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
Ladder Tournament
Also called Challenge Ladder
A season-long ranking where you climb by challenging and beating players above you.
- Players
- 4+ players
- Play as
- Everyone for themselves
- Scorekeeping
- Easy
- Handicaps
- Handicaps optional
- Money
- No money involved
- Type
- Outing & Tournament Formats
How to play
Rank the field by handicap. A player may challenge anyone up to three rungs above; the challenged player must accept and the match is played within a set time such as one week. If the challenger wins the two swap places; if the defender wins nothing changes and the loser must defend once before challenging again. Runs all summer with no fixed tee times, so it suits clubs, societies and big friend groups.
Scoring
Standard 18-hole (or 9-hole) match play with handicaps. Position on the ladder at season end is the result; prizes for the top rungs and most matches played.
Variations
- Nine-hole matches for volume
- Two-rung maximum challenge
- Doubles ladder for pairs
Tips
- Challenge two or three rungs up; one-rung challenges gain little
- Post the ladder online
- Set a deadline to stop stalling defenders
Gives a large group a reason to play matches all season.
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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