Event Information 2026

Golf Classic Format

GOLF CLASSIC FORMAT

The Valero Benefit for Children Golf Classic will be played on the Twenty Ten golf course, the first course in history specifically designed to host The Ryder Cup, The Montgomerie golf course, the dramatic par 69 challenge, designed by golfing legend Colin Montgomerie and The Roman Road course, opened in 1995, par 70 course and designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior and named after the old Via Julia Roman highway that ran through its fairways.

We will play a four ball ‘Texas scramble’ format on all courses. Each team member will play his or her ball off the tee, but each succeeding shot will be played from the spot of the single preceding best ball, except that each team must play a minimum of three drives from each team member.

We will be using Golf Genius live scoring system, so you will be able to track your progress as you play round the course.

There will be a trophy for the 1st, runner-up and 3rd place teams. There will also be prizes on each course for the ‘Longest Drive’, ‘Nearest the Pin’ and ‘Fastest Team through the hole’ competitions as well as the Best Dressed team.

CHALLENGE CUP 2026 – Europe vs USA

2 Person Scramble Match Play Format Rules

Calculating Team Handicaps

This is a net handicap match play event using a 2 Person Scramble Format. Team Course Handicaps are calculated at 25% of the combined team course handicap. For fractional Team Handicaps we are following the usual convention of rounding to the nearest whole number. So for example 4.5 to 5.4 Team Course 25% Handicap will round to 5.

Tees and Assignment of Strokes

Play will be from the Yellow Tees. Strokes will be given to the team with the higher team handicap. For example, Team A has a Team Handicap (after 25% calculation) of 5 and Team B has a Team Handicap of 2. Team A will be given three strokes which will be taken on the three holes with stroke indexes (handicap ratings) of 1, 2 & 3.

Scramble Play Procedure

Team Scramble Play – Each player hits from the tee; the preferred shot is selected and each player plays the next shot from within one club length of the mark, no nearer the hole (but six inches from a mark on the putting surface). The ball may be placed with the exception that a ball may not be moved when it is to be played from within a penalty area, bunker, or within 6 inches of the base of a tree. If a team elects to play a ball from this condition, the first ball must be played as it lies and subsequent balls may be placed. In other words, if a ball is in a bunker the next shot may not be played from outside the bunker even if the position outside the bunker is within one club length of where the ball originally came to rest.

In addition, the condition of the ball may not be changed (e.g. no moving from the rough to the fairway, fringe to green, etc. even if this is within one club length). This format is repeated until the ball is holed. The team with the lowest net score wins the hole.

Each player must count a minimum of 6 drives.

PACE OF PLAY – the aim is to have fun and enjoy the challenge of these famous courses but we do want to get finished in time for the Festival Evening! We therefore ask that everyone is aware of their pace of play – please keep up with the group in front, we request that you pick up if you cannot score, and wave the group behind through if you are searching for lost balls.

Golf Classic dress code

Full length tailored trousers or golf trousers

Golf or tailored shorts with sports socks and appropriate footwear

Long/short sleeve collared or turtle shirts

Ladies may wear dresses/skirts

Jeans, tracksuits and T-shirts are not permitted

Golf Classic competitions

Montgomerie:

6th – Nearest the Pin

18th – Longest Drive

10th – Fastest Team through the Hole Challenge

Roman Road:

14th - Nearest the Pin

2nd – Longest Drive

18th - Fastest Team through the Hole Challenge

Twenty Ten:

13th – Nearest the Pin

4th – Longest Drive

8th – Fastest Team through the Hole Challenge

Fastest Hole Challenge

Outline: Each participating team will be attempting to complete the hole in the fastest time possible.

Rules:

· Teams must decide the order in which they will hit shots prior to teeing off on this hole, please number the golfers 1-4.

· Once decided, the players will hit shots in the order decided starting with golfer 1. This hole is not a Texas Scramble format unlike the other holes.

· Only after the first shot has been hit off the tee, all players are allowed to leave the tee box and position themselves accordingly.

· The clock will start once the first shot on the tee has been struck. From there, it will run until the hole has been completed.

· If the ball is lost at any point during the hole, it must be replayed from the last position by the same player.

· The group that completes the hole in the quickest time will be the winner of the challenge.

Karting Challenge Format

On arrival at the kart track you will have a full safety briefing, get yourselves kitted up and prepare for the Grand Prix.

Your team of four will have time on the track to practice, followed by a qualifying session and then a short break before the big race.

Line up your first driver on the grid and wait for the lights to change to green, then you’re off! During the race you will swap drivers as and when your team determines is the best time to change.

There will be a trophy for the 1st place, runner up and 3rd place teams, plus prizes for the fastest lap and best dressed team.

So, search out those branded overalls and get ready to race!

Note: No alcohol to be consumed pre the event

Karting Challenge dress code

You can bring along your own overalls or overalls will be provided and it is a requirement to wear them

Suitable clothes to wear under the overalls

Long hair tied back and no scarves or sashes

Closed in shoes/boots, no heels/wedges or long laces

You will need to wear a helmet, which will be provided and a balaclava

Sporting Clays Format

On arrival at the Sporting Clays venue you will have a full safety briefing and be provided with safety gear, get yourselves kitted up and prepare for some initial training.

Your team of four will be allocated an instructor, who will talk you through everything you need to know to take part in the Sporting Clays.

You will then have a practice session before stopping for a break.

After the break, your team will compete in a supervised knockout competition, before returning to the clubhouse for lunch, prize giving and drinks.

There will be a trophy for the 1st place, runner up and 3rd place teams, plus a prize for the High Gun.

Note: No alcohol to be consumed pre the event

Sporting Clays dress code

Sturdy shoes or boots (uneven ground)

Suitable outdoor wear

Raincoat/waterproof in case of rain

Sun hat/cap and sun cream may be required