Page type: Regional rules guide
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Regional conventions and their limits
In the United States, the governing rule framework is the USGA-adopted 2023 Rules of Golf. Match play is played directly against an opponent (or opposing side): the player with fewer strokes wins the hole, and a match is won when a player leads by more holes than remain. A player may concede the opponent's next stroke, a hole or the match, and a concession is final. Players should tell each other their handicaps before the match; in handicap match play, strokes are given by hole and the lower net score wins the hole. Under USGA Rules of Handicapping Appendix C, the recommended allowance is 100% for individual match play and 90% for four-ball match play. The Committee sets the Terms of Competition, so club or event procedures can add conditions. This source-backed record does not claim universal US drive minimums, placement distances or club-day customs.
Table
| Item | Regional reference |
|---|---|
| Format | match play |
| Region | USA |
| Local name | Match play; the USGA uses the same name as the R&A. It is a head-to-head contest based on holes won, lost or tied, rather than total strokes. |
| Rules context | Rules of Golf Rule 3.2a-3.2c; Rules of Handicapping Appendix C |
Worked example
Illustrative only: Alex is 2 holes up with 1 hole to play, so Alex has won the match because the lead is greater than the holes remaining. In an individual handicap match, if Alex's Playing Handicap is 12 and Ben's is 18, Ben receives the six-stroke difference, allocated by hole under the Committee's Terms of Competition.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf Rule 3.2a-3.2c; Rules of Handicapping Appendix C
Sources: www.usga.org , www.usga.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
What is match play called in the US?
The USGA calls it match play. The same name is used in the R&A Rules of Golf; it describes competition based on holes won, lost or tied.
What handicap allowance is recommended for US match play?
USGA Appendix C recommends 100% for individual match play and 90% for four-ball match play. A Committee may specify the allowance in the Terms of Competition.
How is a US match-play winner decided?
A player wins when they lead by more holes than remain, or when the opponent concedes the match or is disqualified. If the match is tied after the scheduled holes, it is extended under the Committee's procedure.
Can a golfer concede a putt in match play?
Yes. A player may concede the opponent's next stroke before it is made. The concession is final and cannot be declined or withdrawn.
Is there one universal US club-day version of match play?
No universal club-day custom is established by the cited sources. The Committee's Terms of Competition should state any event-specific conditions, including handicap procedures and how extra holes are handled.
Does match play use total strokes for the result?
No. Players compare the result of each hole. Total strokes can be recorded for reference, but the match result is the number of holes won, lost or tied.