 The format of the event closely followed that of the News of the World Match Play tournament which had been organized by the British PGA since 1903, although it had not been played since 1913 because of World War I.The main difference was that the tournament was played over 5 days with all matches contested over 36 holes, whereas matches in the News of the World Match Play were over 18 holes except for the final, the event being completed in 3 days.The field of 32 golfers qualified through sectional tournaments.