Match
A match in golf is the hole-by-hole contest — the winner is whoever decides the most holes for themselves.
The match is the basic form of match play, as it is called in English. Unlike in stroke play the total number of strokes does not count — each hole is decided on its own. Whoever plays a hole with fewer strokes wins it and goes "one up" — if the hole is tied, it is halved. A match ends as soon as a player leads by more holes than are left to play: 3 and 2 means three holes up with two to play. If the match is still level after 18 holes, depending on the competition there is a play-off or the match ends in a tie.
In practice the match demands its own tactics. An example: your opponent lies in the water hazard and needs at least five strokes — you play the hole safely with a bogey instead of forcing the birdie. Conversely the full risk is worth it when you are behind and only a won hole keeps you alive in the match. A disastrous hole costs you at most that one hole, whereas in stroke play it can cost you the whole round. That is why you recover from mistakes faster in a match.
A typical mistake is adding up the total strokes. In a match only the state of the holes counts — "two up", "All Square", "two down". Whoever stays mentally in stroke-play mode makes the wrong decisions. The conceding of short putts is also part of match culture: a conceded putt can come back later as leverage when suddenly you stop giving anything.
FAQ
When does a match end before the 18th hole?
As soon as a player leads by more holes than are left to play. If the score is 3 to 0 with two holes remaining, for example, the match is decided — recorded as a "3 and 2" result. If the match is All Square after 18 holes, depending on the competition there is a play-off or the match counts as a tie.
How does the match format change my tactics on the course?
You play against your opponent's hole, not against the whole round. If your opponent is in the water hazard, a safe bogey is enough — you do not have to force a birdie. If you are behind instead, the full risk is worth it, because a lost hole costs you at most that one hole.
Why is a bad hole less bad in a match than in stroke play?
Because in a match only the state of the holes counts, not the sum of strokes. A nine on a hole costs you exactly that hole — in stroke play, by contrast, the four extra strokes ruin your whole card. That is why after a lapse in a match you can regroup instantly instead of mourning the round.