Match Play

Match Play is a head-to-head format where players compete to win individual holes. The player or team with the most holes won takes the match—making it a strategic format featured in events like the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup.

What is Match Play?

Match play is a classic and exciting golf format where golfers compete directly against each other on a hole-by-hole basis. It’s all about securing more individual hole victories rather than focusing on the lowest total score, which makes every hole meaningful and creates thrilling, fast momentum swings throughout the entire round.

  • 1 UP

    Win Hole

    Player scores fewer strokes on the hole

  • No change

    Halve Hole

    Both players score the same on the hole

  • 1 DOWN

    Lose Hole

    Opponent scores fewer strokes

Key Highlights

  • Win by winning more holes than your opponent.
  • The total number of strokes doesn’t matter—only the result on each hole.
  • Common in Ryder Cup-style events, club matches, and friendly rivalries.
  • Encourages aggressive and strategic play.

How Match Play Works How Match Play Works

  • 1. Each hole is treated as a separate contest.

  • 2. The player with the lower score on a hole wins that hole.

  • 3. If both players tie on a hole (same number of strokes), the hole is halved.

  • 4. The match ends when one player leads by more holes than remain to be played.

  • 5. The player with the most holes won is the winner.

Scoring System Scoring System

  • 2 UP Leading by 2 holes.

  • All Square (AS) tied after the current hole.

  • Dormie Leading by the same number of holes remaining (opponent cannot win outright, only draw).

  • Win 3&2: 3 holes ahead with only 2 holes left, the match ends.

Scorecard Example

Golf Match Play Scorecard Example

Winner: Player A

Match Play Variations Match Play Variations

  • Singles Match Play

    1-vs-1 head-to-head.

  • Four-Ball (Better Ball)

    2-vs-2 teams, each playing their own ball; the lowest team score wins the hole.

  • Foursomes (Alternate Shot)

    2-vs-2 teams alternate shots on the same ball.

  • Team Match Play (Aggregate)

    Multiple matches between teams; most match wins decide team victory.

Why Play Match Play Why Play Match Play?

  • Focused Competition

    Each hole is its own battle—you can recover from mistakes and fight back.

  • Head-to-Head Rivalries

    Ideal for one-on-one games or team events like the Ryder Cup.

  • Momentum Matters

    Winning streaks and clutch shots can quickly turn a match.

  • Aggressive, Strategic Golf

    Rewards bold decisions—it's about beating your opponent, not total strokes.