Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A Home-and-Away Match is a team or club contest arranged across venues, with one side hosting a fixture at its home course and the other hosting a return fixture. The phrase describes venue scheduling, not a single universal scoring system or a separate format in the Rules of Golf.
How it matters in match play
Home-and-away arrangements commonly use match play, but the competition Terms decide whether the contest has one fixture or a return fixture, how team points are counted, and whether handicaps apply. Rule 3.2 governs the match-play element: players compete hole by hole. If handicaps are used, the Committee must state the allowance and stroke method; WHS Appendix C recommends 100% for individual match play and 90% for four-ball match play.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Home-and-Away Match |
| Category | general |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 3.2; WHS Appendix C |
| Related concepts | Match Play, Team Competition, Interclub Match, Match Result |
Worked example
Alex's club hosts the first fixture against Ben's club, and Ben's club hosts the return fixture two weeks later; the competition Terms might award one contest point for each fixture win, but that points system is illustrative and must be agreed in advance.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 3.2; WHS Appendix C
Sources: www.golfnsw.org.au , www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.burnleywomensgolf.org.au
Common questions
Is a Home-and-Away Match an official Rules of Golf format?
No. It is a venue and scheduling arrangement. The playing format, scoring and result procedure come from the competition Terms, while the Rules of Golf apply to the golf being played.
Must a Home-and-Away Match have two fixtures?
No. Many competitions use a home fixture and a return away fixture, but a competition may use the phrase for a single contest hosted alternately by the participating clubs. Check the draw and Terms of Competition.
How are handicaps set in a Home-and-Away Match?
There is no universal home-and-away allowance. The Committee should specify the format and handicap method. For reference, WHS Appendix C recommends 100% for individual match play and 90% for four-ball match play, applied to the relevant Playing Handicaps.
Does the home team automatically receive an advantage under the Rules?
No. The Rules of Golf do not award a home-course advantage. Any venue-related benefit is a practical consideration, and the competition Terms should set consistent arrangements for hosting and results.
Can a Home-and-Away Match be played without handicaps?
Yes. A competition can specify scratch match play, as in some interclub events. That is a competition decision, not a requirement of the Home-and-Away Match label.