We are back. Another chapter in golf history awaits.
A new season. A stronger field. Rivalries renewed. Welcome to the 3rd edition of The Golf Tulum Cup.
Last season delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in tour history. Alisha Kym surged from behind to complete a ruthless comeback, ripping the trophy from Karsten’s grasp in the final round at Druid’s Glen—denying him back-to-back titles.
For Karsten, a collapse that will demand years of reflection—and raises a difficult question: will he ever be the same again?
For Alisha, a cold, clinical performance. An all-time victory. A champion now etched into Golf Tulum folklore.
But with victory comes expectation. Alisha enters this season as the player to beat—the target firmly on her back. The question is no longer if she can win, but whether she can handle life as the front-runner.
I don’t fear failure. I expect to win.
—Phil Mickelson
Beyond the tour, the wider golf world simmers with uncertainty—rumors of LIV Golf folding, Rory McIlroy quietly going back-to-back at The Masters, and early anticipation building for the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland.
Congratulations on making it through the grueling qualification process. The field is deeper. The margins tighter. The pressure very real.
Below, you’ll find the updated format, rules, prize structure, and schedule for the 2026 season.
The tour is heavily inspired by the LIV Golf Format. With an individual winner and team winner.
8 players, 2 teams, 8 rounds starting in May and ending in September.
All rounds will be played in and around the Seattle area.
Tour Rules
- The scoring format is Stroke Play for both individual and team leaderboards. Stroke play is calculated by total strokes minus handicap.
- Each player will send and prove their handicap to the opposing captain at least 1 hour before each round.
- All players are allowed a breakfast/bagel ball on the first tee. If a player hits a bagel ball, they must play the bagel ball.
- If a tee shot is likely out of bounds, the Team Captain may recommend a provisional ball be played. This becomes the player’s third shot from the tee if the original ball is confirmed OB or lost.
- If a ball is hit into a clearly playable area (e.g. fairway or obvious space) but cannot be found within 3 minutes, it is treated as a lost ball with a penalty drop. All players are expected to assist in the search—call over your group for help. If the ball can’t be found, you have to take a penalty drop, no exceptions.
- Gimmes are permitted only within 2 feet and require explicit approval from the opposing team. If a putt is not conceded, it must be holed. This season, play will adhere to USGA tournament-level standards. Take your time and finish every required putt. No exceptions.
- GPS devices and rangefinders with slope are permitted.
- Each hole has a max score (double par).
- Each group (4 players) will be led by one of the team captains (see Team Captains responsibilities below).
- Each round will take place on the date agreed by the Captains. If a player can’t attend they will share the median stroke score +2 additional strokes. A substitute player is welcome to fill the spot but their score will not count towards the tour scoreboard.
- At the end of the round, captains will validate and share scores with the group and the Tour Director will add to the spreadsheet, the spreadsheet will be checked for accuracy by both Team Captains before being shared with the players.
Prize Money
Entry fee is $100 per player.
Individual Prize
1st Place: $250
2nd Place: $100
Most Improved: $25
Best Dressed: $25
Team Prize
1st Place: $400
2nd Place: $0
2026 Roster
The following players have been officially selected for participation on the 2026 Golf Tulum Tour:
- Ted Balfour – Captain
- Manny Kim – Vice Captain
- Jeff Kym – Captain
- Alisha Kym – Vice Captain
- Sarah Williams
- Karsten Rowe
- Player 7 TBC
- Player 8 TBC
Conditional Eligibility Review
The following players are currently under review due to attendance and availability concerns. Continued inclusion on the tour requires submission of an official commitment statement to the Tour Director for evaluation:
- Chris Bond — multiple instances of late arrival
- Max Pope — limited availability due to external commitments
Final eligibility decisions will be made following review.
Golf Courses & Dates
Captains will discuss and agree the golf courses and dates.
Courses Under Consideration:
- Willows Run Golf Complex – Coyote Creek Course
- Willows Run Golf Complex – Eagle’s Talon Course
- Bellevue Golf Course
- Washington National Golf Club
- Mount Si Golf Course
- Druids Glen Golf Club
- Trophy Lake Golf & Casting
- Salish Cliffs Golf Club
- Newcastle Golf Club
- Harbour Pointe Golf Club
- Legion Memorial Golf Course
- Nile Shrine Golf Course
- Maplewood Golf Course
- Jefferson Park Golf Course
- Echo Falls Golf Club
- White Horse Golf Club
- Loomis Trail Golf Club
- Indian Summer Golf & Country Club
- Redmond Ridge Golf Club
- Walter E. Hall Golf Course
- Gleneagle Golf Course
- Hawks Prairie Golf Club
Send suggestions to the Tour Director.
Team A
Team Description.
Name
Role
Name
Role
Name
Role
Name
Role
Team B
Team Description.
Name
Role
Name
Role
Name
Role
Name
Role
“Good luck, golfers. I’m thankful and privileged to share the love of the game with you in these beautiful places.”
Sarah Williams
Average Golfer
FAQ’s
I’m a captain, what are my responsibilites?
Captain responsibilities include but not limited to:
- Collecting $100 entry fees from their players
- Collaborating with other Captains to reserve tee times
- Ensuring there is fair, ethical play across all players (rules compliance)
- Agreeing a name for their team (optional team merchandise for players and fans)
- On course coaching and encouragement
- Ensuring their team are adequately hydrated (💦🌿🍺)
- Ensuring their team arrive on time for each round
- If a team member cannot attend one round, must find a replacement
- Post round media commitments and interviews
What improvements were made based on feedback from the 2025 season?
- Participation: Stronger expectations for on time attendance
- Rule enforcement: Clearer standards, especially around lost balls and gimmes putts
How do we ensure an equal playing field in regards to handicap?
Before each round, each player will submit their handicap with proof to their team captain. The team captains will accept or question suspect handicaps. GHIN handicap is prefered.
How will the scores be checked and tracked?
At the end of the round, the captains will submit scores for their team for the opposing captain to validate. The Tour Director (Karsten Rowe) will add them to a spreadsheet.
What if I wasn’t selected to be on a team?
Historically gaps free up on teams when players can’t make a specific date or time. Ask the Tour Director (Karsten Rowe) to be added to the subs/special guests list.
Will there be a trophy ceremony and after party?
It’s important that we celebrate our winners with a trophy ceremony. This will most likely be a BBQ or local brewery.
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