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Match Play Basics
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In match play, each hole is a separate competition. The player with the
fewest strokes on an individual hole wins that hole; the player winning the most
holes wins the match. The stroke total for 18 holes simply doesn't matter in match play(1).
Match play matches do not have to go the full 18 holes. They often do, but just
as frequently one player will achieve an insurmountable lead and the match will
end early. If you win or lose your match before the 18th hole, you should play out the remaining
holes in keeping with the integrity of the game.
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Someone unfamiliar with match play scoring might be confused to see a score of "1-up" or "4 and 3" for a match.
The first number in such a score tells you the number of holes by which the
winner is victorious, and the second number tells you the number of holes remaining in the match when the match
was won. So a score of "4&3" means the victor won the match 4 holes up, and the match ended with 3 holes remaining.
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| In match play, a putt, or an entire hole for that matter, can be conceded. Once a player concedes a putt or
a hole, they cannot retract the concession. Putts are often conceded when your opponent hits their ball within a short
distance from the hole. Holes are normally conceeded when the hole is already lost. Concessions help to speed up pace of play.
Conceded putts should only be offered, they should never be requested.
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| There are several scenarios in match play where a transgression might result in
your opponent canceling your shot and requiring you to replay it:
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| - Playing out of turn: In stroke play, order of play is a matter of etiquette. If
you hit out of turn, it's a breach of etiquette, but there is no penalty. In
match play, if you hit out of turn your opponent can require you to replay the
shot in the proper order.
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| - Hitting from outside the teeing ground: In stroke play, teeing off from outside
the teeing ground (the teeing ground is between the tee markers and up to two
club lengths behind the tee markers) results in a 2-stroke penalty. In match
play, there is no stroke penalty, but your opponent can cancel your shot and
require you to replay it.
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| - Hitting an opponent: In stroke play, if your ball hits a fellow-competitor or
his equipment (if it is accidently stopped or deflected by same), it's rub of
the green. In match play, you have the option to replay the shot.
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| - Hitting a ball at rest on the green: In stroke play, if your putt strikes
another ball on the green, you get a 2-stroke penalty. In match play, there is no penalty.
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| (1)Whereas your 18 hole stroke total does not come into play regarding your
match play match, you still post your total stroke count for both your handicap and for event prizes.
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| Previous Rules Articles |
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Unplayable Ball |
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Water Hazards |
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Out Of Bounds/Lost Ball |
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Match Play Golf |
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Substituted Ball/Wrong Ball |
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| To read up on all of the latest USGA rules, visit the USGA website. |