November 1, 2024
Stroke Play vs. Match Play | Learning the Differences
By Josh Boyles
The two most common formats of play in golf 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.
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. When a player receives a General Penalty in Match Play, they lose that hole, and they move on to the next hole. In Stroke Play they receive two penalty strokes and must finish the hole and record a score.
In either form of play, if a player breaches a Rule where the penalty is one stroke, they will receive a one-stroke penalty. Penalties can be applied differently in the two forms of play. In Stroke Play, once a potential Rules breach is brought forward, it must be determined if the player breached a Rule and apply any penalty strokes if they did. If a player breaches a Rule in Match Play, their opponent can decide not to apply the Rule. The player cannot ask their opponent to ignore the Rule though.
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 Match Play the player receives 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.
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, you must wait for your opponent to play their shot since they are away. 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.
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.
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.