
What is match play in golf?
Match play – sometimes styled as matchplay – is a format of golf where a player, or team, plays directly against an opponent in a head-to-head match. What is match play?
What does it mean when a golf match is all square?
In match play, a match is all square (tied) when both players or teams have won the same number of holes. A system of team play whereby each player takes a tee shot, after which the most favorable ball position is chosen. All the team's players then take a shot from this new position, and so on.
What is a club in golf called?
Also called a “fat” shot, or “chili-dipping”. Club (i) An implement used by a player to hit a golf ball. A player is allowed to carry up to fourteen (14) clubs during a round of golf. (ii) An organized group of golfers, usually owning or managing a golf course.
What is an example of a team score in golf?
For example, if player A has a 5, player B has a 6, player C has a 4, and player D has a 5, the “best ball” and team score is a 4. Birdie A hole played in one stroke under par.

What is the opposite of match play in golf?
Stroke Play: This type of competition is the opposite of match play where instead you are competing against the entire 18-hole course. You are playing an entire round against your competitors and trying to beat them by having a better score.
What do you call a golf competition?
Strokeplay is the most common form of competition at most professional tournaments. In stroke play, every player (or team) competes all 18 holes and counts the total number of strokes and the party with the lower total nett score (gross score minus handicap) wins.
What is golf terminology?
Golf Terms and Definitions. Ace - A hole in one. Address - the final position taken by a golfer just before the swing. Adjusted Gross Score - Your score after you apply your handicap stroke allowance. Alternate Shot - Another twist of stoke play.
What is team match play in golf?
Topic Overview: 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.
Is it called a golf game or match?
Any social game is likely to be called a game. You have a game of golf (or tennis, badminton, volleyball...) with your friends on the weekend, not a match. Any official game could be called a match. In casual usage for official matches, it doesn't matter whether you call it a football game or a football match.
How do you play wolf in golf?
0:191:18How to Play Wolf - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne goes first in the first hole player two on the second. And so on the rotation stays the same youMoreOne goes first in the first hole player two on the second. And so on the rotation stays the same you tee off after the same person on every hole. Step 2 tee off first and you're the wolf announce.
What does F * mean in golf?
“FinishedWhat Does F Mean On A Golf Leaderboard? Sometimes, in the blue circle on the image above, you will see the letter “F” instead of a number like a 65 or 1-18. This simply means “Finished” and is another way of saying that player has completed their round for the day.
What is a turkey in golf?
Its origin is almost certainly American in nature. In ten-pin bowling, a trio of consecutive strikes is called a turkey, while six in a row is known as a wild, or golden, turkey. It wouldn't be the first time golf has borrowed from another sport to expand its lexicon.
What do you call someone who loves golf?
A golfer is a person who plays golf for pleasure or as a profession.
What is the difference between stroke play and match play in golf?
The main difference between stroke play and match play is that In Stroke Play, all players are simply playing each hole in attempt to have the total lowest scores at the end. In Match Play, two players are playing against each other, with each one trying to score the lowest on individual holes.
What is scramble play in golf?
A scramble is one of the most common formats for golf tournaments. The game is played by a team of four players where each member hits their ball throughout the match. Team captains choose the best shot from the first stroke and use the same spot for each player.
Can golf be played in teams?
In its most traditional form golf is played as an individual sport over 18 or 72 holes but golf is commonly played as a team sport by both amateurs and professionals. The Ryder Cup is golf's most famous team event and team matches have always been popular with amateur golfers.
What are the different golf competitions?
The two basic forms of playing golf are Match play and Stroke play. Apart from these two basic types of play, many other golf tournament formats exist, some of which are regarded "official" forms of play, such as Stableford and the popular forms of team play known as, Foursome and Four ball games.
What is a par competition in golf?
In bogey (or par) competition, the object is to beat a score of bogey (or par) on as many holes as possible. Example: Maurice scores a net 5 on the first hole, a par 5. In bogey competition, he would “win” the hole and go 1-up; in par competition, he would earn a halve and be all square.
What is a sweep competition in golf?
