What is the difference between match play and stroke play?
In stroke play you count every stroke for the whole round and the lowest total wins. In match play you compete hole by hole: the player with fewer strokes wins the hole, and the match goes to whoever wins more holes. Match play lets you concede putts or holes; stroke play does not.
Side-by-side comparison
| Match play | Stroke play | |
|---|---|---|
| How you win | Win more holes than your opponent | Fewest total strokes |
| A blow-up hole | Costs only that hole | Counts in full |
| Concessions | Allowed (putts, holes, the match) | Not allowed; hole out |
| Score shown as | "2 up", "3 and 2", "all square" | Total strokes or vs par |
| Rules reference | Rule 3.2 | Rule 3.3 |
How match play is scored
After each hole, the player who has won more holes is "up". A match is won when one player is up by more holes than remain, so "3 and 2" means three holes up with two to play. If players halve a hole, neither gains. Under Rule 3.2, a player may concede the opponent's next stroke, a hole or the whole match, and a concession can't be declined or withdrawn.
How stroke play is scored
Every stroke and penalty stroke counts and you must hole out on every hole, or you risk disqualification in a competition. That's why stroke play feels more demanding: one bad hole can't be written off. To see how totals and net scores work, read how golf scoring works, and for the names of each score see birdie, bogey and par.
Handicaps in each format
Both formats can be played with handicaps. In match play, the lower-handicap player usually plays off zero and the other receives the difference in strokes on the holes ranked hardest by stroke index. Allowances differ by format; see golf handicap explained.
Which should casual golfers play?
Match play is great for beginners and mixed-ability groups because a disaster on one hole doesn't ruin the round, and conceding short putts speeds up play. Popular team versions include four-ball (best ball) and foursomes (alternate shot). Stroke play is what most club competitions and pro tournaments use.
Frequently asked questions
Can you post a match play round for handicap?
Generally yes, using your actual or most likely score on holes you didn't finish, within maximum hole score limits.
What does 'dormie' mean?
In match play, dormie means a player is up by as many holes as remain, so they can't lose the match in regulation.
Is the Ryder Cup match play?
Yes. The Ryder Cup uses match play formats.