
What does 2-up mean in golf?
A score of "2-up" means that the player in the lead took the match " dormie " on the 17th hole. "Dormie" means that the leader leads by the same number of holes that remain; for example, 2-up with two holes to play.
What is match play in golf?
A round in match play golf will see two golfers competing head to head against each other and not against the rest of the field. Rather than trying to post the lowest score for the round golfers are here trying to win (or not lose) more holes than their opponent.
How do you play two player golf?
The game is played by two golfers who partner up. Each of the two golfers has to play with their golf ball, which is why the game got its name. The partner’s score that’s the lowest is counted as a team score on each of the holes.
What does 2 and 1 mean in golf scores?
So "2 and 1" means that the winner was two holes ahead with one hole to play (the match ended after No. 17), "3 and 2" means three holes ahead to with two holes to play (the match ended after No. 16), and so on. 2-up So "1-up" means the match went the full 18 holes, and a score such as "2 and 1" means it ended early.

What does 2-up mean in match play?
A score of "2-up" means that the match went dormie with one hole to play - the leader was 1- up with one hole to play - and then the leader won the 18th hole.
What does 2 & 1 mean in match play?
Once the match has finished, the result usually shows how many holes a player or pair was ahead and how many holes remained to be played. Example: 2 & 1 means that you were ahead by 2 holes, with just 1 hole left to play. The exception to this rule is if there is no winner until the final hole.
What does 3 up mean in match play?
When one player is up by the exact number of holes that remain. The best the player who trails can do is tie. In other words, Player A is 3-up after 15 holes, meaning there are only three holes remaining. Final scoring. If a match goes 18 holes, the final score is simply all square for a tie, 1-up or 2-up.
What does 4 and 2 mean in match play?
For example, if one team has a four-hole lead after 16 holes, it means there is no way the second team can win and the match is over. The final score is stated and “4 and 2,” meaning the first team had a four-hole lead with only two holes remaining.
How does Matchplay work in golf?
Match play is a form of play where a player (or players) plays directly against an opponent (or opponents) in a head-to-head match. You win a hole by completing it in the fewest number of strokes, and you win a match when you are winning by more holes than remain to be played.
How do match play scores work?
Match play scoring is based on the number of holes won. Match play differs from stroke play in that each hole counts as one point. The individual or team with the lower score on a hole wins the point. If you win more holes, you win the match.
What does 1 up mean in golf matchplay?
1-up. As a final score, 1-up means that the match went the full 18 holes with the winner finishing with one more hole won than the runner-up. If the match goes 18 holes and you've won six holes while I've won five holes (the other holes being halved, or tied), then you've beaten me 1-up.
What does +3 mean in golf?
If a course has a par of 72 and a golfer takes 75 strokes to complete the course, the reported score is +3, or "three-over-par" and takes three shots more than par to complete the course. If a golfer takes 70 strokes, the reported score is −2, or "two-under-par".
What does 3 and 1 mean in golf matchplay?
3 & 1: This means that one player had a two-shot lead going into the 17th hole, and won that hole — so they won by three and there was just a single hole to play. They played 17 because had their opponent won the last two holes, the match could have ended in a draw.
How do you play golf match play with handicaps?
In matchplay, the difference between two players' handicaps is the number of strokes given by one player to another. These strokes are taken at different holes according to the Stroke Index or Rating of each hole on the course.
What does halved mean in golf?
Key Takeaways. "Halved" is a term used in match-play golf to mean that the two golfers (or two sides) playing the match tied on a given hole, or tied in the overall match.
How does golf match play work with handicaps?
In matchplay, the difference between two players' handicaps is the number of strokes given by one player to another. These strokes are taken at different holes according to the Stroke Index or Rating of each hole on the course.
How do the groups work for Dell match play?
In these 16 groups of four, round-robin play continues for the first three days, with each player getting an 18-hole match against each player in their group. In these 18-hole matches, three outcomes are possible: win, loss or 18-hole tie. If a player wins a match, they get a point.
What does it mean in golf to win 4 and 3?