Golf Sweep Competitions These are merely informal golf competitions. The purpose is everybody who is willing to participate in the competition pools to some money. The accumulated money forms the total prize money.
What is a flag competition in golf?
This was a "flag" stroke play medal competition the object being to get as far as possible before running out of shots; the determination of the shots available being half combined, thus a pair with 16 shots has a total of 91 shots (SSS 75 + 16 = 91) before the round is over and their "flag" is planted.
What is match play in golf?
Match play is one of the two primary forms of competition in golf. It pits players one against another, rather than one against the field as in stroke play. Opponents in match play compete to win individual holes, and the player who wins the most holes wins the match.
What does "all square" mean in golf?
"All square," for example, means the two golfers (or two sides) in a match have each won the same number of holes, so that they stand tied. To go more in-depth on a few of the more important terms, check out the definitions of conceded putt (a k a, a concession), dormie, halved, fourballs and foursomes.
What is the name of the game where two players square off?
Match play can be played by two individuals, one vs. one, and that is known as singles match play. Or teams of two players can square off in what is called doubles match play, with various formats ( Foursomes and Fourball being the most common ones) available for team matches.
What happens to the golfers who drive on number 1 on the second hole?
On the second hole, the golfers who drove on number 1 will cede their spots on the tee box and will instead hit the ball where it will have landed. After each hole, the best scores of both teams are compared and the team with the lowest score is said to have won the hole.
How many golfers are on each team in the first hole?
Only one golfer from each team will drive on the first hole. The other golfers will proceed to hitting their teammates’ ball from the spot where it came to rest. The 2-member teams will alternate hitting the ball as such until their ball is holed out.
How many balls are on each hole in golf?
Only one ball – and thus – one score will count per team on each hole and golfers on each team will alternate hitting the same ball, and alternate hitting from the teeing ground.
Where is the foursome golf?
The foursome format is very prevalent in Scotland , to a much greater degree than it is in North America. Because only two balls are played on every hole (instead of 4), a round of golf is played at a much faster pace.
What happens when you hit the first ball on hole number 1?
As soon as the first ball is hit on hole number 1, the alternation order for drives can no longer be changed and must be respected.
What is the low putts side game?
Low Putts side game: Before the round, agree on the value of the bet (each member of your group puts in an equal amount), and after the round count putts. The golfer with the Low Putts wins the pot. Luck of the Draw. Betting game for a group of golf buddies that combines golf and poker.
What is a barkie in golf?
The bark (or wood) in question belongs to trees. A "barkie" ("woody") is a bet that is won by a golfer who makes par on a hole after hitting a tree. A "double barkie" doubles the bet and is achieved by making par after hitting two trees on a hole. Hitting leaves doesn't count; your ball must contact solid wood.
What is the odds of a challenge golfer getting his ball into the hole in fewer than three putts
The golfer who issues the challenge is giving 3-to-2 odds that the challenged golfer can't get his ball into the hole in fewer than three putts. The challenged golfer usually has the option to decline the but, but some groups play it as automatic when the challenge is issued.
What is the second closest hole to the hole?
On par-3 holes, the second closest to the hole is the Wolfman. All three golfers play out the hole at stroke play. The net scores of the two Hunters are added together; the Wolfman 's net score is doubled. If the Wolfman 's doubled score is lower than the Hunters' combined score, the Wolfman wins the hole (and the bet).
How many bets are there on each hole in golf?
Each hole (excluding par-3s) has two bets - one for the fairway and one for the green. If two or more players find the fairway or two or more players are on the green in regulation, then that bet carries over to the following hole (ala skins). Fairway & Greens can also be played for points.
How many points are at stake in golf?
On each hole, four points are at stake: Two points for the lower of each side's low scores; One point for the lower of each side's high scores; One point for the low team total. Ties award no points and winning the low individual score with a birdie results in double points (4 instead of 2).
Who posed for the first tee group photo?
These three guys got to pose with Chi Chi Rodriguez (second from right). Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images
What is it called when a player leads by as many holes as there are holes left to play?
For example, four up with four holes to play is called "dormie-four".
Why do you play a short game over the remaining holes?
