match play questions

[lmanchur.]

...how does it work? Can someone explain it for me?

You see, I'm not really that good of a golfer to compete in a stroke tournament (is that what it's called like what they play in all regular PGA events?), but I could probably beat a few of my golfing pals (or at least have a chance) in a match play game... I don't understand terms like "1 up" or "the hole was haved" or something... explain, pleaes! :).

[iFroggy]

1 up means that you are up one hole. If you are playing a match play event and you win a hole. You are 1 up. If your opponent wins a hole, then the match is square.

As for a hole being halved. That is when you and your opponent tie each other on the hole and their is no victor on that hole. You "halve" the hole. But, it doesn't change the score. For instance, you can't be 1 1/2 up. :)

[iFroggy]

Hello again.

I just looked it up and here is the page of the Official Rules of Match Play.

http://www.usga.org/rules/rule_2000/f_rule2.html


2-2. Halved Hole

A hole is halved if each side holes out in the same number of strokes.

When a player has holed out and his opponent has been left with a stroke for the half, if the player thereafter incurs a penalty, the hole is halved.



2-1. Winner of Hole; Reckoning of Holes

In match play the game is played by holes.

Except as otherwise provided in the Rules, a hole is won by the side which holes its ball in the fewer strokes. In a handicap match the lower net score wins the hole.

The reckoning of holes is kept by the terms: so many “holes up’’ or “all square,’’ and so many “to play.’’

A side is “dormie’’ when it is as many holes up as there are holes remaining to be played.


Thanks for posting Lee, I hope I helped you. :)

[lmanchur.]

Thanks a bunch, Patrick! :) ...starting to make sense now.

I think the World Match Play Championships are still underway in Australia, so I'll watch one of the upcoming rounds and see if the terms make sense to me now!!

[RaviPachai]

hm, I was just thinking about something. When you play match play is your handicap suppose to be accounted for? Or is it strictly strokes regardless of your handicap ? or do they normally pair you up with someone who has an equal handicap so that the handicap doesn't come into play ? Or could it be either of these??

Ravi

[iFroggy]

Ok, sorry this took so long, but I had to consult with someone on this.

Yes, in match play handicap is allowed. Not on tour of course, but casual match play it is legal.

This is what you do. If you are a 15 handicap, and you are playing a 10 handicap. Then your hanicap is 5 and the person is scratch. Do you get it? :) You are 15, he is 10, its a 5 stroke difference, so you eliminate the ten.

Hope this helps. :)

[RaviPachai]

yeah, it's weird, everytime I've played match play (even in tournaments) I can't remember ever having to account for our handicap. My memory isn't perfect though :).

[iFroggy]

Well, I do believe some tournaments can either say with handicap or without. Its not "illegal" either way. But, a match play tournament can be played with or without.

[RaviPachai]

yeah, one of the best formats I played organised by the club I am at did a parent / child - 9 holes best ball full handicap and then 9 holes captain choice 25% of the total handicap for the 2 players.

it was alot of fun, the first nine was more stressful while the second was alot of fun. It was a really enjoyable format.

Ravi