When you see a match play score that is rendered in this way—2 and 1, 3 and 2, 4 and 3, and so on—it means that the winner clinched the victory before reaching the 18th hole and the match ended early.
How do you mark a match play scorecard?
Match Play So mark your scorecard "AS" for "all square" so long as the match remains tied. Once someone wins a hole, you'll mark the card "-1" if you lost the hole, or "+1" if you won the hole. This means you are 1-down or 1-up, respectively, in the match.
What about Your Own Match Play Scorecard?
But how do you mark your own scorecard if you and a buddy are playing a match?
What does 2 and 1 mean in golf?
So "2 and 1" means that the winner was two holes ahead with one hole to play (the match ended after No. 17), "3 and 2" means three holes ahead to with two holes to play (the match ended after No. 16), and so on.
How many holes does a match play match have?
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. For example, say you reach a score of 6-up with five holes to play—you've clinched the victory, and the match is over.
What is the meaning of tie in golf?
Simple: Win a hole, that's one for you; lose a hole, that's one for your opponent. Ties on individual holes (called halves) essentially don't count; they aren't kept track of in the scorekeeping.
Who is Brent Kelley?
Brent Kelley is an award-winning sports journalist and golf expert with over 30 years in print and online journalism. At root, match play scoring in golf is very simple: Golfers compete hole by hole, and the golfer who wins the most holes wins the match.
What happens to the golfer with the highest handicap?
The golfer with the highest handicap will be awarded an extra stroke on as many holes as that calculated difference number.
What happens if you hit your own ball in golf?
The golfer with the lowest score is said to have won that hole. If both scores are identical then no points (or holes won) are awarded for that hole.
What is net in golf?
Net: When match play matches are played in the NET format, each golfer’s score is adjusted after each hole according to handicap and the net scores are compared to determine a winner for a hole.
What is a round in match play golf?
A round in match play golf will see two golfers competing head to head against each other and not against the rest of the field. Rather than trying to post the lowest score for the round golfers are here trying to win (or not lose) more holes than their opponent.
What is it called when two teams are formed and compete head to head in match play?
When teams of two are formed and compete head to head in match play it is called a four ball, or team match play .
When is a winner declared?
Or in other words, a winner is declared when his opponent can no longer tie or win the match even if he were to win all of the remaining holes.
What Does 3 And 2 Mean In Match Play?
3 and 2 in golf refers to a final score in a match play event in golf. This final score occurs when there are less holes remaining than the difference between the two players or teams score.
What Does AS Mean In golf?
The term AS in golf refers to the scoring in a round of match play. When the scoreboard reads AS that means “all square”, this means the totals of holes won by either team is equal so the golfers are currently tied.
What Does Dormie Mean In Golf?
The term dormie in golf happens in match play when your lead over the other team is the same as the number of holes remaining.
What does "five and four" mean?
As there is a larger lead than the number of holes remaining. The term five and four refers to a situation where a golfer is up five holes in score with only four holes remaining.
What does it mean to win in match play 2 and 1?
What does it mean to win in match play 2&1. If you win matchplay two and one that means you had a lead of two holes coming into the last hole. Since the other golfer cannot reach your score the game is concluded. You win the game with a final score of 2 And 1.
What does "six and five" mean in golf?
Six and five is another confusing term of match play golf. This means that one golfer had a lead of six holes with only five holes remaining to play. Since this lead is insurmountable the match is conceded with a score of six and five. This is referring to the gap in score and the number of holes remaining.
How far from the pin do you shoot a hole in golf?
This is more often done with holes in match play. Say a golfer sticks his tee shot three feet from the pin and you happen to shoot yours into a water hazard. You may want to concede the hole as there is almost no possible way you come out with a win on that hole.
How Do You Win A Hole In Match Play?
As is the case with stroke play and skins, the player with the lowest score on a hole wins and increases their lead by one hole.
How Do You Win The Overall Match?
The short answer is that you need to win more holes than your opponent by the end of the round. If you come off the 18th hole, and you are 1 up in your match, then you are the victor.
