Match play scoring

Question
Paul,
I have a couple of questions about the scoring of a conceded match, such as today's between Donald and Els.
As I understood the explanation given on the broadcast, a losing player could, when his opponent is about to tap in for victory, "concede the match" rather than "concede the hole."  Is this true?
Is there any advantage or disadvantage to either the winning or losing player depending upon which way the match is scored?
Thanks,
Paul

Answer
Paul,

I went back and reviewed the recording of the telecast and now understand that they scored the Els vs Donald match as "conceded" rather than "2 up".  I do not know why, but it makes no difference in this competition.  Regardless of the margin of victory, the losing player goes home and the winning player plays in the next round.

The one instance where the official scoring of a match might make a difference, is a situation where a player has done something that could cause a disqualification...so he/she decides to concede the match to avoid the stigma of being disqualified.  (An official would not allow that to happen in a top competition, however.)

In matches such as the Ryder Cup, it makes no difference whether a match is lost "1 down" or lost "7 and 6".  The winning team wins one point in either case.  But there might be a match play competition where the margin of victory matters.  And in such a case, the sides would have to decide in advance, how to handle a "conceded" match or a "disqualification".  The same goes for a match that is forfeited  (such as in the case of a no-show).

Best wishes,

Paul Dolman
PGA Golf Professional