What Is Match Play in Golf?
Match Play: A hole-by-hole format — win the most holes, not the lowest total score.
Match Play — full definition
A format where two players or teams compete hole by hole. The player or team with the lower score on a hole wins that hole. The match is scored by holes won (e.g., “3 and 2” means 3 holes up with 2 to play). A halved hole means both sides scored the same. The Ryder Cup and many club championships use match play.
Match Play — frequently asked
Match Play — how is it scored?
- Lowest score on each hole wins that hole
- Scored by holes up (e.g., “3 and 2” = 3 holes up with 2 to play)
- A halved hole means both sides tied
Match Play — where is it used?
- Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, and many club championships
- More dramatic than stroke play — one bad hole doesn’t ruin your round
More on Match Play
Match play has its own history on this site — the stymie was a match-play-only rule, and it is where the name came from.
- StymieThe abolished match-play rule that gave this site its name.
- Find a groupMatch play needs an opponent; this is where golfers post games.
- Course Handicap calculatorMatch play uses the full allowance, not 95%.
Other game formats
Stroke Play
The most common competitive format — count every stroke, lowest total wins.
Stableford
A points-based scoring system where the highest point total wins.
Best Ball
A team format where each player plays their own ball and the best score on each hole counts.
Scramble
The most popular team format — pick the best shot each time, everyone plays from there.
Alternate Shot
A two-person format where partners take turns hitting the same ball.
Skins
A gambling format where each hole has a set value — win the hole outright, win the money.
Nassau
The most common betting format — three bets in one: front nine, back nine, and overall.