Golfing News & Blog Articles

Match play versus stroke play … what’s the difference? Is one better than the other? Today we’re breaking it down.

Key Takeaways

Match play focuses on winning individual holes against opponents while stroke play totals strokes for the entire round.Adapting your strategy according to the format can improve your performance on the golf course.

Understanding the Basics of Match Play and Stroke Play

Definition of Match Play

In match play, you compete against another player on a hole-by-hole basis. Each hole is a separate competition and the winner of each hole earns a point. The player with the most points at the end of the round is declared the winner. In case of a tie, the match is usually considered halved. It’s important to note that the total number of strokes taken during the round doesn’t matter in match play. This format encourages more aggressive and strategic play, as you focus on winning individual holes rather than minimizing your overall stroke count.

Definition of Stroke Play

In contrast, stroke play is a competition where you count the total number of strokes taken throughout the round with the ultimate goal of having the fewest strokes at the end. In this format, every shot counts, making it essential to play carefully and consistently. Unlike match play, stroke play doesn’t allow for a fresh start on each hole as your cumulative score determines the final outcome.

Here are some key differences between the two formats:

Match play is a head-to-head competition. Stroke play is an individual pursuit against the entire field.The scoring system in match play is based on points earned for winning individual holes whereas stroke play counts your total strokes for the entire round.Match play tends to encourage more aggressive and strategic play while stroke play promotes consistency and a focus on minimizing total strokes.Some rules and penalties may differ between the two formats as match play is more focused on the interaction between two players.

To sum up, match play and stroke play are different types of golf competitions, each with their unique scoring system and approach. Understanding these basics will help you better appreciate the strategic elements involved and possibly improve your performance in both formats.

Full 2023 BMW Championship tee times for Round 1 on Thursday in Illinois, featuring Rory McIlroy, Luca Glover and more.

The post 2023 BMW Championship tee times: Round 1 pairings for Thursday appeared first on Golf.

For Ralph Lauren, Team USA's Ryder Cup outfitter, the road to winning in style starts years in advance. Here's what's in store for Rome.

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Is it permissible for a caddie to repair ball and spike marks in the line of your putt? Rules Guy has the answer.

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The 2023 BMW Championship kicks off this week in Illinois Here's how to watch the event, including a full TV schedule and tee times.

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The best of the best in pro golf have a new opportunity this year: a real offseason. How many will take it?

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GOLF Teacher to Watch Mike Bury shares a 5-step putting practice routine that will help players gain confidence prior to a round.

The post Gain the ultimate confidence with this 5-step putting practice routine appeared first on Golf.

The distance comment period is over and we learned a lot about what the various leading organizations really stand for. At least I did!

The 2027 BMW Championship will be played at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, N.J., in what will be the tournament's first visit to the New York metro area.

Stress and traveling go hand-in-hand, but with this portable and USB-charging Hyperice massage ball, you can relieve your tension anywhere.

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As a parent, what's the best course of action when you see someone else's kid cheating in a junior golf tournament?

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At a USGA event, one of our writers brought a junior golfer as a caddie. Here's what he learned and what he hoped rubbed off on his looper.

The post I played in my first USGA event. Here’s what I learned (and tried to teach my caddie) appeared first on Golf.

To help amateurs understand how to hit different ball flights, golf instructor Cristy Longfield gives a few easy-to-understand tips.

The post Struggling with ball flight? Here’s how your club positions should look appeared first on Golf.

Lucas Glover, after back-to-back wins, is paired with No. 3 Rory McIlroy at the BMW Championship, while No. 1 Jon Rahm is with No. 2 Scottie Scheffler.

From Jena Sims and Brooks Koepka's quick thinking to a professional golf spat on Twitter and Spieth making a fan's day, get caught up.

The post The Koepkas’ kind gesture, a Twitter spat and Spieth’s shared snack | Rogers Report appeared first on Golf.

Shortening the putter is a fairly painless process, provided you have a club builder who knows what they're doing.

The post Rory McIlroy’s latest putter adjustment is important for all golfers. Here’s why appeared first on Golf.

European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald has named Norway's Viktor Hovland as the third member of the team, joining Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy on the roster.

Today, Titleist announces a new lineup of premium golf bags. The Titleist LINKSLEGEND Series golf bags have been developed in collaboration with players, caddies and PGA professionals from around the world to elevate your golfing experience. 

Intrigued? You should be. 

Titleist LINKSLEGEND Series: Release Details

Available now at TitleistFour new models including the Members Bag, Classic Members Bag, Caddie Bag and Carry BagNew Titleist LINKSLEGEND Series golf bags range in price from $250 to $410Includes a metal nameplate with complimentary laser-etching to personalize your LINKSLEGEND Series golf bag.

A Legendary Lineup

Classic design meets modern features. Need I say more? The Titleist LINKSLEGEND Series golf bags are best experienced through visuals, not my boring text. Let’s take a closer look at each of the new ultra-premium LINKSLEGEND Series golf bags.

The Members Bag

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The Members Bag is the quintessential stand bag with heavy upgrades to give it a more premium look and feel. The velvety four-way divider and the quilted synthetic leather detailing have me feeling some type of way.

Features

Four-way dividerNew top cuff handle Hidden drink pockets with magnetic closureVelour-lined tee and valuables pocketWater-resistant synthetic leather constructionSix color options (black, cool white, burgundy, navy, charcoal, hunter green)Retails for $410

The Classic Members Bag

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The Classic Members Bag maintains the same luxurious feel that defines the Titleist LINKSLEGEND Series with a more timeless and traditional look.

The new TaylorMade MG4 wedges are in the same position as any band that ever took the stage right after the Beatles, Sinatra or, if you’re a teenage girl, Taylor Swift.

How the hell do you follow an act like that?

The TaylorMade MG3 (MG for Milled Grind) wedge is the only back-to-back winner of MyGolfSpy’s Most Wanted wedge testing. It ran away and hid from the rest of the field in both 2021 and 2022, scoring highest for accuracy and spin and performing well in our wet-conditions testing.

On top of that, our testers loved the design and the feel.

MG3 was, in short, no joke.

Callaway's Paradym Star line offers reduced weight and more draw bias for increased distance for players looking to gain back lost yards.

The post Callaway Paradym Star series built for more speed and distance | FIRST LOOK appeared first on Golf.