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
Shootout (Horse Race)
Also called Derby, Rumpsie Dumpsie, Elimination Shootout, Chip-Off Shootout, Last Man Standing
Big group plays together; the worst score is eliminated on every hole.
- Players
- 5–19 players, best with 9–10
- Play as
- Everyone for themselves
- Scorekeeping
- Easy
- Handicaps
- Handicaps optional
- Money
- Money optional
- Type
- Outing & Tournament Formats
How to play
A large group (classically 19 players for 18 holes, or 10 players over 9 holes) plays as one gallery-style group. After each hole the highest scorer is eliminated; ties for high score are settled by a chip-off, farthest from the hole out. Continue until one player (or team) is left standing. Often used as a finale after a tournament with the top qualifiers, sometimes with two-person scramble teams.
Scoring
Survival: one player out per hole, last player or team wins the pot or prize. Golf Genius: with 10 teams you play 9 holes; ties are broken by chip-off 'or some other similar game'. A sudden-death version advances only the best scorer(s).
Variations
- Team shootout with 2-person scrambles
- Sudden-death version (lowest score advances)
- Handicapped with net scores
- Course reserved or custom routing near the clubhouse for spectators
- Sudden-death version (only the lowest scores advance)
- Team horse race with 2-person alternate shot
- Nine-hole shootout with 10 players
Tips
- Pre-arrange with the course; it needs an empty stretch of holes
- Play for par early; you only need to avoid being worst
- Book the last tee time of the day
- Chip-offs are the best part; make them mandatory
- Use net scores for mixed fields
Pure theatre: everyone watches every shot and the chip-offs are nerve-wracking.
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.
Got a game picked out? Find a course to play it on.
Browse courses →Gear ofthe DayAD
* As an Amazon Associate, Every18 earns from qualifying purchases · affiliate links