Matchplay Ladder

How It Works

The Matchplay Ladder is a season-long competition (April – end of September) where players compete head-to-head to climb the rankings.

Starting Order

• The starting ladder is based on handicap index — the highest handicap starts at #1 (top), the lowest handicap at the bottom.
• New players joining mid-season are added to the bottom of the ladder.

The Ladder

• All participating players are placed on a ladder, ranked by position.
• Your goal: climb as high as you can by winning matches before 30 September.

Challenges

• You can challenge any player up to 3 positions above you on the ladder.
• The challenged player must accept and play the match within 2 weeks.
• If the challenged player doesn't respond in time, the challenger moves up by default.
• You can only have one open challenge at a time.
• After playing someone, both players must complete 3 other matches before they can face each other again.

Match Format

• Standard matchplay over 18 holes.
• Matches can be played during the week or on our regular Sunday get-together.
• Handicap strokes are given based on the difference in handicap index.
• If the match is all square after 18, standings stay the same.

Results

• Challenger wins: they swap positions with the opponent.
• Defender wins: everyone stays where they are.
• All results are recorded and visible on the ladder page.

Minimum Matches

• Each player must complete a minimum of 5 matches before the end of the season.
• Players who fail to reach 5 matches are disqualified from the final rankings and prize eligibility.

Prizes

• Prizes will be awarded at the end of the season for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions on the final ladder.
• Only players who have completed the minimum of 5 matches are eligible.

Entry

• Entry fee: €10, paid to Nigel.