Format Of Play

The Texas Mexico Cup will be a great opportunity for juniors to be introduced to international competition, learn the concept of team competition and most importantly, build new friendships while having fun!

Play is governed by the 2009-10 Rules of Golf issued by the USGA, and where applicable, by Local Rules.  Rules questions should be directed to the CUP COMMITTEE consisting of a representative from both teams and a representative of the golf course.  All decisions made by the committee are final. 

Tournament Play Format 

• DAY ONE – Four-ball Match Play, two-man teams in better ball (Rule 30)
• DAY TWO – Foursomes Match Play, two-man teams in alternate shot (Rule 29)
• DAY THREE- Singles, 18 holes at Match Play (Rule 2). 

The order of play during all rounds of the tournament is determined through mutual agreement of both teams’ captains.  The 2010 TEXAS-MEXICO CUP consists of a total of 88 matches.  All team members will participate in all three formats of play.

Play Guidelines & Terminology

• SINGLES MATCH PLAY is a game played by holes. A hole is won by the player that holes its ball in fewer strokes.  Score is kept by the number of holes up (won) and the number of holes to play.  When a side is up (winning) by more holes than holes remaining, the match IS CLOSED OUT and a point is awarded.  Rule 2
• In FOURSOMES PLAY two team members play as partners, and each must play alternately from the teeing grounds and alternately during the play of each hole.  Penalty strokes do not affect the order of play.  (i.e. One partner will tee off on odd-numbered holes and the other will tee off on even-numbered holes.)  A hole is won by the team that holes its ball in fewer strokes.  Score is kept by the number of holes up (won) and the number of holes to play.  When a side is up (winning) by more holes than holes remaining, the match IS CLOSED OUT and a point is awarded.  Rule 29
• In FOUR-BALL MATCH PLAY two team members play as partners, each playing his own ball.  Four balls are in play per hole with each of the four players recording a score on the hole.  The lower score of the partners is the score for the hole.  If one partner fails to complete the play of a hole, there is no penalty.  A hole is won by the team that holes its better ball in fewer strokes.  Should the two teams tie for best score, the hole is halved.  Score is kept by the number of holes up (won) and the number of holes to play.  When a side is up (winning) by more holes than holes remaining, the match IS CLOSED OUT and a point is awarded.  Rule 30
• CONCESSIONS – In all three formats of play, a stroke, hole, or an entire match can be conceded at any time prior to the conclusion of the hole or the match.  Concession of a stroke, hole, or match may not be declined or withdrawn. 
• ONE POINT is awarded for each match won no matter which format is played.
• If the match is tied or “HALVED” through the predetermined number of holes to play (either 9 or 18), each team receives one half of a point.
• TEAM POINTS – The 2010 TEXAS-MEXICO CUP includes 88 matches.  A total of 88 points are awarded in the 2010 TEXAS-MEXICO CUP competition.  One point is awarded for each match won.  The side with the most points at the conclusion of the CUP matches wins the CUP.
• TIES – In the first year of play, ties will be played off with the captains of each team picking one individual in each age group to play a sudden death match play competition starting at hole #1.  In future competitions, an overall tie will go to the previous winner of the CUP.
• PAIRINGS – Each team captain submits the order of play for his team to the appointed tournament official.  The lists from each captain are matched resulting in the pairings.  Please note that the team captains can modify the players in pairings at any time prior to the beginning of a match.  Thus, pairings are subject to change and should not be considered final until play begins for a particular match.