Tournament rules of play

The Arnold Palmer Invitational 2026 is a two-person team tournament using the Two Ball Better Ball format and Stableford scoring. The team with the most Stableford points will win the tournament. If there is a tie the conventional count back system will be applied with Stableford points.

Please note that bookings are welcome from individuals, or from pairs / groups.  Those booking as an individual will be paired up with another individual to make a pair.  If you book separately but would like to designate a playing partner, please contact us at developmentevents@st-andrews.ac.uk to confirm your preferred partner.

Two Ball Better Ball

• Each member of the two-person team plays their own ball for the entire round.
• The lowest net score of the two players is marked down for each hole.
• For example:
  • Player A scores 5 and receives 1 stroke at that hole.
  • Player B scores 5 and receives no strokes.
  • Player A’s net score of 4 is noted down.

Stableford Scoring

• Stableford is a system where points are awarded for net scores.
• Points are as follows:
  • Eagle: 4 points
  • Birdie: 3 points
  • Par: 2 points
  • Bogey: 1 point
  • Double bogey or worse: 0 points
• For example:
  • Player A scores 6 on a par 5 and receives no strokes.
  • Player B scores 6 on the hole and receives 1 stroke.
  • Player B’s net score of 5 is noted down as well as the 2 points for a net par.

Please note that only players submitting a fully completed and signed scorecard are eligible to compete for the coveted Arnold Palmer Invitational trophy.