In conjunction with the development of the 2026 fixture list, a review has been completed, whereby the entry criteria have been considered in conjunction with the competitive nature of each of the events throughout the season. Regular evolution of the entry criteria helps ensure that handicap limits remain appropriate and a core aim of the review was to maintain playing opportunities for as many pass holders as possible, whilst ensuring Honours Boards are competitive and fair for those taking part.
To support this a series of positive adjustments have been made to the Honours Boards and monthly fixtures, aimed at improving competitive balance whilst still allowing for inclusivity, primarily through introducing divisional splits.
The below reflects these changes applicable to the 2026 golfing calendar.
Applicable to Men’s and Ladies’ Sections
Club Stableford
The Club Stablefords have become increasingly popular, representing an opportunity for both sections to participate together within the same event. In 2025, tees were rated across both the Old and Coronation Course, providing Men access to the red tees on the Old and Coronation Course, whilst the Ladies now have access to the Yellow tees on the Coronation Course. In doing so, the tees will not be prescribed for these competitions, allowing players to choose a tee that best suits their ability. With the introduction of Course rating – Par, it is now possible for players to complete within the same event, from different tees. Our Club Stablefords will be the testing ground for this progressive format of play in 2026.
Junior Competitions
A series of dedicated Junior competitions will be introduced in 2026, driven by the rapidly expanding section. The dedicated events build upon the introduction of both the Club Championship and Rose Bowl events back into the golfing calendar as of 2025.
Mixed Knockout
As a key pairs event within the golfing calendar, the entry criteria have been revised to strike a balance across both sections, where the average handicap index varies. A maximum handicap index of 28.0 (at the time of entry) has been introduced, which is designed to provide a competitive environment for the season-long event. It is understood that due to course closures, less playing opportunities have been available to those looking to participate in the event. As such, the entry closing date has been moved to Sunday 8 February, with the draw being completed on the Monday 9 February. Given the number pairs receiving a ‘bye’ within the first round, there will be sufficient time to complete the matches.
Men’s Section
Spring and Autumn Meeting:
A core aim of the review was to maintain playing opportunities for as many pass holders as possible, whilst ensuring Honours Boards are competitive and fair for those taking part.
In doing so, structured divisions have been introduced to these events:
- Low to 11.4 index – Honours Board Division (Hele Shaw, Spring Meeting Medal, Scratch Gold Medal, and Autumn Meeting Medal)
- 11.5 to 18.4 index – Spring/Autumn Meeting Plate Division
Whilst the index has been adjusted for these events, several qualifying events are linked to both competitions, in which it is important to maintain continuity:
Seligman Cup
This will remain accessible to the top 16 nett scores from day two of the Spring Meeting, across both Honours Board and Plate divisions.
Alfred Craven
This will remain accessible to the top 32 nett scores from day two of the Autumn Meeting, across both Honours Board and Plate divisions.
Dotteridge Memorial
This will continue to be awarded to the lowest combined nett score of day two of the Spring and Autumn Meeting, across both Honours Board and Plate divisions.
Phillips Cup and Woodcote Salver
Due to the adjustment of divisions, the natural divide of both the Philips Cup and Woodcote Salver has been altered to reflect the same indices.
- Phillips Cup – Low to 11.4
- Woodcote Salver – 11.5 to 18.4
Division 1, 2, 3 – Men’s Monthly Stableford and Men’s Midweek Stableford
The existing division-based competition has not been equally divided, and as such, the equalising of divisions helps to ensure the equitable distribution of prize money, in conjunction with ensuring the competitive spirit of each division.
The competition has therefore been rebranded as a Men’s Monthly Stableford, and whilst maintaining three divisions, these divisions will be determined by the entries, rather than a pre-prescribed split. The purpose is to divide the divisions more equally and will be completed 24 hours before the competition.
Club Championship
As the section’s signature scratch-based event, entries will be limited to 80 players, which ensures tee times and entry levels can be managed and maintained accordingly.
Whilst the competition will be open to any male Pass Holder, to the maximum index of 18.4, the 80-player field will be balloted based on the lowest 80 indices.
Please view Formats and Rules for Men’s Honours Board Competitions 2026.
Ladies Section
Order of Merit
Previous reviews of the Order of Merit have encountered unintended consequences whereby qualifying events have not counted due to small field sizes. As a result, the following key changes have been made:
- Qualifying field size, reduced from 30 players to 20 players.
- Points awarded to the top 15 players (1point for 15th and 15 points for 1st).
- The best five results will count towards the Order of Merit.
Spring and Autumn Meeting / Ladies Maiden Salver
In keeping with the core aim to maintain playing opportunities for as many pass holders as possible, whilst ensuring Honours Boards are competitive and fair for those taking part.
Divisions have been introduced to these events:
- Low to 24.4 index – Honours Board Division
- 24.5 to 36.o index – Plate Division
Please view Formats and Rules for Ladies’ Honours Board Competitions 2026.
The entry criteria and terms of competition are published above for each of the events that take part throughout the year. Please ensure to review the criteria before entry.