What Does Match Play Mean in Golf?
As one of the world’s oldest and most beloved sports, golf has evolved over the years and has quite a fan base. The elegance and skills needed for this sport are straightforward, which sets it apart from other mainstream sports.
There is a common assumption that golf has many rules and, thus, is a challenging sport to learn and play. This assumption could not be further from the truth because the facts are quite the opposite. We can further assert that all you need to learn are golf terminologies and some simple rules, and you are good to go.
One of the main terms you will hear in golf is match play. So what does match play mean in golf? We shall answer this question in detail below, other terms and rules related to this term.
Match Play – Defined and Explained
Match play uses a scoring system where the golfers play one hole at a time to achieve the best score for each hole. Sounds simple enough, right? This is because it is. But let’s give some context to this that will deepen your understanding.
One thing that makes golf so enjoyable is a scoring system that defies the norm. The lowest score is the term a golfer wants to hear as they play. This is because, in golf, the player with the least score wins. Lowest score aside, here are some terms that will help you better understand how the scoring system works;
- Par
Par is the set number of strokes a skilled player would use to hit the ball into the hole. The par acts as a yardstick for perfection in golfing. A par-5 hole means that an experienced player will hit the ball into the hole in five shots. Where the tee box is from the hole, pars range from 3 to 5. Pars are further classified in seven ways, namely;
- Triple Bogey
This is a 3-over par on a hole. If a golfer scores six on a par-3 hole, this is referred to as a triple bogey.
- Double Bogey
This score is 2-over par which is rare for professional players but is quite the norm with leisure golfers.
- Bogey
A 1-over par is called a bogey meaning the golfer used one more stroke than the defined par.
- Birdie
On the other side of par is a player who uses less than the outlined shots to get the ball in the hole. A birdie is the use of 1-under par.
- Eagle
An eagle is the 2-under par score on an individual hole.
- Albatross
This is a 3-under-par score which is the mark of a great player. This score is so rare that famous professional golfers like Tiger Woods have never hit one. It is estimated that less than ten percent of professional golfers of all time have hit an albatross. The ones who have an albatross include include Shaun Micheel and Bill Rogers.
What are the Rules in a Match Play?
Match Play Tournaments only come second to stroke play tournaments. The main difference between these two tournaments is how the scores are tallied. In a stroke play tournament, the winner is the player with the accumulative highest score compared to the par.
In a match play format, you will play your own ball throughout, and will not be playing any other types of formats including a best ball or scramble golf format.
Match play golf rules are simple because all you need to remember is that the match is over when one of the players is up by more scores than the other. The holes left cannot put his opponent in a scenario where he can make up for the difference. Match play golf rules are different in the following ways;
- Gimmies
This is when one player gives a concession to the other player, and he does not have to make a putt.
- Final Score
A golfer aims to win more holes rather than have the highest total strokes.
- Etiquette
Match play golf rules are different because the player farthest from a particular hole is required to play first. This is not a requirement for stroke plays.
- Match Completion
Match Play Tournaments do not necessarily have to end after all the holes are played. When one player is up by more points than the other player can make up for, they win, and the match ends.
These rules are far from what typically happens in stroke plays but serve as a point of appeal for the players.
Tips for Winning a Match Play Event
Match play golf rules apply to all players and should be adhered to at all times. However, there are ways you can use this knowledge to your advantage and secure a victory. This is how to increase your chances of winning a match play;
- Determine the best time to give gimmies based on your opponent’s prowess and putting skills.
- Remember that match plays are a mental game; you should use this to your advantage. This mental game against your opponent can be applying pressure or frustrating them by rolling in putts.
Match play golf rules make it all the more interesting to play, and with all the information above, we ensure that you will have a fantastic time at the course.