A short game played over the remaining holes when the main match finishes early because one player or team has won by a large margin. It serves the joint purpose of adding some competitive meaning to the rest of the holes and also for the losing side to attempt to regain some of the pride lost as a result of their humiliation in the main match. It is usual for the loser of the bye to buy the first drinks in the 19th hole afterwards. In this respect it is an almost direct equivalent to a beer match in cricket.
What is a scramble in football?
A system of team play whereby each player takes a tee shot, after which the most favorable ball position is chosen. All the team's players then take a shot from this new position, and so on. (Also known as a Texas Scramble)
What is a dormie in golf?
A possible occurrence in match play when a player or team converts a lead into a victory without passing through dormie, a guaranteed minimum of a tie at the end of regulation play—for example, converting an 8-hole lead with nine to play into a 9-hole lead with eight to play, or converting a 1-hole lead with two to play into a 2-hole lead with one to play.
What is a clubhouse on a golf course?
A building on a golf course providing facilities for golfers, typically including changing rooms, bar, restaurant, offices for club officials and noticeboards with information about local rules, the conditions of the course, upcoming events etc. A clubhouse may incorporate a pro shop and dormie house. The clubhouse is normally located adjacent to the first and final holes of the course.
How many clubs can a golfer carry?
A player is allowed to carry up to fourteen (14) clubs during a round of golf. (ii) An organized group of golfers, usually owning or managing a golf course. (iii) The entirety of a golf facility, including course, club-house, pro-shop, practice areas etc.
How do you play a 3 player golf game?
Players begin all playing against one another until one player wins a hole outright by posting a better score than all other playing partners on a hole. That player is then 1 up versus all of their combined playing partners who now form a team against the player leading and try to get the match back to all-square. In a 3 player game, after someone goes 1-up, the match then takes the form of the leading player versus the scores of the other two players.
What is a golf club?
Golf club (i) An implement used by a player to hit a golf ball. A player is allowed to carry up to fourteen (14) clubs during a round of golf. (ii) An organized group of golfers, usually owning or managing a golf course. (iii) The entirety of a golf facility, including course, club-house, pro-shop, practice areas etc.
What is a bogey in golf?
Bogey A hole played one stroke over par. Break The tendency of a putted ball to roll left or right of a straight line. This deviation may be a result of a number of factors or combination of factors including uneven surface, grain of the grass, how firmly the putt is struck or, in extreme circumstances, wind.
How many tees are there on a golf course?
Most courses have at least three sets of tees, some have more than twice that many. The areas where tee markers are placed are called “tee boxes”. Tips The championship tees on a golf course are known as “the tips”. At Silverstone, the tips would be our set of silver tees.
What does curved shape mean in golf?
The curved shape of the flight of the ball is a result of sideways spin. For that reason “slice” does not refer to a putt which “breaks”. Slope Rating Slope Rating is a number, from 55 to 155, used to determine the level of difficulty of a golf course for a bogey golfer. An “average” course has a slope rating of 113.
How many clubs can a golfer carry?
A player is allowed to carry up to fourteen (14) clubs during a round of golf. (ii) An organized group of golfers, usually owning or managing a golf course. (iii) The entirety of a golf facility, including course, club-house, pro-shop, practice areas etc. Clubhead The part of a club that used to strike the ball.
What is a dimple in golf?
Dimples, by reducing drag, allow a golf ball to stay in the air for a longer flight than would be possible with a smooth ball. Divot (i) The chunk of grass and earth displaced during a stroke. (ii) The indentation on the green caused by the ball on an approach shot; more properly called a pitch mark or ball mark.
What is a short shot in golf?
Chip A short shot (typically played from very close to and around the green), that is intended to travel through the air over a very short distance and roll the remainder of the way to the hole.
What is a local rule in golf?
Local Rule – Specific rule or rules that are not mainstream and only for that particular golf course. Long – A term for a golfer who hits the ball far (Dustin Johnson). Long Game – Refers to hitting long irons, woods, hybrids, and driver. Lob Wedge – A type of wedge that is usually in the 60 to 64-degree range.
