November 1, 2024

Stroke Play vs. Match Play | Learning the Differences 

By Josh Boyles with Derrick Ow 

The two most common golf formats I find myself playing--along with you, more than likely--are Stroke Play and Match Play.

A ruling can be very different depending on which one is being played.

Let’s explore some of the differences within the Rules of Golf for both formats. 

The Rules for Stroke Play are written in a way that protects the entire field, since everyone in the competition cannot play in the same group.

 In Match Play, the players in the match are in the same group and can protect their own interests within the match. 

How are penalties implemented in match play?

If I receive a General Penalty in Match Play, then I will lose that hole to Josh and we move on to the next hole.

In Stroke Play, both Josh and I will receive two penalty strokes and must finish the hole and record a score.

In either form of play, if I breach a rule where the penalty is one stroke, then I will receive a one-stroke penalty. Penalties can be applied differently in the two forms of play.

In Stroke Play, if a potential rules breach is brought forward to the tournament committee, it must be determined if one of the players in our group breached a Rule and apply any penalty strokes if they did.

If Josh breaches a Rule in Match Play, then I can decide not to apply the Rule. The player cannot ask their opponent to ignore the Rule, though.

What happens if a player has too many clubs in their golf bag for match play?

The penalty for having too many clubs in Stroke Play is a maximum of four penalty strokes, two penalty strokes being applied to two holes starting with the hole the breach began.

In a match play scenario, I will receive a match adjustment penalty which does not change the results of any of the holes.

The status of the match is adjusted by a maximum of two holes against the person that breached the Rule. If the player that breached the Rule was 2-up through seven holes, the match would be adjusted to tied.

Does order of play matter in match play format?

In Stroke Play you are allowed to play ready golf and make a stroke from closer to the hole than another player.

In Match Play, I have to wait for my opponent to play their shot since they are father away from the hole.

 The same applies to the beginning of a hole. If your opponent has the honor you must wait for them to tee off first. You do not need to wait in stroke play.

Can a match end early?

Players know how many holes they will be playing when they start a round of Stroke Play – typically 18 holes. Match Play can last any number of holes. The match is normally set for 18 holes, but often it doesn’t finish on the 18th hole. If the match is one sided it will finish in the early to middle of the back nine, or if it is tied after 18 holes it continues until the tie is broken.

NCGA Events that use Match Play format

We have multiple events for everyone that involve using the match play format. 

In 2024, NCGA Match Play and Four-Ball Challenge was created to give players the opportunity to compete for an NCGA title. Each round, teams and individuals can choose which golf course to play at depending on location. For more information, you can click here.

The other major NCGA events that use match play format are the following

All of these events do require players to qualify for the match play bracket via one round of stroke play. 

Some players prefer one format over another. Match Play can allow for a player to have a bad hole and instead of losing a few strokes they only lose one hole. Stroke Play has more of a feeling that it isn’t over until it’s over, while it is easier to “run out of holes” in Match Play. But regardless of the format, you are playing a game that we all enjoy.