Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
A Plate Competition is a secondary event for entrants eliminated from a main draw, often in knockout play. It offers additional matches and a separate result. The Committee sets eligibility, draw, scoring and handicap terms; these are not universal golf rules.
How it matters in match play
In match play, a Plate Competition commonly takes eliminated players into a new knockout or consolation draw. The main match result still stands: the player who lost the original match does not return to the championship bracket. Organisers must publish whether only first-round losers qualify, whether later losers join, and whether handicap strokes or a different scoring method applies.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Plate Competition |
| Category | general |
| Applicable rule | Rule 3.2 of the Rules of Golf applies to the underlying match play; a Plate Competition itself is committee-defined. |
| Related concepts | Match Play, Knockout, Consolation Bracket, Match-Play Bracket |
Worked example
Alex loses his first-round match to Ben, while Chris loses to Dana; the committee puts Alex, Chris and the other first-round losers into a Plate Competition draw, and Alex then beats Chris 2 up in the Plate semi-final.
Rule reference: Rule 3.2 of the Rules of Golf applies to the underlying match play; a Plate Competition itself is committee-defined.
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.lugc.co.uk , www.uksga.co.uk , www.mineheadgolf.co.uk , funding4sport.co.uk
Common questions
Is a Plate Competition part of the main golf championship?
Usually no. It is a separate consolation or secondary draw for specified players eliminated from the main draw, with its own winner and conditions of entry.
Who enters a Plate Competition?
That depends on the Terms of the Competition. A club may accept first-round losers only, all players eliminated before a stated stage, or another defined group; do not assume every loser qualifies.
Does a Plate Competition use handicap strokes?
Not automatically. The committee may use scratch match play, the full handicap difference, or another permitted condition, so check the event notice. One Lincolnshire Golf example used scratch for the championship and the full difference in the Plate.
Is Plate Competition an official Rules of Golf format?
No universal format is established by that name in the Rules of Golf. It is an event arrangement built around match play or, occasionally, another scoring method, and its terms should be stated by the committee.
Can a player who loses in the Plate still win the main title?
No. The Plate is a separate competition after elimination from the main draw. Winning it can produce a consolation title, not a return to the championship bracket.
Are Plate Competition and Consolation Plate the same thing?
They are commonly used for the same kind of secondary event, but the label alone does not fix the entry rules. Read the particular competition notice for the draw and scoring conditions.