Kansas City Match Play Championship
Fred Arbanas Golf Course | May 15 - 17
The 111th Kansas City Match Play Championship will be held in 2026.
Staff Contact:
Taylor Maloney
taylor@clgolf.org
Historical Information
With origins back to 1902, the Kansas City Match Play has a storied history as a major regional competition, attracting amateur players from all over the regional area. The championship marks its recorded beginnings in 1946, when it was contested at Indian Hills Country Club. However, many note that the start of the championship may have dated back to 1902. While the Kansas City Match play took a 10-year break, with the revival of the championship in 2013, the event played for the 100th time in recorded history in May 2015, with Swope Memorial playing host in 1958. The history of the Kansas City Match Play and the history of Swope Memorial Golf Course make the course and championship a perfect match.
Please Click here for a detailed history of each year of the Kansas City Match Play Championship
Eligibility
Open to male amateur golfers with a GHIN handicap index of 3.0 or lower. You must have a handicap index through Central Links Golf in order to be eligible for this event.
The field will be comprised of a maximum of 100 players.
Format
Stroke play qualifying will be played over 18 holes, with the top 32 scores advancing to match play.
Ties
At the conclusion of the stroke play qualifying, if a tie for the 32nd seed occurs, a sudden death playoff will be conducted to determine the player(s) who will advance to match play.
Entries and Fees
Players may enter the event by registering online. Entries open March 3rd at 10:00 AM. The entry fee is $95 per player.
Schedule (Times Subject to Change)
Friday, May 15: Stroke Play Qualifying - 8:30 Shotgun Start
Round of 32 Matches - begin 2:00 on # 1 and # 10 tees
Saturday, May 16: Round of 16 Matches - begin 8:00 # 1 tee
Quarterfinal Matches - begin 1:00 # 1 tee
Sunday, May 17: Semifinal Matches - begin 8:00 # 1 tee
Championship Match - begin 12:00 # 1 tee (18 hole final)
Rules of Golf, Competition is Final
Play will be governed by The Rules of Golf as approved by the USGA. Questions will be settled by the on-site Rules Committee, whose decision will be final. The competition is final when the winner has been awarded the Championship trophy.
Equipment
All golf balls and clubs must conform to USGA specifications. Any unusual equipment or devices such as gloves, unusual tees, alignment aids, braces and the like are prohibited by the Rules of Golf.
Dress Code
Proper golf attire is required. Jeans, halter tops, tank tops and athletic t-shirts are not permitted. Shoes with metal spikes are not permitted.
Spectators
Spectators are allowed and may walk along to watch the event. Golf carts may be rented by spectators if they are available, but carts for an event must be reserved for players, Rules officials and Central Links staff first. Spectators (riding or walking) are asked to remain on the cart path during the play of a hole. Spectators may help search for golf balls but must not function as a caddie.
Registration
On-site registration will not be required. Please arrive at your starting tee 10 minutes prior to your starting time to receive instructions.
Practice Round & Practice Privileges
Practice rounds are permitted, but are NOT included in the entry fee. The host facility will determine availability and rate for such practice rounds, please contact the golf shop directly.
Terms of the Competition, Code of Conduct, Pace of Play
Visit https://centrallinksgolf.org/competitions/conditions-of-play/ for complete information on terms of the competition, code of conduct and pace of play guidelines.