Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A halved match is a match-play contest that finishes level after its scheduled holes, with neither side ahead. It is a competition-result description rather than a separate format. Whether a tied match is recorded this way depends on the Terms of the Competition and whether an extension is required.
How it matters in match play
Match play is normally decided by holes won, lost or tied. If the sides are level after the scheduled holes, Rule 3.2a(4) says the match is extended one hole at a time until there is a winner, unless the competition's terms provide a different outcome. Therefore, “halved match” is best treated as a conditional result label, not an automatic Rules of Golf finish or a format.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Halved Match |
| Category | scoring |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 3.2a(4); Terms of the Competition |
| Related concepts | Match Play, Match Result, All Square, Extra Hole, Extended Match |
Worked example
Alex and Ben are all square after 18 holes; if their club's Terms of the Competition allow a tie, the result can be recorded as a halved match, but if an extension is required they play an Extra Hole instead.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 3.2a(4); Terms of the Competition
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Is a halved match the same as an All Square match?
They can describe the same level position, but “All Square” usually describes the score during or at the end of the scheduled holes, while “halved match” describes a match recorded as tied. Check the competition terms because a tied match may have to continue.
Does an All Square match always finish as a halved match?
No. Under Rule 3.2a(4), a tied match is extended one hole at a time until there is a winner when the applicable terms require that procedure. It is only a halved match if the competition permits the level result to stand.
Is Halved Match an official golf format?
No. It is a result description, not a format such as Match Play or Stroke Play. The match itself is played under its selected format; the phrase describes what happened when the sides finished level and no further hole determined a winner.
How should a halved match be shown on a result sheet?
Record the match as tied or halved only in the way required by the Terms of the Competition. Do not convert it into a win, loss or half a hole win. If an extension is required, record the eventual winner and the result of the extended match.
Does a halved hole mean the whole match is halved?
No. A halved hole means both sides used the same number of strokes, so the match score does not change. A halved match is a separate overall result in which the sides remain level after the scheduled holes and any applicable tie procedure.
Can a match be halved after extra holes?
Not where the applicable terms require extra holes to continue until there is a winner. If the Terms of the Competition specify another tie outcome, follow those terms and record the result consistently.