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
Stroke Play (Medal)
Also called Stroke Play (Medal Play), Medal Play, Individual Stroke Play, Low Gross/Low Net
Count every stroke; lowest 18-hole total wins.
- 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
Each player holes out on every hole and records the total strokes for the round. Fields are often flighted by handicap and prizes given for low gross and low net. Every shot and every penalty counts.
Scoring
Total strokes (gross) or gross minus playing handicap (net). WHS allowance 95% of course handicap for individual stroke play (100% is acceptable for fields under 30). Maximum Score, Stableford and par/bogey are the 'forms of stroke play' in the Rules.
Variations
- Maximum Score (cap per hole, e.g. net double bogey)
- Flighted stroke play
- Callaway/Peoria/System 36 for players without handicaps
- Eclectic (best score per hole over several rounds)
Tips
- Avoid the blow-up hole; take your medicine from trouble
- Hole everything; no gimmes in medal play
The purest test, and the format your handicap is built on.
Works with
Each link opens every game that works for that number of players.
Related games
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 →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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