Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
An extra hole is played after the scheduled holes when a tied match or competition requires a winner. In match play it extends the same round, normally continuing one hole at a time until one side wins a hole, subject to the competition terms.
How it matters in match play
Rule 3.2a(4) extends a tied match one hole at a time until there is a winner, unless the competition terms allow a tie or prescribe another method. Extra holes follow the original order unless the Committee sets a different order. Under Rule 3.2c(2), handicap strokes continue to apply by hole as in the original round unless the Committee sets another method.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Extra Hole |
| Category | scoring |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf 3.2a(4), 3.2c(2) and 5.1; Official Guide to the Rules of Golf, Committee Procedures 5A(6) |
| Related concepts | Match Play, Extended Match, Play-off, Sudden-Death Play-off, Tiebreaker |
Worked example
Alex and Ben are all square after 18 holes; Alex wins the first extra hole, so Alex wins the match by one hole.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf 3.2a(4), 3.2c(2) and 5.1; Official Guide to the Rules of Golf, Committee Procedures 5A(6)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.randa.org
Common questions
What is an extra hole in match play?
It is a hole played after the scheduled round because the match is tied and the competition requires a winner. The match normally continues one hole at a time until one player or side wins a hole.
Is an extra hole always sudden death?
No. Extra holes commonly use a sudden-death approach, but the Terms of the Competition control the procedure. They may allow the match to finish tied or prescribe a different starting hole or tie-breaking method.
Do handicap strokes apply on extra holes?
In a handicap match, strokes are applied by hole in the same way as during the round unless the Committee sets a different method. The competition terms should state where strokes apply when extra holes are needed.