Definition

1. Noun:
   • A scoring system in golf: "match play" refers specifically to a method of scoring in golf where the outcome is determined by the number of individual holes won by a player or side, rather than the total number of strokes taken over the entire round.

Usage

• "Match play" is used as a compound noun to describe this specific format of golf competition. It contrasts with "stroke play."
• It is commonly used in the context of tournaments, rules, and discussions about golf strategy.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The Ryder Cup is a famous tournament that uses match play.
  • In match play, you can concede a putt to your opponent.
  • He prefers the head-to-head competition of match play over stroke play.

Advanced Usage

• "to win a match play event": to be victorious in a tournament using this scoring system.
  • She won the match play event by a score of 3 and 2.
• "match play format": describes the structure of a competition using this system.
  • The club championship will be in a match play format this year.

Variants and Related Words

• Stroke play (n): The alternative scoring system in golf where the winner is the player with the lowest total number of strokes.
• Fourball (n): A type of match play where two teams of two players compete, with each player playing their own ball and the best score on each hole counting for the team.
• Foursomes (n): A type of match play where two teams of two players compete, with teammates alternating shots using the same ball.

Synonyms

• Head-to-head competition: A general term for a contest between two direct opponents, which describes the nature of match play.
• Hole-by-hole scoring: A descriptive phrase for the method used in match play.

Related Phrases

• "Dormie": In match play, a situation where a player or side is ahead by the same number of holes that remain, meaning they need only to tie one of the remaining holes to win the match.
  • He was dormie with three holes to play.
• "Concede a hole": In match play, a player can give a hole to their opponent without completing it.
  • She conceded the hole after hitting her ball into the water.

Noun

1. golf scoring by holes won