Basics of Golf Match Play

Golf match play is one of the different games that people play on golf courses. The played holes are counted on an individual basis and points are awarded accordingly. This kind of golf game can be played one to one or as part of a team of two players.

Keeping score in golf match play is pretty easy, as it is entirely dependent on each individual hole. If the hole is tied, then it is not counted in the score and if the match is all tied up, it is called all square.

You could well see a final score of 4 to 3 which would tell you that the game finished early because one player had a lead of four holes and there were only three holes left in the game. If this point is reached it is not possible for the other player to take over the lead and the game comes to an end.

There are a number of different things that must be considered with match play that are included with golf basics. For example, if you play out of turn during match play, your opponent can ask you to replay the shot because this is a violation of the rules.

Similarly, the same request can be made by the person you are playing against, if you don't play your shot from within the tee box. This would result in a two shot penalty in stroke play so you can see from this how match play has the edge when such issues arise. Rule breaching in stroke play is extremely detrimental and it will usually bring about a two shot penalty.

It is different in match play however, as the player only loses that hole and is given the opportunity to make up for this loss later in the game.

Match play also varies from stroke play as far as late comers are concerned.In stroke play if you are late for your tee-time you forfeit the tournament whereas in match play you are given until the second tee to start your game.

As for strategy, match play golf is also much different from stroke play. If your opponent makes a bad tee-shot on a hole, it allows you to play more conservatively because you will have an advantage.

For golfers learning the game, golf match play can be extremely exciting. Its competitive and reactions of either aggression or passivity are usually displayed depending on the behavior of the person you are playing against.

Have fun, get some exercise and give golf match play a try for your next golf game.