What is an ace in golf?
Ace – Otherwise known as a hole in one an ace is when the ball finds the hole from the tee in a single stoke. It is the dream of many golfers.
What is a baseball grip?
Baseball Grip – A type of grip that resembles a baseball bat grip. Others might call it a 10-finger grip. Below the Hole – A term that refers to a putt where the hole is at a higher elevation than the ball. Big Dog – A Driver. Bite – A term used by golfers for a golf ball to stop rolling.
Why is backspin important in golf?
It is important for distance and accuracy. Backspin – Spin is very important in most aspects golf and you will often come across the term when comparing clubs or in golfing instructions. Simply put, more backspin will give you a high ball with a fair amount of control.
What is the back nine of a golf course?
Back Nine – This refers to the last 9 holes of a typical 18 hole course, also known as heading in. Backswing – As the term suggests, this is simply the action taking when swinging back before striking the golf ball. It is important for distance and accuracy.
What is a fat shot in golf?
The specifics and colors can vary from course to course. Fat – A fat shot is when the club strikes the ground before the ball.
What is a big dog in golf?
Big Dog – A Driver. Bite – A term used by golfers for a golf ball to stop rolling. Bladed Shot – A chip shot from just off the green purposely hit with the bottom of the club. Played often from when the ball rests against the collar of the green. Runs like a putt.
What does "one up" mean in golf?
One Up - Used in match play to mean having scored one hole more than your opponent. Also, the score of the player who is one up. Open Stance - The left foot is dropped behind the imaginary line of the direction of the ball. This allows the golfer to face more in the direction the ball is going to travel.
What is a bunker in golf?
Bunker - A crater or hole in the ground filled with sand; derived from a Scottish word for a store place or receptacle. The American term is 'trap'. A bunker, as laid down by the rules of golf, is a hazard in which a player must not ground their club before striking the ball. Bye - A term used in tournaments.
What is a divot in golf?
Divot - A piece of turf removed with a golf shot. It is proper etiquette to always replace the divot, and to step the turf back in its original place. No relief is allowed for a ball coming to rest in a divot mark. Many courses provide a container of sand in golf carts or at the tee box to fill your divots.
What is a scratch golfer?
A scratch golfer is a player who has a 0 handicap. In other words, a person who plays “par golf”. Shamble - Like in a scramble, all members of a team (usually four) tee off and the best ball of the four tee shots is selected. All players move their balls to the spot of the best ball.
What is the rough in golf?
The rough is usually along both sides of the fairway. Playing a golf shot from the fairway typically makes for an easier shot. Fat - H itting the ground before the ball, usually resulting in the ball not going as far as intended. Also called: chunky, fat, thick, heavy.
What does Caddie mean in golf?
Caddie - A person who carries clubs for a golfer. Could also be defined as a person who gives a golfer advice -- with club selection and course strategy. Carry - The distance a golf ball must travel from impact (the moment the golf ball leaves the clubface) to the point where it first hits the ground.
What is the 90 degree rule in golf?
Ninety Degree Rule - (also "90° rule, 90 degree rule") a practice where golf cars are allowed to drive on the fairway, or away from the cart paths, only perpendicularly (90°) to the hole being played, usually for the purpose of decreasing wear and tear on the turf or for the reason of fragile grass condition, etc.
What is golf league tracker?
Golf League Tracker has a number of ways to handle absent players for your league. Depending on your league type, you have different options detailed below.
What happens if a team forfeits?
If a team forfeits, how you handle that is up to you. Most treat the team who forfeitted as you would any other team who was absent as described above. If you have special rules specifically for forfeits, when you "Record Points" you can override the points the system calculates and enter whatever you like to match your league rules.
How to do random draw in golf?
To do this in Golf League Tracker, create a sub which will be your placeholder for the random player. Then, choose your random player using whatever method you use for your league.
How to offset consistency in golf?
To offset the "consistency" of the course, you can set the handicap of the course to something better than 0 by changing the setting called "Absent Player Penalty Strokes". This setting makes the course have a negative handicap of whatever value you set, which effectively makes it so the course is shooting that number of shots over its handicap.
