Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Singles is a competition in which one golfer plays as an individual rather than as part of a side. It can use match play or stroke play, so “singles” identifies the participants, not the scoring system.
How it matters in match play
In singles match play, Alex plays directly against Ben, and each hole is won, lost or tied between those two players. The match result depends on holes won rather than total strokes. Handicap singles may use net scores, with strokes allocated by hole under the competition’s approved terms.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Singles |
| Category | general |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf Rule 3.1b and Rule 3.2; Rule 3.2c for handicap match play |
| Related concepts | Match Play, Individual Match Play, Individual Stroke Play, Match Result, Handicap Competition |
Worked example
In an 18-hole singles match, Alex wins 5 holes, Ben wins 3 and they halve 2; Alex is 2 up after 10 holes, and the remaining eight holes determine whether the match finishes 2 up, is extended or changes hands.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf Rule 3.1b and Rule 3.2; Rule 3.2c for handicap match play
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
What does singles mean in golf?
It means each competitor plays as an individual, rather than joining a partner in a side. Singles can be played as match play or stroke play.
Is singles the same as match play?
No. Singles describes the number of players on each side. Match play describes how the competition is scored by holes; singles may also be organised as stroke play.
How is a singles match decided?
In singles match play, the player who wins more holes wins. The match ends when a player leads by more holes than remain, or it continues hole by hole if the match is tied after the scheduled holes.
Can singles match play use handicaps?
Yes. In a handicap singles match, the competition terms determine the approved handicap method, and handicap strokes are given by hole so the lower net score wins that hole.
Is singles always one golfer against one golfer?
For golf competition purposes, singles normally means one individual against another individual in a match, or individual competitors in a field. The event terms should state the format clearly.
Does singles use total strokes or holes won?
That depends on the scoring system. Singles match play uses holes won, lost or tied, while singles stroke play uses the player’s total score under the event terms.