Golf is unique in sports because it can be played both as a player against a group of other players or as a player pitted against a specific opponent, depending on the event. One of the most popular ways of playing against a specific opponent is through match play. Although few events on the professional golf tour use match play, it remains a popular golf format.
Function
According to the rules of the United States Golf Association, match play consists of one player or team playing against another hole by hole rather than over the course of an entire round. In match play, the player to hole out his ball in the fewest number of strokes wins the hole. If the two players or teams use the same number of strokes, the hole is said to be “halved,” and no points are awarded. The player with the most points at the end of the number of holes being played is declared the winner.
Significance
Match play is considerably different from stroke play in that the number of strokes over the entire course of the round does not come into play. For instance, in stroke play, if a player uses six strokes to complete a hole, while her competitor only uses three, she would be down by three shots. In match play, she would only be down by one point. This allows for greater margin of error over the course of the whole round, causing players to be more aggressive with their play.
Considerations
Another aspect of match play that differs from stroke play is that, in some cases, a full round is not played. For instance, if a player is up by three points with only two holes remaining, there is no mathematical way for his opponent to win, so the match is finished.
Types
Within the match play format, there are also various ways to incorporate multiple players. For instance, the Ryder Cup—a biennial golf event pitting professional European players against U.S. players—uses several match play formats. “Fourball” consists of two players on each team. All players play their own ball. The team whose player has the lowest score on the hole wins a point for the hole. If players on both sides tie for the lowest score, the hole is halved. In “foursomes,” the two players on each team alternate shots until the ball is holed rather than playing separate balls. The team holing the ball in the fewest number of strokes wins the hole.
Expert Insight
Match play strategy can differ greatly from regular stroke play, says expert golf instructor and course designer Rick Smith. In stroke play, you are trying to get to the top of the leader board and shoot the best possible overall round. In match play, over the course of each hole, you only need to be one stroke better than your opponent. This allows you to react and adjust your strategy based on each shot your opponent hits, he says.
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