Can You Win Your Match Before The Last Hole?
Yes, match play is one golf scoring format where the result of your match can be determined before you reach the last hole. This happens if you are winning by more holes than there are left to play. If you are winning by 3 up with 2-holes remaining, then the match is over as your opponent cannot draw or beat you.
What Is The Biggest Margin You Can Win A Match By?
Obviously, the margin that you can win by is determined by how many holes you are playing. During my high school days, our school league consisted of 9-hole match play games. The widest margin of victory that you could achieve was 5 up with 4 to play.
What Happens If Your Match Is Tied At The End?
What transpires when two players draw at the end of their round depends on whether your match is part of a team event or an individual knockout tournament.
What is the scoring format for golf?
While most average golfers employ the Stableford scoring format, where you pick your ball up after carding a net double bogey or zero Stable ford points. Skins is another golf scoring format that is fun to play with your buddies. For a more detailed write-up on golf skins, you can view our article explaining the details here.
What scoring system do golfers use?
The majority of us average golfers operate on the standard Stableford scoring system during casual rounds. This format sees us convert our strokes into points, where if you card par on a hole that you stroke, you are awarded three points. But do you ever play any other formats?
What can you do on the golf course before a stroke?
In stroke play the only pre-round practice you can do on the course is chipping or putting on or near your first teeing area. In match play, there are no restrictions (Photo: Dom Smith)
What is the WHS for individual match play?
Under the World Handicapping System (WHS) the recommended allowance for individual match play is 100% of the difference between handicaps. In fourball betterball, it's 90% of the difference from the lowest-handicapped player.
What happens if you hit a ball on the putting green?
If you play a stroke from on the putting green and your ball strikes another ball at rest on the putting green, you will incur a two-shot penalty in stroke play. Under match play golf rules, there is no penalty (Exception to Rule 11.1a).
How to practice golf before a round?
Practice before a round (Rule 5.2) 1 Golf Monthly is packed with all the information you need to help improve your game. 2 Take your game to the next level with tips, drills and advice from top Tour Pros and the UK’s top coaches. 3 Impartial in-depth reviews of the latest equipment will ensure you buy the best whatever your budget 4 If you are looking to venture away with friends Golf Monthly will give you plenty of ideas of where to play and stay.
How many strokes does a 12 handicap give?
So, in a match between two players off 12 and 20, the 12-handicapper gives the 20-handicapper eight strokes.
What is 4 and 3 in golf?
A 4&3 victory is when one side is four holes up with only three holes to play. In a handicap match, it is the lowest net score that wins each hole. Shots are taken on the lowest-indexed holes according to the difference between players’ handicaps.
What is match play?
Match play is a different beast as we take on an opponent rather than the scorecard. The rules differ in a number of ways too. Match play is one against one or two against two rather than the whole field (Photo: Getty Images) Before we pick out some of those, let’s talk about the match play basics.
What is risky play in stroke play?
This scoring rewards risky play. For example, a shot over a water hazard in stroke play is risking two strokes in penalty for the chance to shoot one lower, while in match play you are risking losing a hole for a chance to win a hole, making a more balanced risk-reward scenario.
How does match play work in golf?
In match play golf, each hole is like its own small competition, equal to every other hole, making magnitude of victory irrelevant. If a player wins the first hole by three strokes, then loses the second and third holes by one stroke each, she is behind in the match, despite her stroke lead. This scoring rewards risky play. For example, a shot over a water hazard in stroke play is risking two strokes in penalty for the chance to shoot one lower, while in match play you are risking losing a hole for a chance to win a hole, making a more balanced risk-reward scenario.
How do you concede a hole?
A player can concede an entire hole by determining there is no way for her to score lower than her opponent, such as when the opponent has a short putt left and has taken two fewer strokes. She can concede a shot to an opponent, which simply means the putt is so short the players can assume the player will make it.
What is the scoring of a hole?
Scoring. Scores for stroke s in a hole are scored the same as in a round of stroke play, meaning a ball lost in a hazard costs a player the same number of strokes on his score for the hole. Once it is determined who has the lower score for the hole, match play's scoring comes into play, with either one player being awarded the hole, ...
