How to Match Players in Match Play Golf

Match play golf can be very fun.

Match play golf offers an alternative to traditional stroke play golf. In match play, even if you lose a hole by 5 strokes you only get a score of -1. This way, the punishment for a bad hole will not cripple you. A game of match play ends when one player leads by more points than remaining holes. Thus, if somebody leads by 5 with 4 holes remaining, the game ends. You can match players in match play golf in a variety of ways.

Instructions

1. Pair groups by ability. If you put comparable players in a pair, they will have an interesting game. Yet, you can even make a game enjoyable for players of variable ability. Achieve this goal by adding a handicap. For example, a weaker player may only need to come within 2 strokes of a stronger player in order to win a hole.

2. Pair groups in a tournament format. Set up a tournament where the winners of groups will play each other in an elimination format. Consider mirroring the setup of other well-known bracket tournaments, such as college basketball's March Madness.

3. Draw names out of a hat. A random pairing for match play golf can still be very enjoyable. If you determine a disparity in ability after a few holes, feel free to impose a handicap at that time.

References

• Golf Link: Match Play