Do you have to have a ghost in a league?
Some leagues have an odd number of players or teams, which requires them to have a "ghost". A Ghost player or team is treated just like a real player or team who is absent for that round, and you will follow the same procedure when entering scores.

How to Play Foursome Golf
How to Win Foursome Golf
- Similarly to a four ball format (and other match playtypes), the team with the lowest score on each hole is said to have won the hole. A team is declared the winner when its lead is such that the opposing team can no longer close the gap mathematically.
Odds Or Even?
- Before the start of a match, teams will decide which member will drive on odd numbered holes and which will drive on even numbered holes. As soon as the first ball is hit on hole number 1, the alternation order for drives can no longer be changed and must be respected.
Appeal
- The foursome format is very prevalent in Scotland, to a much greater degree than it is in North America. Because only two balls are played on every hole (instead of 4), a round of golf is played at a much faster pace. Another speed advantage comes from the fact that golfers hitting the second shot on a hole can already walk forward while their teammates are setting up for a shot …
Variations
Overview
The following is a glossary of the terminology currently used in the sport of golf. Where words in a sentence are also defined elsewhere in this article, they appear in italics. Old names for clubs can be found at Obsolete golf clubs.
A
ace When a player hits the ball directly from the tee into the hole with one stroke. Also called a hole in one. address The act of taking a stance and placing the club-head behind the golf ball. If the ball moves once a player has addressed the ball, there is a one-stroke penalty, unless it is clear that the actions of the player did not cause the ball to move on purpose. If the player addresses the ball and places the head of the club behind it and in doing so causes the ball to m…
ace When a player hits the ball directly from the tee into the hole with one stroke. Also called a hole in one. address The act of taking a stance and placing the club-head behind the golf ball. If the ball moves once a player has addressed the ball, there is a one-stroke penalty, unless it is clear that the actions of the player did not cause the ball to move on purpose. If the player addresses the ball and places the head of the club behind it and in doing so causes the ball to m…
0–9
19th hole The clubhouse bar.
B
Back nine The last nine holes of an 18-hole golf course. Playing the back nine is called "heading in". Backspin A backwards spin that occurs when a player strikes the golf-ball. The spin causes the ball to stop quickly or spin backwards after landing on the green. Back-swing The first part of the golf-swing. The back-swing starts with the club-head immediately behind the ball and ends when the club-head travels back behind the player's head. The term take-away refers to the first …
C
Caddie or Caddy A person, often paid, who carries a player's clubs and offers advice. Players are responsible for the actions of their caddies. Players cannot receive advice from anyone other than their caddie or partner. A Scots form of the French 'Cadet', meaning an assistant or errand-runner. Calcutta A wager, typically in support of one team to win a tournament. In a Calcutta golfers bid, auction style, on the team (or golfer) who they think will win the tournament (you can bid on you…
D
Dead TV-broadcaster slang for a shot in which there is no favorable outcome possible. Dimples The round indentations on a golf ball cover which are scientifically designed to enable the ball to make a steady and true flight. Dimples, by reducing drag, allow a golf ball to stay in the air for a longer flight than would be possible with a smooth ball. Divot (i) The chunk of grass and earth displaced during a stroke. (ii) The indentation on the green caused by the ball on an approach sh…
E
Eagle A hole played in two strokes under par. Epson Tour The current sponsored name for the official developmental tour for the LPGA Tour. Even Having a score equal to that of par. Explosion bunker shot A bunker shot that sends the ball, and accompanying sand, (hopefully) onto the green. Also known as a blast. European Tour One of the world's leading professional golf tours, along with the PGA Tour. Based in Europe, but also co-sanctions the major championships and …
F
Fade A shot that, for a right-handed golfer, curves slightly to the right, and is often played intentionally by skilled golfers. An overdone fade will appear similar to a slice. Fairway The area of the course between the tee and the green that is well-maintained allowing a good lie for the ball Fairway hit (FH) A fairway is considered hit if any part of the ball is touching the fairway surface after the tee shot on a par 4 or 5. Percentage of fairways hit is one of many statistics kept by th…