Definition

Noun: - A scoring system in golf where the winner is determined by the lowest total number of strokes taken over the entire round or tournament. This is the most common form of scoring in professional golf.

Usage

This term is used specifically in the context of golf to describe the standard method of scoring. It contrasts with other formats like match play, where the score is counted per hole. - In medal play, every stroke counts toward the final total. - The tournament will be conducted using medal play rules.

Examples

• The championship was decided by medal play over four rounds.
• He prefers medal play because it tests consistency over the entire course.
• Her victory in medal play was due to her remarkably low total score.

Advanced Usage

• "to win by medal play": to win a competition based on the lowest aggregate stroke count.
  • The amateur surprised everyone by winning the tournament by medal play.
• The term is often used in its full form, "stroke play", which is a more common synonym.

Variants and Related Words

• Stroke play (n): A direct and more frequently used synonym for medal play.
  • The rules for stroke play are clearly defined by the governing body.

Synonyms

• Stroke play
• Gross score play (when handicaps are not applied)

Notes

• Medal play is the traditional term, but stroke play is now more prevalent in modern golf terminology. They are interchangeable.
• This format emphasizes overall performance against the entire field, rather than head-to-head competition on each hole.

Noun

1. golf scoring by total strokes taken