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
Ringer (Eclectic)
Also called Eclectic (Ringer), Ringer Tournament, Ringers, Eclectic Tournament, Selected Score, 36-Hole Eclectic
Over many rounds, keep your best score on each hole to build one dream round.
- Players
- Any number, solo too
- Play as
- Everyone for themselves
- Scorekeeping
- Easy
- Handicaps
- Handicaps recommended
- Money
- Money optional
- Type
- Outing & Tournament Formats
How to play
Run over two days, a trip, or a whole season. After each round, each player updates a master card with any hole where they beat their previous best. At the end, the 18 best hole scores are added to a single 'ringer' round. Often run alongside other league events with an optional entry.
Scoring
Sum of the best score achieved on each hole. 'Ringers' usually means gross; 'eclectic' can be gross or net (net versions apply handicap strokes by stroke index, often at a reduced allowance since scores only improve). A 36-hole eclectic uses two rounds.
Variations
- Season-long league eclectic
- Two-day buddies-trip bonus bet
- Net eclectic with reduced handicap
- Team eclectic
- 36-hole eclectic over two rounds
- Net ringer with full handicap
- Team ringer for buddies trips
Tips
- Fire at pins late in the season on holes where you're already stuck with a bogey
- Keep a shared leaderboard; the format only works if it's visible
- Tie it to a summer league for engagement
- Post the leaderboard so everyone keeps chasing
- Works for any group size because everyone keeps their own card
Every round has upside, because you can only improve.
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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