How familiar are you with match play?

For most golfers in the United States, stroke play — the practice of simply counting your strokes on each hole and adding them up for a total at the end of the round — is the format of choice. In match play, which is popular in club competitions and overseas, the focus is on winning each individual hole. It can be a fun and exciting way for anyone to play, and it even can take some of the frustration out of the game if you’re not the best player.

It’s also the format used in the competitions that get the golf world jazzed up like no others—the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, and Presidents Cup.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the essentials of match play. We’ll spotlight its scoring system and unique lexicon and examine its rules as we delve into the nuances of the format. How do strategies differ depending on whether it's single golfers dueling against each other or two-person teams locking horns? What are the strategic aspects of match play? Oftentimes, the boundaries of sportsmanship get tested by gamesmanship, adding further fascination.

Some of golf’s most thrilling and controversial moments have come during match play. By revisiting them, we hope you’ll gain a richer appreciation for match play. If you haven't tried it yet, you might even be inspired to give match play a try the next time you compete against your regular playing partner or group.

Match play is a form of competition where the goal is to win individual holes rather than achieve the lowest score for the entire round. A hole is won when one side takes fewer strokes than the other. The scoring system is simple in a match play event compared to stroke play golf: a player or team can either win, lose, or tie (formerly called "halving") a hole. After each hole, the score is updated. For example, if you have won four holes and your opponent three holes, you are technically "one up." Or, if you've lost three holes and your opponent has won four, you are "one down." Formerly called "all square", "tied" means exactly that - you've won the same number of holes as your competition. The match score will change by one in either direction or stay the same on a hole-by-hole basis. For instance, if a player wins the first four holes, he or she will be four up. The match ends as soon as there aren't enough holes left for the trailing player or team to catch up. For example, a final score of "3&2" means the winners were three up with two holes to play.

In team match play golf competitions like the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup, winners of each match earn one point. Each side earns a half point if a match finishes tied. These high profile, multi-day international team events differ from most match play competition in that ties are permitted.

The more common match play format for both team and individual competitions is to continue on to extra holes if a match is tied after the regulation number of holes. Unless previously arranged by a local rule, the extra holes start on the same hole where the match began. Handicap strokes are applied as before. Play continues until one team wins a hole and, therefore, the match.

Singles
The most common and intimate match play format is singles. One player competes head-to-head against another. In the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup and Presidents Cup, the last day of competition is devoted entirely to singles matches.

Team match formats: Foursomes and Four-ball
One of the aspects of team competition in match play that confuses many people is the difference between foursomes and four-ball matches. These two formats figure prominently in the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup.

--Foursomes (Alternate shot): Two teams of two players compete against each other. Each team uses one ball. One player tees off on odd-numbered holes; the other tees off on even-numbered holes. After the tee shot, the players alternate shots for the rest of the hole.

--Four-ball: Two teams of two players, with each player using their own ball on every hole. The lowest score from each team on each hole determines who wins that hole. If one player is trending toward a high score, he or she might pick the ball up to clear the stage for the partner to focus on his or her ball.

Match play can be fickle. You don’t have to be the better player to win, and you may play great and still lose. Unlike stroke play, where the winner bests the entire field, in match play, your focus is solely on beating your immediate opponent. Each hole is its own contest, and winning ugly counts the same as playing the best round of your life. You might play poorly overall and pick up your ball several times yet still come out on top by eking out wins on enough other holes. Conversely, you could make birdie after birdie only to be surpassed by a hot opponent. The unpredictable nature of match play means every hole and every shot can turn the tide.

The following rules apply specifically to match play and highlight its unique aspects compared to stroke play (also called medal play).

Pre-match practice: You can practice on the course before your match.

Post-hole practice: You can practice putts and short chips once the hole is over, and you can putt a conceded putt if it’s not to assist your partner.

Handicaps: Clearly state which holes involve handicap strokes for you or your opponent.

In a four-ball match, only one player is required per side: If your partner is late or incapacitated, you can still compete against your opponents. When your partner arrives or is ready to resume play, they can only join the match on a hole in which no one has teed off yet.

Playing outside the tee box: If a player tees off from outside the designated area, the opponent can require a replay from within the teeing area without penalty.

Order of play: There's no ready golf in match play--the player farthest from the hole plays first. In four-ball matches, players can agree for the nearer player to play first for strategic reasons. If a player plays out of turn without agreement, the opponent can require the shot to be replayed in the correct order.

