Match play rules & scoring
Individual · Exactly 2 players
In singles match play, every hole is a small contest. The lower score wins that hole; equal scores halve it. The running result is shown as up, down or all square.
How to play Match play
- 01Both players finish a hole
- 02Compare their hole scores
- 03Move the match one up, down or level
How scoring works
A hole win moves you one up; a tie changes nothing. You win the match when your lead exceeds the number of holes left. A result such as 3&2 means three up with two holes unplayed. In net play, compare net scores after handicap strokes on each hole.
| Hole | Alex | Sam |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 · wins | 5 |
| 2 | 5 | 4 · wins |
| 3 | 3 | 3 |
After three holes the match is all square, despite the players' different running stroke totals.
Score Match play in Chalk
Chalk's Match play mode is singles for exactly two golfers and shows the live up/down position.
Before you tee offChoose gross or net and decide how to handle a match tied after the final hole. Concessions are part of the formal Rules of Golf; record agreed results consistently.
Explore match scoring ↗For formal competition rules, see the R&A Rules of Golf. Local competitions and side games can set their own terms.