Stupid Golf Question
What is match play?
The match is 2-up and you are wondering where the normal score went
Plain answer first
The plain answer
Match play is a format where each hole is its own contest. Win a hole and you go 1-up. Lose one and you go 1-down.
The NPG answer
It is golf with short-term memory. A disaster hole hurts, then the next hole starts fresh.
When it matters
It matters in head-to-head matches, team events, Ryder Cup-style play, and casual bets.
What to do next
Track holes won or lost, not total strokes. If you are confused, ask whether the match is all square, up, or down.
Do this next
What is stroke play?
Stroke play means everyone counts every stroke and the lowest total score wins.
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