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 · Team & Partner Formats
Ryder Cup Format
Also called Ryder Cup Style (Team Match), Team Match Play, Buddies Cup, Presidents Cup style, Ryder Cup Trip Format, Two-Team Cup
Two captained teams play sessions of foursomes, four-ball and singles for points.
- Players
- 4+ players, best with 8, 12, 16
- Play as
- Teams
- Scorekeeping
- Medium
- Handicaps
- Handicaps recommended
- Money
- Money optional
- Type
- Outing & Tournament Formats
How to play
Split the group into two teams with captains who pair players for each session. Typical trip: day-one four-balls or scrambles, day-two foursomes/greensomes, final-day singles (the singles session is the must-have). Each match is match play with handicaps; captains submit lineups blind.
Scoring
Each match is worth 1 point, halved matches 0.5 to each side. The real Ryder Cup has 28 points (8 foursomes, 8 four-balls, 12 singles) and 14.5 wins; for a trip, first to more than half the available points wins. Handicap allowances follow the format of each session (100% singles difference, 90% four-ball, 50% foursomes, 60/40 greensomes).
Variations
- 4v4 or 6v6 with more sessions per player
- Use scrambles, shambles, Las Vegas or Stableford sessions instead of foursomes
- Handicap swings: cut winners a stroke, give losers one, to keep it close
- Two-year home/away trips
- Team Nassau instead of straight match play
- Stableford points inside the matches
- Add a Devil Ball or scramble session
Tips
- Pick teams by snake draft or handicap balance, not friendship
- Announce pairings the night before for maximum trash talk
- Honest handicaps or the whole trip sours
- Matching shirts and a trophy make it real
- Use a group chat for pairings and results
The trip becomes a story with heroes, chokes and a trophy.
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 →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 →Ringer (Eclectic)
Also called Eclectic (Ringer), Ringer Tournament, Ringers
Over many rounds, keep your best score on each hole to build one dream round.
Any number, solo tooOuting & Tournament FormatsEveryone for themselvesEasy to score
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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