Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
An Interclub Match is a golf competition between teams representing separate golf clubs. The clubs agree the players, match format, venue, dates, scoring and result procedure in the Terms of the Competition; it is a competition arrangement, not a separate format defined by the Rules of Golf.
How it matters in match play
Many Interclub Matches use several head-to-head matches, such as singles or pairs, with the Committee combining those match results into an overall team result. Under Rule 24, the Committee sets the form of play and how the team score is calculated, including points for a win or tie. Confirm the event conditions: an Interclub Match may instead use stroke play, and local conventions are not universal.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Interclub Match |
| Category | general |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 3.2 (Match Play) and Rule 24 (Team Competitions) |
| Related concepts | Team Competition, Team Match Play, Match Play, Match Result, Team Captain |
Worked example
In an illustrative home-and-away Interclub Match, Alex's club wins four singles matches, loses three and halves one, and the event conditions award one point per match win and half a point per halved match; the club therefore records 4.5 points to 3.5, subject to the published Terms of the Competition.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 3.2 (Match Play) and Rule 24 (Team Competitions)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Is an Interclub Match always match play?
No. Interclub describes the contest between clubs, not a mandatory scoring format. Rule 24 allows team competitions to be played in match play or stroke play, so read the event's Terms of the Competition.
How is an Interclub Match winner decided?
The Committee or organising body decides how individual results become the team result. It might award points for wins and ties, count match wins, or use a stroke-play team total. The published conditions control the calculation and any tie-break procedure.
Are handicaps automatically the same in every Interclub Match?
No. Handicap use and any allowance depend on the authorised format and the event conditions. Do not assume a standard Interclub allowance; check the competition documents and the applicable World Handicap System provisions.