Match Play
Also called Singles Match Play, Hole-by-Hole, Head-to-Head
Win holes, not strokes; the match ends when the lead exceeds holes remaining.
2–4 players · best with 2Outing & Tournament FormatsEasy to score
How to play →Outing & Tournament Formats · Solo & Practice · Twists & Challenges
Beat the Pro
Also called Beat the Pro's Score, Beat the CEO, Beat the Pro par-3 challenge
Everyone plays net against the club pro's gross score; beat it by the most to win.
- Players
- Any number, solo too
- Play as
- Everyone for themselves
- Scorekeeping
- Easy
- Handicaps
- Handicaps optional
- Money
- Money optional
- Type
- Outing & Tournament Formats
How to play
The course pro plays first (or alongside the field) and posts a gross score. Each entrant plays with full handicap and compares their net score to the pro's number; the biggest margin wins. The charity version parks the pro on a par 3 and golfers pay $5-25 to hit one tee shot closer than the pro's ball. Solo, set a pro target (the course record, the pro's posted score or scratch par) and play net against it.
Scoring
Pro shoots 70 gross; a 12-handicap shooting 84 is net 72, two strokes behind; an 18-handicap shooting 86 is net 68 and beats the pro by 2. Par-3 version: closer than the pro wins a prize, further pays the fee to charity.
Variations
- Beat the CEO / local celebrity / college player
- Nine-hole version
- Solo: play against the course record
Tips
- Ask the pro to play early so the target is known
- Net vs. gross keeps it fair
- Use a rangefinder to settle par-3 disputes
Bragging rights for beating a professional, even on a technicality.
Works with
Each link opens every game that works for that number of players.
Related games
Stroke Play (Medal)
Also called Stroke Play (Medal Play), Medal Play, Individual Stroke Play
Count every stroke; lowest 18-hole total wins.
Any number, solo tooOuting & Tournament FormatsEveryone for themselvesEasy to score
How to play →Ryder Cup Format
Also called Ryder Cup Style (Team Match), Team Match Play, Buddies Cup
Two captained teams play sessions of foursomes, four-ball and singles for points.
4+ players · best with 8, 12, 16Outing & Tournament FormatsTeamsMedium to score
How to play →Play vs. Par (Bogey Competition)
Also called Play vs. Par (Bogey/Par Competition), Par Competition, Match Play vs. the Course
The course is your match-play opponent and it makes par (or bogey) on every hole.
Any number, solo tooOuting & Tournament FormatsEveryone for themselvesEasy to scoreHandicaps required
How to play →Sources
Rules reflect the version most groups play, cross-checked across these sources. House rules vary; agree yours on the first tee.
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