from six continents will compete for the final trophy.
It will consist of 72 holes played over three days. Day 1 features Better Ball format, day 2 is Texas Paris Scramble, and the final day is Single Stroke Play. The team with the best net score after 72 holes is declared the winner of the World final.
How do I join the race?
Start by registering your team and securing participation in the fifth edition of the World Amateur Match Race. Then, select the golf club where you will play in a race of 16 teams. There is no obligation for you to pay for your team at this stage, but the participation fee is $149 per person. The free registration closes on Sunday September 24.
What are the participating golf courses in Saudi Arabia?
In Riyadh, you can choose from Palms Golf Club Intercontinental, Arizona Golf Resort and Riyadh Golf Club to Dirab Golf & Country Club and Nofa Golf Resort.
If you’re based in the Eastern Province, there are the Wadi Al Saeed Golf Club, Ain Nakhl Golf Club, Dunes Golf Club, Whispering Sands Golf Club, Rolling Hills Golf Club, and Surfside Golf Club. There are also the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in KAEC, Safaa Island Golf Club in KAUST Campus, and Desert Lakes Golf Club in Jeddah.
So gather your team, hit the driving range, and get ready to make your mark on the golfing world. Dubai is calling, and with just eight wins, you could be on your way to an unforgettable golfing adventure.
Register for free here.
Visit: Worldamateurmatchrace.com
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