Golf Knowledge · 7 minutes read
Golf match play rules explained simply
Short answer
In match play, every hole is a separate contest. The player who completes a hole in fewer strokes wins that hole; equal scores halve the hole. The match ends as soon as one side leads by more holes than remain to be played.
Author: BirdieDuel Editorial Team · Rules reviewed against the official R&A Rules of Golf · Updated:
How does match play work in golf?
Two players or two sides compete hole by hole. The winner is not determined by the total number of strokes for the round, but by who wins more individual holes. One very bad hole therefore normally costs only that hole.
A hole is won when one side holes out in fewer strokes, the opponent concedes the hole, or the opponent receives the general penalty of loss of hole. If both sides take the same number of strokes, the hole is tied and the match score does not change.
How do you read a match play score?
The score describes the difference in holes won, not the difference in strokes. “2 up” means one side has won two more holes than the opponent. A final result such as “3 & 2” gives the lead first and then the number of holes that no longer need to be played.
| Score | Meaning |
|---|---|
| All square (AS) | Both sides have won the same number of holes. |
| 1 up | One side leads by one hole. |
| 2 & 1 | A two-hole lead with only one hole left, so the match is over. |
| 3 & 2 | A three-hole lead with only two holes left, so the match is over. |
| 1 up after 18 | The leading side wins on the final scheduled hole. |
What can you concede in match play?
A player may concede an opponent’s next stroke, the hole being played, or the entire match. A conceded stroke counts as holed, and the concession must be clearly communicated by words or an unmistakable action.
Once made, a concession is final: it cannot be declined or withdrawn. Concessions are optional. The Rules do not define a distance from which a short putt is automatically given.
- Concede the next stroke: the ball counts as holed with one additional stroke.
- Concede the hole: the opponent wins the hole immediately.
- Concede the match: the entire match ends immediately.
- Not allowed: agreeing in advance to concede future holes to each other.
Which rules differ between match play and stroke play?
Most Rules of Golf apply to both formats. A few differences are decisive because the player and opponent protect their interests directly against each other in match play.
| Situation | Match play | Stroke play |
|---|---|---|
| Concessions | The next stroke, hole, or match may be conceded. | Every hole normally has to be completed. |
| Playing out of turn | The opponent may promptly cancel the stroke. | Usually no penalty; safe ready golf is encouraged. |
| Wrong ball | General penalty: loss of hole. | General penalty: two strokes, and the mistake must be corrected. |
| Giving a wrong score | May mean loss of hole if not corrected in time. | The scorecard and stroke play rules determine the result. |
When is a match decided?
A match is won when the lead is greater than the number of holes left to play. If a match is tied after the final hole, it is normally extended one hole at a time until one side wins a hole. The Terms of the Competition may instead allow a tied result.
Players should know the match score and correct mistakes in time. Before a private match starts, agree whether a tie after 9 or 18 holes stands or whether extra holes will be played.
How does handicap match play work?
In net match play, handicap strokes apply on the designated holes. Usually the side with the lowest Playing Handicap plays relative to zero and the other side receives the difference. The handicap allowance and the holes on which strokes fall must be clear before play starts.
Example: Playing Handicaps of 9 and 17 produce eight strokes at a 100% allowance. The player on 17 receives one stroke on holes with Stroke Index 1 to 8. On those holes, that player’s net score is reduced by one for the hole comparison.
Official sources
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