Match Play
City Circuit
128 teams. 7 rounds. 5 boroughs. One champion.
Battle across NYC's public courses from April through October for the 2026 title.
What You're Signing Up For
The Match Play City Circuit is our annual two-person match play tournament running April through October across NYC's five boroughs.
Format
- Two-person teams
- Best Ball 2v2 Match Play
- 90% handicap allowance
- Single elimination bracket
- Max playing handicap: 18
Requirements
- $55 per player entry fee
- Active GHIN required for strokes. NO GHIN = Play as a 0 handicap.
- Schedule flexibility required
- One teammate must be an FBGC member
- Entry fee includes finals green fees at Bally's
What's Included
- Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Finals round at Bally's Golf Links
- Green fees comped for finalists ($217 value)
- 1st place trophy
2026 Schedule
Each team has approximately one month to schedule and play their match at the assigned course.
How It Works
Register Your Team
Sign up with your partner (or solo and we'll match you). Pay $55 per player by March 15th, 2027.
Get Your Matchup
We email you and your opponents at the start of each round. Coordinate a time to play within the month.
Play Your Match
Head to the assigned course, play best ball 2v2 match play at 90% handicap, and report your result.
Win the Title
Survive 7 rounds of single elimination and take home the trophy, bragging rights, and up to $2,000.
Scheduling Rules
48-Hour Window
If a scheduling conflict is obvious within 48 hours of receiving your matchup, you may request reassignment. No reschedules after 48 hours. No exceptions.
Teammate Unavailable?
If one teammate is unavailable for a prolonged period, matches must proceed 2v1 (or 1v1) to avoid forfeiture. Subs are allowed but they must have an active GHIN and handicap index.
Course Requirement
All matches must be played at the assigned course for that round by default. That said, if both teams agree on a different course, you can play anywhere.
Missed Deadline = Forfeit
If a match isn't completed by the round deadline (and no communication to info@fiveboroughsgolf.com was made), both teams will forfeit.
What Is Net Best Ball Match Play?
Each player plays their own ball on every hole. Strokes are awarded based on the difference between each player's handicaps, not full handicaps. The tournament uses 90% of your course handicap.
The higher handicap player(s) receive strokes on the hardest holes according to the stroke index. Each team's best net score per hole determines who wins the hole.
The team that wins the most holes wins the match. If tied after 18, you go to sudden death playoff holes.
Example: How Strokes Work
Player A receives 1 stroke on the 4 most difficult holes (by stroke index). The lowest net score between teammates on each hole counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Register as a solo player and we'll pair you with another solo player before the tournament starts. You'll have a teammate by the time Round 1 kicks off.
At the start of each round, we'll email you and your opponents. You'll have approximately one month to coordinate your match at the assigned course. You are responsible for green fees. If you qualify for the finals, your round at Bally's is comped.
By default, each round must be played at the pre-assigned course listed in the schedule. That said, if both teams agree on another course please feel free to change it up!
You have 48 hours after receiving your matchup to request a new opponent if scheduling truly isn't possible. After 48 hours, no reschedules are allowed. If a teammate is unavailable, you may find a substitute or proceed 2v1 to avoid forfeiture.
If a match isn't completed by the round deadline and no communication was made to info@fiveboroughsgolf.com, both teams forfeit. Don't let that happen — stay in touch.
Email us at info@fiveboroughsgolf.com and we'll get back to you.
128 Teams. One Champion.
Registration closes March 15th. Secure your spot in NYC's biggest match play tournament.
$55 per player • Active GHIN required • One teammate must be an FBGC member