Assisting a partner: You may receive advice and assistance from your partner and your partner’s caddie throughout the match.

Sharing clubs is likely prohibited: Partners may share clubs only when the total number of clubs they have between them does not exceed fourteen.

Penalty strokes: You must announce penalty strokes and clarify how many strokes you’ve taken.

Resolving rule situations: For unresolved rule situations, call an official. You cannot play two balls and choose the correct one later as in stroke play.

Concessions: You can concede any hole, shot or putt to your opponent(s) at any time. Concessions must be accepted and they cannot be withdrawn. In four-ball matches, conceding putts can prevent your opponents from gaining useful information. Concessions can be a key element of match play strategy (see below).

Extra holes: If a match is tied after the last hole (and ties aren't permitted), it goes to extra holes. Unless previously arranged otherwise, play continues in the original order of holes using appropriate handicap strokes. As soon as a hole is won, the match is over.

In match play, strategic thinking is paramount. Unlike stroke play, where every stroke contributes to a cumulative total, match play requires a hole-by-hole approach. Each hole is its own separate and unique little match. This format encourages aggressive and calculated risks. For instance, if you’re trailing on a particular hole, it might make sense to attempt a risky shot to try to seize an advantage because the potential downside is limited to losing that hole, which you were likely to do anyway. On the flip side, if you’re ahead on a hole, playing conservatively to force your opponent to be the risk taker can be a sound strategy.

Understanding your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial in match play. You want to apply pressure when they are vulnerable. Additionally, match play often involves psychological tactics such as conceding putts to give your opponents a false sense of security or using mind games to disrupt their concentration. Ultimately, the strategic element of match play lies in balancing aggression with caution, adapting to your opponent’s moves and staying mentally resilient throughout the round.

While your strategic moves in singles match play are pretty straightforward, when you're playing with a partner and part of a larger team competition, strategic options proliferate. You can do some cool things to put your side in the best possible position to win holes and matches.

What makes for a good pairing in match play? It's not necessarily the two best players (think Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson). Once a match gets under way, what should players who are paired together do to optimize their chances of winning?

Complementary skills: Players whose strengths and weaknesses complement each other often make for a strong pairing. For instance, one player might be a long driver while the other excels in the short game.

Communication: Effective communication between teammates is crucial for strategy and support throughout the round.

Personality compatibility: It helps when players' personalities mesh well together. A harmonious pairing can enhance teamwork and maintain a positive mindset, both of which are vital in high-pressure situations.

Consistent play: Since you and your partner only use one ball in this format, consistency is key. Players should focus on keeping the ball in play and avoiding risky shots that could lead to penalties.

Order of play: Decide which player tees off on odd or even holes based on their strengths with different clubs and the layouts of the holes.

Aggressive vs. conservative play: You will often see one player take a more aggressive approach while the other plays conservatively. This usually ensures at least one good score per hole.

Read and go to school on each other's putts: Use one player's putt to get a read on the line and speed, helping the other player make adjustments for their own putt.

Another strategic element in match play is gamesmanship. Gamesmanship in golf refers to the use of psychological tactics and strategic actions to gain a competitive edge over an opponent. It involves techniques aimed at disrupting the opponent's concentration and confidence, and influencing their decision-making and performance without breaking the rules of the game. While gamesmanship can be an effective strategy to unnerve an opponent and turn one hole or an entire match in your favor, it can also test the boundaries of sportsmanship and fair play. When gamesmanship breaches those boundaries, controversy, confrontation, and potential damage to one’s reputation may result.

Inconsistencies in when to concede putts: Conceding short putts early in the match can make your opponent complacent about their putting. Later in the match, you can stop conceding, increasing pressure on them to make those putts. Meanwhile, strategic concessions can mess with a player's head. You can concede a slightly longer putt to keep the match moving quickly and maintain a rhythm but then turn around an not concede a shorter putt on the next hole. This will leave the player guessing and wondering when a putt might be conceded. That tactic puts pressure on your opponent(s) at key moments. They may not be comfortable putting from any distance later on in the match.

Change the pace of play: Alter the pace of play to disrupt your opponent's rhythm. If he or she prefers a quick pace, slow down a bit. If he or she are methodical, speed up to make the day uncomfortable.

Playing out of turn: With your opponent’s permission, you can play out of turn. This can disrupt his or her routine or enable you to take advantage of a favorable situation.

