Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
All Square means a match-play contest is tied: each player or side has won the same number of holes, after counting any halved holes. It describes the match score, not the number of strokes taken in the round. The Rules also use ‘tied’ for this result.
How it matters in match play
All Square is a live match score when neither player or side has a hole lead. It can occur during the round, after the final scheduled hole, or when an earlier lead has been erased. If the match is tied after the final hole, it is extended one hole at a time under the applicable Terms of the Competition until there is a winner; All Square itself is not a separate format.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | All Square |
| Category | scoring |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 3.2a(2) and Rule 3.2a(4) |
| Related concepts | Match Play, Match Score, Halved Hole, Halved Match, Extra Hole |
Worked example
Alex and Ben have each won 4 holes and halved 10, so the Match Score is All Square after 18 holes; if their Terms of the Competition require a winner, they continue to an Extra Hole.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 3.2a(2) and Rule 3.2a(4)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
What does All Square mean in golf?
It means the match is tied. The sides have won the same number of holes, so neither side is Up or Down at that point.
Is All Square the same as a Halved Match?
Not always. All Square can describe the score during play. A Halved Match is the result when the scheduled holes finish tied and the Terms of the Competition do not require an Extra Hole or other tie procedure.
What happens when a match is All Square after 18 holes?
Check the Terms of the Competition. Under the Rules, a tied match may be extended one hole at a time until there is a winner; some competitions may specify a different tie procedure or accept a halved result.
Does All Square mean both players used the same number of strokes?
No. Match play is decided hole by hole. A player can win a hole with fewer strokes, while the match can still be All Square because the other player has won the same number of holes overall.
Can a match become All Square after one player was ahead?
Yes. If the trailing player wins enough later holes to remove the lead, the Match Score returns to All Square.
Is All Square a golf format?
No. It is a score or state within Match Play, not a separate competition format.