MGA Race to Makkah South Africa Championship
2026 Rules & Format
1. General Information
1.1 The Race to Makkah South Africa Championship (“the Championship”) is organised by the Muslim Golf Association (MGA) as part of its global championship series.
1.2 Participation in the Championship constitutes full acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
1.3 All play shall be conducted in accordance with the Rules of Golf and the Rules of Amateur Status as governed by The R&A, together with any Local Rules set by the MGA Championship Committee.
1.4 The MGA Championship Committee reserves the right to make decisions in all matters relating to the Championship, and all such decisions shall be final and binding.
2. Eligibility
2.1 The Championship is open to amateur golfers.
2.2 Participants must hold a valid WHS Handicap Index issued by a recognised golf authority, including the South African Golf Association (SAGA) or an equivalent body.
2.3 It is the responsibility of each participant to ensure that their handicap is accurate and up to date.
2.4 MGA operates a trust-based system but reserves the right to review handicaps and take appropriate action in cases of discrepancy or suspected manipulation.
2.5 All entries are subject to approval by the MGA Championship Committee.
2.6 Handicap Verification (Non-SAGA Players)
Players who do not hold a handicap registered with SAGA must provide a valid handicap certificate from their home club.
The certificate must:
• Be dated within 14 days of the Championship
• Clearly state the player’s Handicap Index
Failure to provide valid documentation may result in ineligibility for prizes or disqualification at the discretion of the MGA Championship Committee.
3. Divisions
3.1 Players will compete in the following divisions:
• Division 1: Handicap Index 0 – 8.4
• Division 2: Handicap Index 8.5 – 14.4
• Division 3: Handicap Index 14.5 – 21
3.2 A maximum handicap cap of 21 applies for competition purposes.
3.3 Players with a handicap above 21 may participate but will be capped at 21 for scoring purposes.
4. Format and Scoring
4.1 The Championship will be played over 36 holes across two rounds.
4.2 The format is cumulative Stableford scoring.
4.3 The player with the highest total Stableford score in each division will be declared the winner.
4.4 MGA reserves the right to amend the format where necessary due to unforeseen circumstances.
5. Scoring & Tiebreakers
5.1 In the event of a tie, the following countback method shall apply based on the official scorecard order (not the order of play in a shotgun start):
• Holes 10–18
• Holes 13–18
• Holes 16–18
• Hole 18
5.2 If a tie still remains, the MGA Championship Committee shall determine the result, and its decision shall be final.
6. Rules, Conduct & Pace of Play
6.1 All play shall be conducted in accordance with the Rules of Golf as governed by The R&A and any applicable Local Rules.
6.2 Participants are required to uphold the spirit and integrity of the game at all times.
6.3 Players must maintain an appropriate pace of play and follow all instructions issued by tournament officials.
6.4 Breaches of conduct include, but are not limited to:
• Failure to care for the course
• Abusive or inappropriate language
• Disrespect towards players, officials, or staff
• Behaviour contrary to the integrity of the game
6.5 MGA reserves the right to apply penalties, including warnings, general penalties, or disqualification.
6.6 The decision of the MGA Championship Committee in all matters shall be final.
7. Scoring Integrity & Handicap Compliance
7.1 Players are responsible for ensuring that all scores are recorded accurately and agreed within their playing group.
7.2 Scores must be submitted in accordance with tournament procedures, including the use of designated scoring systems where applicable.
7.3 MGA reserves the right to review scorecards and handicap records both during and after the Championship.
7.4 Where evidence of inaccurate scoring or handicap manipulation is identified, MGA reserves the right to:
• Disqualify the player
• Withdraw prizes or awards
• Apply sanctions, including exclusion from future events
7.5 All decisions relating to scoring and handicap integrity shall be final.
8. Prizes
8.1 Winners of each division will receive qualification to the MGA World Championship Final in Saudi Arabia.
8.2 All results are subject to verification and may be reviewed for a period of up to 48 hours following completion of play.
9. Entry Fees, Transfers & Refunds
9.1 All entries are non-refundable.
9.2 Entries may be transferred to another player provided that:
• The request is submitted at least 48 hours prior to the start of play
• Notification is submitted via email to info@muslimgolfassociation.com
• The replacement player satisfies all eligibility requirements
9.3 MGA reserves the right to approve or decline any transfer request.
9.4 Participants who wish to withdraw must notify MGA in writing.
10. Force Majeure
10.1 MGA reserves the right to amend, reschedule, or cancel the Championship due to adverse weather conditions or circumstances beyond its control.
10.2 MGA shall not be liable for any disruption caused by events outside its reasonable control.
11. Liability
11.1 MGA and all host venues accept no responsibility for any injury, loss, or damage sustained by participants or their property during the Championship.
12. Equipment & Course Compliance
12.1 Participants must comply with all course rules and equipment regulations set by the host venue.
12.2 MGA reserves the right to enforce any additional safety or operational requirements where necessary.
13. Photography & Media
13.1 By participating in the Championship, players consent to the use of their name, image, and likeness for MGA promotional and media purposes without compensation.
14. Final Authority
14.1 All decisions made by the MGA Championship Committee regarding the Championship, including any dispute or interpretation of these Terms, shall be final and binding.