A short-lived event, the Alfred Dunhill Cup, later called simply the Dunhill Cup, lasted from 1985-2000. Despite its short life, the event, played annually over the Old Course at St Andrews, attracted some of the big names in professional golf, who represented 16 countries in three-man teams.

Play was under stroke play conditions with the 16 teams being involved in a straight knockout format between 1985-91. It changed to a four-group format in 1992, with the group winners then engaging in a knockout competition.