Rules — Birch Cup

Tournament Format

How We Play

Format: Texas Scramble Match Play — On Par 4s and Par 5s, each player hits a tee shot and the team picks the best shot; everyone plays from there, then plays their own ball for the remainder. Use the lower score. Par 3s are not included in the scramble — each player plays their own ball from the tee.

Teams: USA vs. Europe. Each foursome consists of a 2 vs. 2 matchup. Teams and captains are determined by random drawing.

Full Rules

Official Rules

Each foursome will consist of a 2 vs 2 matchup from USA & Europe.
Match play format — a push does not carry over to the next hole.
Texas Scramble: Each player hits a tee shot on every hole. Team picks the best shot, everyone plays from there. Play your own ball for the remainder and use the lower score. Applies to Par 4s and Par 5s only — Par 3s are played as normal (no scramble).
Maximum putts = 3. If you are on the green in 2 on a par 4, your max possible score = bogey.
Points determine the amount of your payout — the more points you score, the more money you have the ability to win.
Payouts will only be awarded to the victorious country. You could win your matchup and not win money.
If USA & Europe tie, a putt-off between each country's captain will determine the victorious country.
The captains and team members will be determined by a random drawing.
Breakfast balls are allowed on the 1st hole. No other mulligans will be permitted (unless purchased).
Max strokes = double-par — Par 5 max = 10, Par 3 = 6. Please pick up your ball if you exceed double-par.
Points will not be awarded to anyone who exceeds double-par. Exception: if both players in a pairing exceed double-par, the 2 remaining players will finish the hole head-to-head.
Handicaps will not be applied to players who do not complete the hole.
Provisional balls will not be hit off the tee box in case of a lost ball. You and the opposing team will determine a reasonable drop spot.
Max Handicap = 25. Scores submitted over the limit will be adjusted down.
In "iffy" situations, please be sure to run it by the opposing team members.

⏱ PACE OF PLAY WILL BE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED

Purchasable Extras

⚡ Power Pack Items

Power Pack items can be purchased and used during the round. Each item provides a unique advantage — use them wisely!

🔄

Mulligan

A do-over. Replay your previous shot as if it never happened. Must be declared before taking your next stroke.

🚀

Power Shot

Tee off from the red tees. Gain the distance advantage of the forward tee box on any hole of your choosing.

🏈

Ball Throw

A continuation of your previous shot — pick up your ball and throw it. Play your next stroke from where it lands.

📏

String

A continuation of your previous shot — move your ball the length of the string in any direction. Special putting rule: if you are putting for par and your ball is within the length of the string from the hole, it counts as a par. No putt required.