What is Match Play in Golf? A Complete Guide to Hole-by-Hole Scoring

I love match play – it’s easily one of the most exciting ways to play golf. Instead of counting every stroke like in regular golf, you’re going head-to-head against your opponent on each hole. It’s straightforward. Each hole is its own little contest — you either win it, lose it, or tie it (we call that “halving” the hole).

The format rewards smart course management and mental toughness, which leads to some intense situations on the course. Here’s the best part: even if you completely blow up on one hole, you can shake it off and start fresh on the next one.

What Is Match Play in Golf?

Match play puts you head-to-head against another golfer, hole by hole. Instead of counting total strokes like regular golf, you’re simply trying to win more holes than your opponent. Each hole is its own mini-battle — whoever takes fewer strokes wins that hole. To gain an edge, you might focus on techniques to increase your club head speed, giving you more power and precision in your shots.

The scoring is straightforward — it’s all about how many holes you’re winning by:

“2 up” means you’re winning by two holes
“1 down” means you’re losing by one hole
“AS” (all square) means you’re tied

Playing match play requires different tactics than regular golf:

Smart Aggression

Take calculated risks when they make sense
Adjust your play based on your opponent
Get more aggressive when you’re behind

Mental Toughness

Focus on one hole at a time
Stay cool after losing a hole
Pay attention to your opponent’s confidence

Course Strategy

Position shots to put pressure on your opponent
Choose clubs based on their play
Use the course layout to your advantage

The match ends when one player has an unbeatable lead.

For example, if you’re “4 up” with three holes left to play, you’ve won — your opponent can’t catch up even by winning every remaining hole.

Here are some key match play terms you’ll hear:

Dormie: When you’re leading by the same number of holes that are left to play
Halved: When both players tie a hole
Concession: When you give your opponent their next shot or the hole

This format rewards strategic thinking over consistent scoring.

Match Play vs. Stroke Play

Match play works differently than regular stroke play golf. Instead of counting every shot, you’re playing each hole as its own mini-match against your opponent.

Key Differences

Match play has several distinctive characteristics that set it apart from other formats. You’re focused on winning individual holes, not your total score, which creates a completely different mindset. Final scores show holes won (like “3&2”) rather than total strokes, giving you a clearer picture of the head-to-head battle. One unique aspect is that you can give your opponent putts or even whole holes — something you’d never see in stroke play. Plus, even when facing those holes from hell, there’s a silver lining: a triple bogey only costs you one hole, making it much less painful than in stroke play.

Strategic Advantages

Match play opens up a whole new world of strategic possibilities. You can adjust your strategy based on what your opponent’s doing, allowing you to respond directly to their game. When the situation calls for it, you’re free to take smart risks that might not make sense in stroke play.

One of the best things about match play is that you start fresh on each hole, no matter how badly the last one went. Plus, you can switch between playing it safe and going for broke, carefully considering the match situation, giving you more flexibility in how you approach each shot.

How Match Play Scoring Works

In match play, we track holes won instead of total strokes. The score simply shows who’s winning and by how many holes.

Winning and Halving Holes

Win a hole by taking fewer strokes than your opponent. If you both take the same number of strokes, that hole is “halved” (tied). Understanding golf basics, such as scoring and strategy, is key to mastering this format. Scores update after each hole to show the leader.

Dormie Position

You’re “dormie” when you’re leading by the same number of holes that are left to play.

For example, if there are two holes left, you need to be 2 up to be dormie. With three holes left, you need to be 3 up, and so on. Therefore, when you’re dormie, you’re in a position where you can’t lose the match. All you need is to halve any remaining hole to secure the win, while your opponent must win every hole just to tie. Seeking golf coaching services can help you better understand strategies to reach this advantageous position.

Common Match Play Formats

There are several fun ways to play match play, whether you’re going head-to-head or playing as a team.

Singles Match Play

This is classic one-on-one golf — just you against your opponent. Each player plays their own ball, and the lower score wins the hole. Focusing on techniques to sink more putts and lower your score can give you a significant edge in this format. You’ll see this format on the final day of big team events like the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, and Presidents Cup.

Four-Ball Match Play

In four-ball, you’ve got two teams of two players. Everyone plays their own ball, but each team only counts their best score on each hole. For example, if you shoot four and your partner shoots 5, your team score is 4. This format is great because one partner can play it safe while the other goes for glory.

Foursomes Match Play

Foursomes Is True Team Golf:

One partner tees off on odd-numbered holes
The other partner handles even-numbered holes
You take turns hitting shots until the ball’s in the hole

Quick Format Guide:

Singles: One-on-one, each player plays their own ball
Four-Ball: Two vs. two, all players play their own ball, take the best score from each team
Foursomes: Two vs. two, partners alternate shots, sharing one ball

Match Play Strategy Tips

There’s a different mindset for match play than for stroke play. Instead of focusing on your total score, you’re playing each hole as its own mini-match against your opponent.

Playing Against Your Opponent

Here’s how to get an edge over your competition:

Pay attention during warm-up — you can learn a lot about your opponent’s game
Watch their first few holes closely — their club choices and shot patterns tell you plenty
Mix up your style — play it safe against aggressive players, get aggressive against conservative ones
Hit first when you’re playing well — it puts extra pressure on your opponent
Stick to your strengths — especially when the match is on the line

Risk vs. Reward Decisions

Smart decision-making makes all the difference in match play:

Let the score guide you — take more risks when trailing, and play it safe when ahead
Pick your spots — be aggressive on easier holes where a mistake won’t hurt as much
Consider the number of holes left — running out of holes? Time to get aggressive
Trust your instincts — play safe from tough lies, go for it from good spots
Watch the weather — calm conditions invite aggressive play, and wind calls for caution

Famous Match Play Tournaments

Match play creates some of golf‘s most exciting head-to-head battles, especially in these major events.

Ryder Cup

The Ryder Cup is match play at its finest — Team USA vs. Team Europe, going head-to-head every two years. There are 12 players per side, playing foursomes, four-ball, and singles matches over three intense days. The first team to 14.5 points takes home the trophy, continuing a rivalry that started back in 1927.

The President’s Cup

The Presidents Cup is a prestigious biennial golf tournament that pits a 12-player U.S. team against a 12-player International team (representing all countries outside Europe). First played in 1994, it takes place in odd-numbered years, alternating with the Ryder Cup.

The competition features 30 matches over four days, using various match play formats, including Foursomes (alternate shot), Four-Ball (best ball), and Singles matches. It’s a chance for players to stack up against other players on a global stage.

Teams compete for a total of 30 points, with one point awarded for each match won and half a point for tied matches. The first team to reach 15½ points claims victory. If the competition ends in a 15-15 tie, unlike the Ryder Cup, the Presidents Cup is shared between the two teams.

Conclusion

I’ve found match play to be one of the most thrilling formats in golf. It’s a style that brings out the competitor in me and keeps me engaged throughout every round. The head-to-head nature creates an experience that’s totally different from regular stroke play.

Whether you’re playing in a friendly weekend match or competing in a club tournament, match play adds an extra layer of excitement to your game. If you haven’t tried match play, give it a shot.