A JOURNEY TO the home of golf
More than a game, golf is a journey - a walk across fairways shaped by time, character and heritage. Walk to the Linksland is your chance to leave a mark where it all began.
This national betterball competition invites teams of two to begin at their home course and culminate on the ancient links of Scotland – the birthplace of golf. Along the way, players will progress through club, regional, and national stages, with the ultimate prize:
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent South Africa in a final match against the champions of Scotland.
Competition Entry Deadline for Regional Tournament: 30 March 2026
Regional Matches to take place during April 2026
National Tournament: Saturday 2 May 2026, Gowrie Farm
ENTRY FEE: R150pp
THE PRIZE The winning team will enjoy a bucket-list golfing experience, including:
Return flights to Scotland
Rounds at three of the world’s most iconic links courses: Kingsbarns, Carnoustie, and a Links ticket at St Andrews – the Home of Golf
Luxury accommodation
All meals and beverages included
A chance to walk the same fairways as golfing legends, and to represent South Africa in the spirit of camaraderie and competition
This is not just a tournament. It is a test of skill, endurance, and partnership - culminating in a final that honours the game’s purest form.
ENTER NOW
Please note: Walk to the Linksland is a Betterball competition played in pairs and tickets are R150pp (R300 for the pair)
HOW TO ENTER:
- In the ticket box below select 1 ticket and click on 'GET TICKETS'
- Please enter the details for both players (Player 1 and Player 2) when completing your online entry.
- Make your payment online
For enquiries about ticket purchases, or for assistance with online entries please contact the pro shop on 033 266 6348 or email proshop@gowriefarm.co.za
COMPETITION RULES
FORMAT:
- Betterball Stableford
- Teams of two players compete as a pair
- The best score between the two players (per hole, after handicap adjustment) counts towards the team score
ELIGIBILITY:
- Open to all amateur golfers with an official, valid Handicap Index
- Entrants must be members of a registered golf club or hold an official GolfRSA Handicap Index
- Minimum age: 16 years
- Both players must be eligible and available to compete in all stages of the competition
HANDICAPS:
- Official Handicap Indexes will be used
- Playing Handicaps calculated at 85% of Course Handicap, in line with the World Handicap System
- Maximum Playing Handicaps permitted:
- Men: 24
- Ladies: 36 - All handicaps must be verified before play
SCORING:
- Stableford points system applies
- The team’s score for each hole is the best net Stableford score of the two players
- The team with the highest cumulative score wins
TIES:
- In the event of a tie:
- Count-out based on the last 9, 6, 3, and final hole
- If still tied, a sudden-death playoff (if feasible), or a draw will determine the winner
PROGRESSION
- Winning teams will progress through each stage:
- Club to Regional to National Final (May 2026 at Gowrie Farm)
If a winning team is unable to proceed, the runner-up will advance
SUBSTITUTIONS:
No substitutions allowed once a team has progressed to the next stage
Both original players must remain eligible and available for all subsequent rounds
NATIONAL FINAL
The National Final takes place in May 2026 at Gowrie Farm
- Players are required to walk the course during the final
- Use of golf carts is only permitted with a valid medical certificate
- The final will be contested over 36 holes, played across two days
- Players will compete individually; team pairings dissolve at this stage
FINAL ROUND HANDICAP ADJUSTMENTS:
After Round 1, handicaps will be adjusted:
- 1 shot cut for each point over 36
- 1 shot added for every 3 points under 36 (rounded up)
EXAMPLES:
- 40 points: 4 shots cut
- 33 points: 1 shot added
- 31 points: 2 shots added
RULES OF PLAY & CONDUCT:
- The competition will be governed by the Rules of Golf (R&A) and local rules of the host course
- Players are expected to maintain pace of play and uphold the spirit of the game
- Any conduct deemed unsportsmanlike may result in disqualification
- All decisions by the Tournament Committee are final
Photo credits: Carnoustie: Carnoustie Official Website carnoustiegolflinks.com | Kingsbarns: Kingsbarns Official Website www.kingsbarns.com | St Andrews: St Andrews Official Website, St Andrews Links Facebook Page, Getty Images
GOLF AT GOWRIE FARM
When you play at Gowrie Farm, you become part of a timeless tradition, with each shot a testament to the enduring spirit of golf. Here, the game is pure, demanding, and authentic.