In this post, we’ll cover what match play in golf is, the most popular formats, how it works in team events like the Ryder Cup, and how you can easily host all kinds of match play games, from casual afternoon rounds to big 72-player Ryder Cup like tournaments with Golf GameBook.

What Is Match Play in Golf?

Match play is a game format where golfers compete to win individual holes rather than count total strokes for the round. Instead of aiming for the lowest 18-hole score, your goal is to beat your opponent on as many holes as possible.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how match play golf works:

• If you shoot a 4 and your opponent shoots a 5 or more on the same hole, you go 1 Up.
  
• If you both shoot the same score, the hole is Halved.
  
• If you have won the same amount of holes, the match is tied. In this case you see “A/S” on the leaderboard, meaning “All square”.
  
• If you're ahead by more holes than there’s left to play, the match ends. For example, a win of “3 & 2” means you're 3 Up with only 2 holes to go.
  
• If you are behind by the same number of holes that remain to be played, the match is said to be “Dormie.” This means you must win every remaining hole to tie the match. If your opponent wins or even halves a hole, the match is over.
  
• If the game is tied after 18 holes, usually the match is settled by a sudden-death playoff. This means the players continue hole by hole until one of them scores lower than the other on a hole.

Each hole resets the score. That triple bogey? It only costs you one point, not the whole round. This changes the entire dynamic: players take more risks, momentum swings quickly, and pressure builds one hole at a time.

Another reason match play golf stands out is the psychological edge. It’s one thing to beat the course, but another to try and out-think your opponent in real-time. You’ll find yourself adjusting strategy based on how the match is going, which keeps things intense and unpredictable.

The Different Formats of Match Play

One of the best parts about match play is its flexibility. Whether you're playing one-on-one or in groups, there’s a format that fits. You can also choose to play with or without handicaps.

Singles Match Play

This is the purest form of match play. Just you versus your opponent. Both players play their own ball throughout, and the better score on each hole wins that hole.

Singles is ideal for friendly duels, qualifying rounds, or tournament brackets. It’s simple, quick to learn, and filled with tension on every green.

Fourball (Better Ball)

Great for team play, Fourball involves two players per team. Each golfer plays their own ball, and the best score from each team on each hole is used. The team with the lower best score wins that hole.

It encourages bold play, as one teammate can take a risk knowing the other offers a safety net. It also leads to some fun internal rivalry: “Did you really just make birdie after I got us a par?”

Foursomes (Alternate Shot)

This is where strategy and patience meet. Two teammates take turns hitting the same ball. One player tees off on odd-numbered holes, the other on evens.

It's fast-paced and highly collaborative – perfect for building teamwork. But fair warning: sending your partner into a bunker might earn you an awkward drink at the 19th hole…

Bonus Variants

While less common in tournaments, formats like Greensomes, or Scrambles can also use match play scoring. They’re fun and accessible options for casual games, especially with mixed skill levels.

Team Match Play: Strategy Meets Camaraderie

Team match play takes everything great about head-to-head competition and adds a layer of camaraderie and shared pressure. Whether you're teaming up with a friend or facing off against another duo, every shot carries extra weight when your teammates are counting on you..

In club events or informal group rounds, match play teams:

• Make rounds more social
• Create “mini Ryder Cup” energy
• Balance skills (e.g., pairing a big hitter with a short-game wizard)
  

Team match play is about creating stories that everyone remembers long after the final putt drops.

Match Play at the Highest Level: The Ryder Cup

When it comes to team match play on the global stage, nothing comes close to the Ryder Cup. Every two years, Team Europe and Team USA battle it out in a three-day event filled with intensity, patriotism, and unmatched crowd energy.

The Ryder Cup showcases all the match play formats:

• Foursomes
• Fourball
• Singles matches on the final day
  

Because it's match play, even superstars can lose to underdogs in dramatic fashion. Momentum shifts rapidly, and no lead is ever truly safe. This is what makes the Ryder Cup one of the most-watched events in golf – and why fans love seeing pros play under the same pressure we feel in our weekend rounds.

Want to Play Match Play with Friends? Golf GameBook Simplifies the Scoring for You

If you’re still not 100% sure how to handle the scoring for match play in golf (or even if you do), we have a solution for you to make your life much easier. 

The Golf GameBook app supports all types of match play formats and takes care of all the maths for you. Just enter the number of strokes each player hits, and the app instantly calculates the winner of each hole. It’s especially handy if you’re playing with handicaps. Best of all, you and your friends can follow the standings in real time.

Also, you don’t need to wait for an invitation from Team Europe or the PGA Tour to enjoy the Ryder Cup feel.

With Golf GameBook’s Reds vs Blues feature, you can set up your own team match play tournament in just a few taps:

• Choose your teams
• Select your match play formats for each round
• Track live scoring and match status
• Enjoy Ryder Cup-style drama on your own course
  

It’s the perfect way to bring team match play golf to life, whether you're playing with a few friends or organizing a 72-person event.

Why Match Play Is a Must-Try

Now that you know what match play in golf is, give it a try! It’s competitive, fun, forgiving, and makes every hole feel like a new challenge.

Whether you're inspired by the Ryder Cup or just want a change from stroke play, match play golf offers a fresh, and exciting twist on the game we love.

So go ahead: grab your team, launch the Golf GameBook app, and bring on the match play rivalry.