Match play and stroke play
The R&A / USGA · 2023Holes won, total strokes and scorecard responsibility.
Different competitions
Match play compares holes won, lost or tied; stroke play compares total strokes including penalties. Gross scores exclude handicap adjustments; net scores include them. In match play, a clearly communicated concession of the next stroke, hole or match is final. Players must give correct stroke information and promptly disclose penalties, with the rule’s correction deadlines and exceptions applying.
Return accurate scores
In regular stroke play, hole out and have both player and marker certify hole scores before promptly returning the card. A higher returned hole score stands; a lower or missing score normally disqualifies. An unknown omitted penalty has a limited exception. The Committee normally totals scores and applies handicaps. Failure to hole out must be corrected before starting the next hole, or before returning the card on the final hole.
Sources & approach ↗