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 or 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.