Tournaments > Match Play

• Definition: Match Play
• Match play is a form of competition where holes are won or lost. The winning player is the player who has won more holes than the other player. A player can win a hole by taking fewer strokes, concession, or a loss of hole penalty. Definition and 3.2a(1)
• In match play strokes, holes, and the match can be conceded. When a concession is made, it cannot be withdrawn for any reason. 3.2b(1)
• A concession can be made while a ball is in motion. The concession applies to the next stroke. 3.2b(1)
• A match that is tied can be extended one hole at a time. Such an extension is the same round, not a new round. 3.2a(4) and 5.1
• Players can agree that a hole is tied, but one of the players must have made a stroke. 3.2a(2)
• A player must tell his or her opponent about a penalty as soon as reasonably possible, unless the opponent is aware of penalty. 3.2d(1)  
• Each player has a right to know the number of strokes their opponent has taken. 3.2d(1) and 3.2d(1) Exception  
• When a player becomes aware of a rules violation by his or her opponent, the player has until either player tees off the following hole to make a claim. This is true even if the violation occurred at a previous hole. 20.1b(2)
• In match play, there is no penalty for striking any player's ball on the putting green. 11.1a
• There is no penalty for accidentally marking an opponents ball. 9.7b Exception
• The general penalty in match play is loss of hole. General Penalty