Match play golf explained

If you're new to the sport and you've never heard of match play golf, we'll take you through how it works, what the rules are, and some common questions.

In golf, match play is a different way of scoring and determining who wins a round. What you're likely used to is something called stroke play, whereby the winner of a round is decided by who completes all 18 holes with the fewest total number of strokes.

Match play golf is different. In this form of the game, you compete with your opponent on a hole-by-hole basis. The winner of each hole is still decided by whoever completes it in the fewest strokes; however, the game is won by the player whose won the most holes rather than whoever has completed all of the holes in the lowest number of strokes.

The round ends when one player is leading by more holes than the number of holes that remain. For example, if you were in front by five holes with only four left, there would be little point playing the remainder when it was mathematically impossible for your playing partner to overtake you.

This idea of a concession – allowing your opponent to take a hole, or entire round – is one of the rules that is unique to match play golf. In this guide, you'll learn the other quirks that separate it from other forms of the sport, so that you can play a round with confidence.

What is match play in golf?

While in stroke play, you may compete against either the course or other golfers, match play is all about direct competition with at least one opponent.

The principle is still largely the same as most other forms of golf. You're still trying to complete each hole in the fewest possible number of strokes. However, what separates match play is that those strokes are limited to that particular hole.

It's one of the great things about match play. You could underperform on one hole and still recover on the next. While most big competitions use stroke play rules, some use match play to determine victors. The Ryder Cup is perhaps the best example.

Rules for match play in golf

Basic match play rules

To win a hole, you must finish with fewer strokes than your opponent. However, your opponent may concede the hole and let you win it, or you may suffer from a general penalty. In stroke play, this would result in two penalty strokes; in match play, it results in the loss of the hole.

As for the terminology of the scoring itself, if you were to win your first hole, you'd go one-up. If you won your second, you'd go two-up and so on. If you won the first hole but your opponent won the second, neither of you would be up.

If you and your opponent both complete a hole in the same number of strokes, the hole is tied, or 'halved' as it is often known. In other words, neither player will receive a point from this hole. A hole can also be halved if both players agree to consider the hole tied; however, you can only do so after a stroke has been made.

Furthermore, if an entire match is tied, you and your partner will keep extending the game hole by hole until there is a winner. Regarding concessions, you can concede a stroke, a hole or an entire match, essentially letting your opponent win. This must be explicitly communicated between both players.

Match play handicap rules

Including handicaps in match play can seem complicated, and it's something that must be discussed with your partner beforehand. Not every round of match play requires a handicap, but if your match does, then you must declare it to your opponent before you tee off. Make sure this is accurate. It could result in disqualification if you inform your opponent that your handicap is higher than it is.

Applying a handicap in match play is also on a hole-by-hole basis. Your handicap index – the handicap which remains the same regardless of which course you play on – is combined with the slope rating (the difficulty of that particular course) to determine your playing handicap for that course. It's this playing handicap you'll use. The difference between the golfers' playing handicaps is used to determine who benefits from each hole.

For example, if your playing handicap was 12 and your opponent's was five, you'd receive seven strokes throughout the match. According to the stroke index – used to determine which holes are more difficult than others on any given course – you'd then remove one stroke for the seven most difficult holes, giving you a better chance of keeping up with a player who is theoretically better.

Other match play rules

• Unlike in stroke play, in match play golf, you are not allowed to play out of turn because of the tactical significance of playing in the correct order.
• The player who tees off first is the player listed higher on the scorecard (as decided by the committee), but it can also be decided by any other fair means, such as the flip of a coin. If you win a hole, you tee off first for the next one. 
• You can lose a hole for giving or receiving advice, unless it's coming from your caddie or someone else on your team.
• If you lose a ball, you and your caddie have three minutes to find it; otherwise, it's considered lost.
• You can also fix any spike marks on the green along with any other damage.
• Finally, unlike in stroke play, you're allowed to test and practice on the course in match play golf to your heart's content before your actual round. 

So, in match play golf, it's all about playing to win each hole. Whoever wins the most holes wins the match, but it's important to consider all of the above rules when beginning your first match.

FAQs

What is the difference between stroke play and match play golf?

In stroke play, the winner is determined by the player who completes 18 holes with the fewest total strokes. Alternatively, players can play against the course and its scorecard. In match play, you compete with an opponent (or opponents) for each hole, and the winner is decided by who wins the most holes.

How do you play match play golf with handicaps?

Handicaps are all relative in match play golf. Your handicap index is combined with the slope rating (the difficulty of the course) to create your playing handicap. This is then compared to your opponent’s handicap, and the difference between the two indicates the number of holes on which the weaker player (with the higher handicap) will receive a one-stroke advantage. The holes in question are the hardest on the course following the stroke index.

How does team match play work in golf?

There are multiple different match play possibilities when it comes to playing in teams. One common form is the foursome match, whereby two pairs play against each other with one ball per team. You may also play a three-ball match, in which three players all play against one another in the same match. Finally, a four-ball match, where two pairs compete with one ball per golfer, is also a possibility.

Who tees off first in match play?

Although the scorecard is much less significant in match play golf, it can be used to determine who tees off first – the player listed higher can go first. Alternatively, a coin toss can be used. Following the very first tee-off, the player who won the previous hole goes first.

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