Page type: Glossary / definition
Free tool: Open the calculator →
Meaning
Stroke Play is a golf competition in which each player competes against the field by adding their strokes for every hole across the stipulated round or rounds. The lowest total wins; in a handicap competition, the lowest total Net Score wins after the applicable handicap strokes are applied.
How it matters in match play
Stroke Play is not Match Play: it ranks players by their Round Score or total across the field rather than settling a contest one hole at a time. A club may run separate Stroke Play and Match Play sections, but it should state the format and any handicap or tie arrangements in the Terms of the Competition. This distinction is not a casual betting rule.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Stroke Play |
| Category | scoring |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf Rule 3.1a(1) and Rule 3.3a–c |
| Related concepts | Gross Score, Net Score, Round Score, Final Score, Scorecard |
Worked example
In an 18-hole Stroke Play competition, Alex scores 84, Ben 86, Chris 82 and Dana 84; Chris wins because 82 is the lowest Final Score, while Alex and Dana tie on 84.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf Rule 3.1a(1) and Rule 3.3a–c
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
How is Stroke Play scored?
Record the score for each hole, including any applicable penalty strokes, then add the hole scores for the round. In a multi-round event, the competition compares the resulting total scores across all stipulated rounds.
What is the difference between Stroke Play and Match Play?
Stroke Play compares each player’s total score with the whole field. Match Play compares two players or sides hole by hole, with the result based on holes won, lost or tied rather than the lowest overall total.
Do you have to hole out in Stroke Play?
In regular individual Stroke Play, yes. The player must hole out on every hole. Failing to correct a failure to hole out within the Rule 3.3c time limit results in disqualification; a Committee-set Maximum Score format has different scoring provisions.
Does the lowest Gross Score always win?
In a Scratch Competition, the lowest total Gross Score wins. In a Handicap Competition, the lowest total Net Score wins, subject to the competition’s stated handicap method and tie arrangements.
Who is responsible for the Stroke Play scorecard?
The marker enters and certifies the hole scores, while the player checks them, ensures the marker has certified them, certifies the card and promptly returns it to the Committee. After return, the player cannot change the card.
Is Stroke Play the same as medal play?
“Medal play” is a commonly used name for Stroke Play, but competition documents should use the format name and state the scoring, handicap and tie procedures clearly. The Rules of Golf describe the format as Stroke Play.