The Absolut Cup celebrates competition, camaraderie, and integrity. Every player competes every round — no bench, no substitutions, no excuses. The rules ensure fairness, smooth pace, and consistent scoring under all conditions.
1. Tournament Format & Schedule
| Day | Format | Holes | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Wed) | Two-Man Shamble | 18 | Each player tees off. The team selects the best drive, then both players play their own balls from that spot to the hole; the team’s best net score counts. Out of Bounds: If both tee shots are OB, each player may either re-tee hitting 3 or drop within two club lengths of where the ball crossed OB (no nearer the hole), also playing 3. If one drive is in play, that ball must be used. |
| Day 2 AM (Thu) | Two-Man Alternate Shot | 18 | Partners alternate shots from tee to hole. Before the round begins: Teams must declare which player will tee off on odd holes and which on even holes. Players alternate teeing off accordingly throughout the round. Out of Bounds: If a drive is OB, the same player may either re-tee hitting 3 or drop on line with the OB entry point, also playing 3. Play then continues alternating from that point. |
| Day 2 PM (Thu) | Two-Man Scramble | 9 | Both players hit every shot, choosing the best after each stroke until holed out. |
| Day 3 (Fri) | Two-Front Battle | 18 | Front half: 2v2 Duel (Scramble, Ă—3 points). Back half: 4v4 Team Scramble (Ă—6 points). |
2. Scoring System
| Category | Base Points | Friday Duel Multiplier | Friday 4v4 Multiplier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hole (Score) | 2 pts | Ă—3 | Ă—6 |
| Putts | 1 pt | Ă—3 | Ă—6 |
| Junk (CTP/LD) | 1 pt | Not multiplied | Not multiplied |
Push Rule: If a hole is tied (“push”), its points carry forward and add to the next hole. Any points still pushed after the final hole are split evenly between teams.
3. Press Rules
- Eligibility: A team that lost the previous hole’s score may declare a press on a later hole, provided no new loss has occurred since that loss. The press doubles the base points (score and putts) on that hole only — not carried points.
- Restrictions:
- May not be used on Hole 1.
- May only be used once per round.
- Press applies only to that hole; carries reset after resolution.
- Effect: A successful press doubles points for that hole only. If the hole pushes, the press is lost and not reapplied.
4. Gambit Chips
Each team begins the event with three (3) Gambit Chips. Before each round, captains allocate one chip to each match. Each pairing therefore holds one gambit per round, which may be used at their discretion.
| Gambit | Description | Usage Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ride or Die | Choose one player; their ball must be selected twice on the hole and that player must hole out. | May be used when short-handed; solo = self applies. |
| Putt for Dough | Designate one putter; first putt must begin outside a putter length to qualify. | Solo = self applies. |
| Mulligan to the Rescue | Take one extra swing on a chosen stroke; must use the mulligan ball. | Solo players may use. |
- Pairings do not disclose their gambit choice until the moment it is declared.
- Must be declared before the shot to which it applies.
- Each pairing may use only one gambit per round.
- Gambit use must be noted on both the live scoring app (primary) and written scorecard (backup).
5. Pairing Rules
- Sealed Envelopes: Captains submit pairings nightly; reveals occur simultaneously.
- No Repeat Pairings (Wed/Thu): A duo cannot repeat before Friday.
6. Missing Player / Short-Hand Rules
If a team is missing a player (1 vs 2, or 3 vs 4 in 4v4), the following modifications apply:
6.1 Day 1 – Shamble (1 vs 2)
Solo player may hit two tee shots and select the best, then plays one ball until holed out. If both drives go OB, the solo player may either re-tee hitting 3 or drop near the OB entry line, also playing 3.
6.2 Day 2 AM – Alternate Shot (1 vs 2)
Solo player hits two tee shots, selects the best, and plays solo to hole out. If the first tee ball is OB, the solo player may either re-tee hitting 3 or drop on the OB entry line, playing 3.
6.3 Day 2 PM – Scramble (1 vs 2)
Solo player gets one forced mulligan per hole (declare before hitting; must use result).
6.4 4v4 Team Scramble
| Situation | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| 3 vs 4 | One designated player hits an extra drive only each hole. All other shots are standard scramble play. |
| 2 vs 4 | One designated player hits an extra drive, and the team receives one mulligan to be used anywhere on that hole. |
| 1 vs 4 | Allowed only by mutual captain agreement. Solo receives two tee balls + two forced mulligans per hole; otherwise, points may be split for that hole. |
Notes: Junk and putting contests remain live for short-handed teams. Gambits may be used only by players present.
7. Friday Policy – “Duel First, Short in Scramble”
- Each team must assign two players to the 2v2 Duel first.
- Remaining players automatically compete in the 4v4 Scramble.
- 2v2 Duel: 18-hole scramble, Ă—3 multiplier.
- 4v4 Scramble: 18-hole team event, Ă—6 multiplier.
- Short-hand handling follows Section 6.4.
8. Administrative & Scoring Rules
- Declarations: Before play begins, Alternate Shot teams must declare which player will drive odd and even holes. All presses, gambits, and mulligans must be declared before the shot.
- Score Keeping: In every match, one pair must maintain the live scoring app (primary record), and the other pair must keep a written scorecard (backup record). Failure to maintain both will result in a 10-point penalty to that match. Both pairs must verify that the live scoring app and scorecard match before submission.
- Disputes: All disputes are resolved by the pairings involved in that match. If unresolved, use stroke-and-distance or replay as the equitable remedy. No formal protest procedure will be used.
- Audit Trail: Both pairings must confirm that the live app (primary) and scorecard (backup) agree. Any discrepancies must be corrected or noted before submission.
9. Tournament Integrity
- Every player is responsible for knowing and following these rules.
- Captains are accountable for pace and player conduct.
- Tournament Directors may interpret or enforce rules as necessary for fairness and integrity.
10. Scoring Validation & Oversight
- One pair maintains the live scoring app (primary record), and the other maintains the written scorecard (backup).
- Both pairs should check periodically to ensure scores align during play.
- Final validation between the live app and scorecard is required before submission.
End-of-Round Verification: Captains must compare and confirm that live app totals and written card are identical before submitting results.
11. Spirit of the Cup
Play hard. Play fair. Compete with honor. Celebrate the rivalry. Win or lose, the Absolut Cup’s legacy is measured not in points — but in pride.