Play mind games: Give compliments on good shots or make innocuous comments to distract your opponent(s).

Engage in small talk or give the silent treatment: Not talking at all may be effective if your opponents are talkative people. Talking to yourself and your partner, especially if done to pump up enthusiasm or in response to a good shot, can convey intensity and be intimidating.

Body language: Confident body language and a positive demeanor can unnerve your opponent, especially if he or she are struggling.

Know the Rules of Golf: Being well-versed in golf rules allows you to call out infractions or take advantage of relief situations your opponent might not be aware of. If a situation arises where the rules are unclear, requesting a ruling from an official can break your opponent's momentum or give you time to compose yourself.

In match play golf, certain gamesmanship tactics, while technically legal, are unsportsmanlike. Here are examples of tactics that cross the line from strategic play to unethical behavior.

Intentionally distracting opponents:

--Talking, making noise, or moving in your opponent’s line of sight during his or her stroke. 
--Standing too close to your opponent, positioning yourself directly in his or her line of sight or standing behind the hole when putting.
--Exhibiting poor etiquette and disruptive behavior.
--Ignoring golf courtesies (marking balls, raking bunkers, fixing divots).

Overusing the rules:

--Making excessive requests for rulings and engaging with rules officials to disrupt your opponent’s concentration and the flow of the match.

Psychological manipulation:

--Making subtle or overt comments intended to undermine your opponent’s confidence or make him or her second-guess his or her abilities.
--Excessive celebrations for winning holes, or for your own good shots or your opponent's poor shots, are a no-no.
--Avoid a bad temper, exhibiting loud and enraged self criticism and comments, throwing clubs, scuffing turf and blowing off steam to unsettle your opponent.

There's a significant difference between acceptable and unacceptable gamesmanship. Engaging in dubious tactics not only reflects poorly on you as a player, it also leads to strained relationships with other golfers and tarnishes your reputation within the golfing community. When you use gamesmanship strategies to gain a competitive advantage, be sure to respect not only your opponent but the rules and spirit of the game.

While stroke play tournaments fill up most spots on golf's calendar, no events fire up the enthusiasm of golf fans like team competitions such as the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup. Playing for country is certainly central to their appeal, but so is the fact that they are match play events. Match play is golf in its purest and most intimate form.

Unlike the stroke play scoring system, where the total number of strokes in a round are counted, match play works on the principle that all that matters is winning as many holes as you can in head-to-head competition. Match play golf rules differ from stroke play as well. Strategy plays a key role, especially in team formats like four-ball and most of all, foursomes. Match play often hinges on psychological tactics and unnerving your opponents. Sometimes gamesmanship, which is legal, blurs the lines of unsportsmanlike territory. This dynamic only adds to the fascination and intrigue of match play golf.

The upcoming Solheim Cup in September on American soil at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Va., will stoke the passions for match play again. But why wait for that--why not give match play a go the next time you play?

How often do the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup and Presidents Cup get played?
Each is played every two years. Next up is the Solheim Cup in Virginia, September 10-15, 2024. The President's Cup, pitting the U.S. Team and the International (non-Europe) Team, takes place September 24-29, 2024, at Royal Montreal Golf Club's Blue Course. In late September 2025, the Ryder Cup comes to Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, N.Y.

Why is match play a good option for players who are less proficient at golf?
Your cumulative score doesn't matter like it does in stroke play. Each hole in match play is a fresh beginning and a little match in itself. If you are doing poorly on a hole, it doesn't ruin your scorecard. You can pick up your ball at any time and move on to the remaining holes.

What is the difference between Four-ball and Foursomes?
--Four-ball is a team format with two teams of two players. Each player uses their own ball throughout the match.
--Foursomes features two teams of two players, but there's only one ball per team. One player tees off on the odd holes and the other tees off on the even holes. After each tee shot, the players alternate shots until a given hole is finished.

Why is Seve Ballesteros considered such a match play legend?
Ballesteros, who passed away from brain cancer in 2011, loved match player like no one else. He was a great player, amassing a 20-12-5 record in eight Ryder Cups and he also captained the Europeans to a victory on his home Spanish soil at Valderrama in 1997. He is widely considered the best Ryder Cup partner of all time. Seve also used every trick in the book to win. He was a master of gamesmanship. Even though he was a fierce competitor, he was beloved as well. His passion sparked the Europeans and inspired them to multiple upset Ryder Cup victories.

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