X. Games and Matches

1. Stroke Play (also called Medal Play)

In stroke play you add up your score for each hole and the total is your gross score. If you are playing with handicaps then you subtract your handicap from your gross score to obtain your net score. The winner is the player with the lowest gross or net score.

Low gross -- no adjustment for handicap, low score wins
Low net -- subtract your handicap, low score wins

2. Match Play

Two golfers play head to head and the winner is the player who wins the most holes. A hole is won when one player holes out in fewer strokes than his opponent. The total number of strokes for the round does not matter. It is possible to win a match play competition with a total stroke score higher than your opponent.

In handicapped match play each player determines the number of handicap strokes he is entitled to. The difference between the players" handicaps is how many strokes the player with the higher handicap is entitled to. These strokes are awarded on the holes with the more difficult hole handicaps. For example, Player X is entitled to 5 strokes and Player Y is entitled to 8 stokes. Player Y receives the difference of 3 strokes, which will be applied on the 1, 2 and 3 handicap holes of the course.

3. Stableford

Points are allocated based on the net score of each hole. Handicaps are allocated based on the index of each hole. You deduct the allocated handicap per hole from the score on the hole and the points are allocated against the equivalent net score for the hole. The exact points that are allocated may vary. This scoring system is used by the PGA Tour at the Sprint International.

4. Best-Ball

This refers to a team event which may comprise 2, 3 or 4 players. Each player will have his/her stroke allowance and the lowest net score would be recorded at each hole. The total for the complete round would be the team's best-ball score. When a team consists of 2 players the game is known as "Better Ball".

5. Scramble

Normally a team of 4. Each player tees off at each hole and then the team selects the ball that is in the best position and ALL play from that spot. This repeats for all shots until the hole is finished. Scores from scrambles should NOT be posted for handicap purposes.

6. Foursome/Alternate Shot

A foursome consists of 2 teams of 2 players. Each team plays one ball, with each player on that team alternating shots. One player will tee off at all the odd numbered holes and the other at the even numbered holes, no matter who was the last player to play on the previous hole. For example, Player A tees off, Player B hits the 2nd shot, Player A putts and misses, Player B putts and holes out. Player B then tees off at the next hole. Scores from foursomes should NOT be posted for handicap purposes.

7. Par

Similar to stableford as far as the allocated shots are concerned but you either win, halve or lose the hole (+ 0 -). It"s a little tougher, as anything worse than a net par is a loss. At the end you add up your wins against your losses.

8. Chapman

Teams consist of 2 players. Each player hits a tee shot. They then each play a second shot using their partner's ball. At this point, they select the best ball and the player who did not hit it plays, alternating shots until the ball is holed (only the first two shots are hit by both players).  Scores from Chapman rounds should NOT be posted for handicap purposes.

9. Pinehurst

Teams consist of 2 players. Pinehurst is similar to the Chapman format, except that each player hits a drive, and the best drive is then chosen and players alternate in from there. Unlike the Chapman, players do not BOTH hit second shots from their partners" drives. Do not post scores from Pinehurst matches for handicap purposes.

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