Frequently Asked Questions
Registration & Entry
Q: Who can enter The Duke of Edinburgh Cup New Zealand?
A: The tournament is open to all amateur golfers holding a valid handicap. You must be 18 years or older at the start date of the World Finals (late September 2027, date to be confirmed) to qualify for the main prize. Players under 18 may compete but cannot qualify for the World Finals.
Q: Can I register with a playing partner?
A: Yes! This is an individual event, but you're welcome to sign up with a playing partner. When completing the registration form, simply include your Playing Partner's Name in the designated field. Both players need to register separately and pay their individual entry fees. Please note that golf functions, meals, and other tournament expenses remain at each player's own cost.
Q: What is the maximum handicap allowed?
A: Maximum handicap is 28 for men and 36 for women. Playing handicap is calculated at 90% of your course handicap after slope adjustment.
Q: How much does registration cost?
A: Early bird registration is $375 per person (limited to the first 40 of 128 players). Regular registration is $399 per person. All players receive a premium gift bag valued at $150.
Q: What is the registration deadline?
A: Registration closes on 30 April 2027, unless the tournament sells out beforehand. The field is limited to 128 players.
Q: Can I get a refund if I can't attend?
A: Entry fees are generally non-refundable except in cases of event cancellation or at the Committee's discretion. Please see our full Terms & Conditions for details.
Tournament Format
Q: What format is the competition?
A: The Duke of Edinburgh Cup New Zealand is an 18-hole Stableford competition played as an individual event. Players may sign up to play in pairs for company, but all scoring is individual.
Q: What rules apply?
A: The tournament is played under the Rules of Golf as laid down by the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, the USGA, and any local rules that Royal Wellington Golf Club has in place.
Q: Can I use a GPS or rangefinder?
A: Yes, distance-only measuring devices (GPS and laser rangefinders) are permitted. Devices that measure slope, wind, or provide club recommendations are not permitted.
Q: How are ties broken?
A: Ties are decided by count back of the last nine holes, then six, three, two, and finally the last hole. If still tied, the front nine decides. If there is still no result, there will be a sudden death play-off using Stableford scoring with full handicap.
Prizes & World Finals
Q: What do the winners receive?
A: The top two New Zealand qualifiers receive a trip to the World Finals in London, including return flights, five nights' accommodation with hotel breakfast, ground transport, tournament golf at Wentworth and Windlesham with lunch at the course, and attendance at the Royal Gala Prize Giving Dinner at Windsor Castle. Other meals and personal expenses are at your own cost. See the Prizes page for exactly what is included. Attendance at Windsor Castle is subject to Royal security screening.
Q: Can I bring a partner to the World Finals?
A: Yes, a partner or guest is welcome to accompany qualifiers and may share the hotel room. However, functions, golf, meals, and other expenses will be at the partner's/guest's own cost.
Q: When and where are the World Finals?
A: The World Finals take place in late September 2027 (dates to be confirmed) in the Windsor area, west of London (about 30 km, or under an hour by train, from central London), with rounds at Wentworth and Windlesham Golf Clubs, and the final dinner at Windsor Castle.
Charity
Q: Which charities benefit from the tournament?
A: 100% of net funds from The Duke of Edinburgh Cup New Zealand stay in New Zealand, supporting Young Enterprise (YES) and its youth enterprise programmes.
The Venue
Q: Where is the tournament held?
A: The Duke of Edinburgh Cup New Zealand is held at the prestigious Royal Wellington Golf Club, 28 Golf Road, Heretaunga, Upper Hutt. We'll be playing the world-class Heretaunga Course, an 18-hole championship parkland course set in beautiful surrounds.
Q: What is the dress code?
A:
- On course: Collared shirts, dress shorts or tailored trousers, soft spikes only, golf shoes required.
- In the clubhouse: Smart casual attire.
- Host club: Please also check the dress code of the host club, Royal Wellington Golf Club.