Frequently Asked Questions

Registration & Entry

  • 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 (27 September 2026) to qualify for the main prize. Players under 18 may compete but cannot qualify for the World Finals.

  • 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.

  • A: Maximum handicap is 28 for men and 36 for women. Playing handicap is calculated at 90% of your course handicap after slope adjustment.

  • A: Early bird registration is $375 per person (limited to the first 40 of 128 players). Regular registration is $425 per person. All players receive a premium gift bag valued at $100.

  • A: Registration closes on 10 April 2026, unless the tournament sells out beforehand. The field is limited to 128 players.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • A: Yes, distance-only measuring devices (GPS and laser rangefinders) are permitted. Devices that measure slope, wind, or provide club recommendations are not permitted.

  • 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

  • A: The top two New Zealand qualifiers receive an all-expenses-paid* trip to the World Finals in London, including flights, five nights' accommodation, tournament golf at Wentworth and Windlesham, and attendance at the Royal Gala Prize Giving Dinner at Windsor Castle.

  • 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.

  • A: The World Finals take place from Sunday 27 September to Thursday 1 October 2026 in the London area, with rounds at Wentworth and Windlesham Golf Clubs, and the final dinner at Windsor Castle.

Charity

  • A: 100% of net funds from The Duke of Edinburgh Cup New Zealand stay in New Zealand, supporting Young Enterprise (YES) and Golf New Zealand's youth, women & girls, and disability programmes.

The Venue

  • 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.

  • A:

    • On course: Collared shirts, dress shorts or tailored trousers, soft spikes only, golf shoes required.

    • In the clubhouse: Smart casual attire.