MGA Race to Makkah UK Alevio
Championship 2026
Rules & Competition Format
1. General Information
1.1 The MGA Race to Makkah UK 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 England Golf 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 where discrepancies arise.
2.5 All entries are subject to approval by 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 index above 21 may participate but will be capped at 21 for scoring purposes.
4. Season Structure & Format
4.1 The Championship consists of four (4) qualifying events held across the United Kingdom.
4.2 Each event shall be played as an Individual Stableford competition in accordance with The R&A Rules of Golf.
4.3 A handicap allowance of 95% of Course Handicap shall apply.
4.4 The Championship operates as a cumulative season-long Stableford competition.
4.5 A player’s best three (3) Stableford scores from the four (4) qualifying events shall count towards the overall Championship standings.
4.6 Bonus points shall be awarded at each qualifying event as follows:
• 2 bonus points for Nearest the Pin within each division
• 2 bonus points for Longest Drive within each division
4.7 Any bonus points earned shall be added to the player’s Stableford score for that individual qualifying event prior to the calculation of cumulative season standings.
4.8 MGA reserves the right to amend the format, scoring structure, qualification process or points allocation where necessary due to unforeseen circumstances or to protect the integrity of the Championship.
5. Qualification to the World Final
5.1 Qualification for the MGA World Final shall be determined by cumulative season standings.
5.2 The overall winner of each division shall qualify for the MGA World Final in Saudi Arabia (January 2027).
5.3 Final standings shall be determined using a player’s best three (3) cumulative Stableford scores from the four (4) qualifying events, including any applicable bonus points.
5.4 In the event of a tie in the final cumulative standings, the following tiebreak procedure shall apply in order:
• Highest individual Stableford score from a counting round
• Second highest Stableford score from a counting round
• Third highest Stableford score from a counting round
• Best final round countback in accordance with Rule 9.3
• Any further method determined by the MGA Championship Committee
5.5 All tiebreak decisions made by the MGA Championship Committee shall be final and binding.
6. Liwaa Cup (North vs South)
6.1 The Liwaa Cup is a standalone matchplay event forming part of the UK Championship structure.
6.2 The event will take place at Belton Woods on Sunday 4th and Monday 5th October.
6.3 Teams will consist of North vs South regional selections.
6.4 Each team will comprise twelve (12) players.
6.5 Team selection will be based on:
• The top four (4) players from each division
• Championship standings within each region
6.6 Eligible players must meet all Championship qualification criteria, including the requirement for a minimum number of qualifying scorecards.
6.7 Players selected for the Liwaa Cup must be available for the full duration of the event.
6.8 Any player who is unable to attend will forfeit their position, which will be offered to the next eligible player in the rankings, and so on.
7. Qualifying Scores & Handicap Integrity
7.1 Players must have a minimum of six (6) qualifying scorecards.
7.2 The qualifying period shall run from 1 April 2025 to 13 May 2026.
7.3 Qualifying scores must:
• Be recorded in recognised competition rounds
• Be submitted under the World Handicap System (WHS)
• Be registered with England Golf or an equivalent governing body
7.4 The following will not be accepted:
• General play scores not submitted through official channels
• Society or informal competition rounds
• Any non-recognised WHS scores
7.5 The responsibility rests entirely with the player to ensure compliance with these requirements.
8. Handicap Review, Lock Policy & Competition Integrity
8.1 Each player’s official MGA Championship Handicap Index shall be determined based on their WHS Handicap Index at 23:59 on the Friday prior to their first physical MGA qualifying event of the season.
8.2 Once a player’s handicap has been recorded for Championship purposes:
• The player’s handicap may reduce during the season
• The player’s playing handicap for each event shall always be based on the lowest WHS Handicap Index achieved during the Championship season, whether this is the player’s original locked handicap or a lower handicap achieved through subsequent performance
• The player’s handicap may not increase above their original locked Championship Handicap Index
• MGA shall always apply the lowest WHS Handicap Index achieved by the player during the Championship season
• A player’s division allocation shall remain fixed for the duration of the Championship season
8.3 MGA reserves the right to review the handicap record and scoring history of any player where there is reasonable cause to do so.
8.4 Where a player’s scoring pattern, handicap history or conduct is deemed inconsistent with the integrity of the Championship, MGA may:
• Conduct a review of competition history
• Adjust the player’s playing handicap for Championship purposes
• Amend divisional status in exceptional circumstances
• Apply penalties or disqualification where necessary
8.5 MGA retains absolute discretion in matters relating to handicap integrity and Championship fairness.
8.6 All decisions made by the MGA Championship Committee regarding handicap reviews, divisional status and eligibility shall be final and binding.
9. Scoring & Tiebreakers
9.1 All scoring shall be conducted via Golf Genius or an equivalent MGA-approved scoring platform.
9.2 Players are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all submitted hole-by-hole scores.
9.3 In the event of a tie within an individual qualifying event, the following countback procedure shall apply:
• Holes 10–18
• Holes 13–18
• Holes 16–18
• Hole 18
9.4 If a tie remains unresolved, the MGA Championship Committee shall determine the final result.
9.5 Season-long Championship ties shall be determined in accordance with Rule 5.4.
10. Rules, Conduct & Pace of Play
10.1 All play shall be conducted in accordance with The R&A Rules of Golf and any applicable Local Rules.
10.2 Players must uphold the integrity and spirit of the game at all times.
10.3 Players must maintain an appropriate pace of play.
10.4 MGA reserves the right to apply penalties, including disqualification, for breaches of conduct.
11. Entry Fees, Transfers & Refunds
11.1 All entries are non-refundable.
11.2 Entries may be transferred to another player provided:
• Notification is received at least 48 hours prior to the event
• The replacement player meets all eligibility requirements
11.3 MGA reserves the right to approve or decline any transfer request.
12. Force Majeure
12.1 MGA reserves the right to amend, reschedule, or cancel any event due to circumstances beyond its control.
13. Liability
13.1 MGA and host venues accept no responsibility for injury, loss, or damage sustained during the Championship.
14. Media & Photography
14.1 By entering the Championship, players consent to the use of their image and likeness for MGA promotional purposes.
15. Final Authority
15.1 The MGA Championship Committee reserves the right to interpret and apply all rules.
15.2 MGA retains final authority on all decisions.
15.3 All decisions are final and binding.