How many holes do you have to play to win a golf match?
Competitors don't always have to play 18 holes to determine the match winner. If, after 15 holes, Player A has won two holes and Player B has won six holes, Player B is four holes up. As only three holes remain, the best Player A can finish is one down, meaning Player B has won the match.
How many points are in a foursome?
On Friday and Saturday, players square off in groups of four, with two players from each team in each group, playing a variety of matches such as foursomes and four-ball. Each match is worth one point in the overall competition, with 1/2 point awarded to each team if matches are tied after 18 holes.
What is match play in golf?
Match play is a popular style of golf among spectators, as the head-to-head competition format can make for exciting showdowns. In match play, the overall score of a round does not matter; rather, a player simply must shoot better on more holes than his opponent.
What does it mean when a golf match is even after 18 holes?
When the match is even after any given hole, then it is noted on the scorecard as “AS” or “All Square” next to the hole number. A game of match play golf that is all square even after the complete 18 holes is considered as a tie between two players or teams.
How many golfers are playing in a four ball golf tournament?
When it comes to handicaps in four-ball, the four golfers that will be playing will be tasked to determine the handicaps of a course.
How does the golf game get its name?
The game is played by two golfers who partner up. Each of the two golfers has to play with their golf ball, which is why the game got its name. The partner’s score that’s the lowest is counted as a team score on each of the holes.
What holes do W and Z play in round robin?
From holes 7 to 13, W and Y are going to partner against X and Z. On holes 13 to 18 , players W and Z will partner against X and Y. While the Round Robin golf game can be a bit confusing for those who are playing it for the first time, it is a great tame to play for those golfers who have mixed abilities.
Why is round robin called Hollywood?
The Round Robin golf game is also commonly known by Hollywood and Sixes because of its unique gameplay. While in the game of Round Robin, the format remains the same throughout gameplay, but the partners rotate, it is not to be confused by another format known as “3-in-1” where the partners remain the same throughout the game, but the format is changed after every six holes.
How to determine the winner of a golf game?
The winner of a game is determined by tallying the total number of strokers of each of the players or teams over an entire round. The winner is determined by counting the number of holes won by the players or teams. One point is given to players who have the lowest score on each hole. Playoff holes can also be added to the match if the score is tied after 18 holes.
What is handicap rating?
Handicaps. Difficulty ratings are issued by the United States Golf Association for every hole on sanctioned golf courses. This makes it easier to determine which hole scores need to be adjusted when both teams have different handicaps.
What is Match Play in Golf?
"Match Play" is a form of golf where a player competes against an opponent to gain points on each individual hole.
What to do if your opponent hits your tee shot on a par 3 hole into a water?
Similar to our first example, if your opponent hits their tee shot on a par-3 hole into a water hazard, you may decide to take a less aggressive line (going for the center of the green rather than at the pin, for example).
What does it mean to win in golf match play?
In match play, a golfer wins when they are beating their opponent by more points than there are holes remaining or by finishing the round with more points than their opponent.
Why should you make your chip shot on a par 3?
If your opponent sticks their tee shot on a par-3 to a few feet and you're off of the green for your second shot, you should aggressively try to make your chip shot because you'll likely need a birdie to halve the hole.
How many points does Golfer B have after two holes?
After two holes, Golfer B is up 2 points on Golfer A. Because there is only one hole left in their three-hole match, Golfer A can't come back to win or tie by the end of the round (Golfer A winning the last hole would still leave him 1 point behind). Golfer B wins by 1 point and the last hole doesn't need to be played.
How do you determine the amount of strokes to give in golf?
The amount of strokes to give is usually determined by finding the difference between the two players' handicaps.
How many points do you get at the end of a three hole golf match?
At the end of the three-hole match, both golfers are tied with 1 point, as they've each won one of the three holes. Depending on the event rules or what the players agreed to, the match can finish in a tie, go to a playoff, or be decided by a predetermined tie-breaking factor.
