The Competition is played over a single day and is a matchplay tournament. Generally competitors play in teams of two, but singles can be played depending on numbers of entrants. Each team will choose a country of their choosing to represent for the duration of the Competition.
The teams will play a regular matchplay tournament over the first 17 holes. Each point gained will count towards one (or one half in the event of a tied hole) stroke taken off their score on the 18th hole. The team with the lowest score on the 18th hole is then declared the winner. In the event of a tie on the 18th hole I have no idea what happens.
In addition, the following rules* will be obeyed:
- Each team will play with one ball.
- Each player in the team shall take it in turns to tee off, on consecutive holes.
- There is no rule 3.
- Each player in the team will take it in turns to take a shot. A player may only take two shots in a row if it is their turn to tee-off after putting a ball in the previous hole.
- If your ball is lost you take a drop ball and add one shot to your score. The drop must be taken from as close as possible to where the ball was lost. If your ball is lost in a bush the drop must be taken from the side of the bush where the ball went in.
- If you are struck by lightning and die, and so cannot finish the tournament, you will lose the tournament but the trophy gets named after you.
- If you hit a hole in one you will be awarded a bonus point.
- A hole in one on the 18th is counted as 0.
- If you hit an animal (with your shot) you automatically record a hole in one. Humans are not considered animals for the purpose of this rule.
- If your team is more than 2.5 points (i.e. 3+ points) behind the leader you can play your Joker. The Joker will score you double points on the hole it is played. You may use the Joker only once and you must declare it before any team tees off. You cannot use your Joker on hole 18.
- Otherwise, the general rules of golf apply.
*rules are subject to change, please check with your local authorised World Cup Golf™ representative.