Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
Team Stroke Play is a team competition decided by combining players' or sides' stroke-play results. Each competitor plays against the field by total strokes, while the Committee sets how many scores count and whether the comparison uses gross or net scores.
How it matters in match play
Team Stroke Play is not match play: teams do not normally win individual holes against an opposing team. Each player or side completes the round, then the event combines the specified scores into a team total; the lowest gross or net total wins unless the Terms of the Competition say otherwise. A team competition can instead use match play, so check the format before recording a Match Result.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Team Stroke Play |
| Category | general |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf, Rule 24.1–24.2; Rule 3.3; WHS Rules of Handicapping, Appendix C |
| Related concepts | Stroke Play, Team Competition, Gross Score, Net Score, Scorecard |
Worked example
Alex and Ben are Team 1 and Chris and Dana are Team 2 in a two-scores-to-count event: Team 1 returns 82 and 86, totalling 168; Team 2 returns 80 and 90, totalling 170, so Team 1 wins by 2 strokes.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf, Rule 24.1–24.2; Rule 3.3; WHS Rules of Handicapping, Appendix C
Sources: www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.randa.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Is Team Stroke Play the same as Four-Ball Stroke Play?
No. Four-Ball Stroke Play is one particular side format in which partners play their own balls and a specified score is selected for the side. Team Stroke Play is the broader team-competition label and can use several scoring arrangements, which the Committee must state in the Terms of the Competition.
How is a Team Stroke Play winner decided?
The Committee sets the team calculation, such as the number of scores that count. Add those gross or net scores for each team and compare the resulting totals; the lowest total wins unless the Terms of the Competition provide a different result or tie procedure.
What handicap allowance applies to Team Stroke Play?
There is no single allowance for every team event. The WHS Appendix C recommendations depend on the actual format—for example, Four-Ball Stroke Play is listed at 85% and Foursomes at 50% combined—while the Committee specifies the allowance in the Terms of the Competition. Apply it to the unrounded Course Handicap when calculating Playing Handicap.
Can a Team Stroke Play event use net scores?
Yes, if it is a handicap competition and the Terms of the Competition specify the handicap method. Confirm whether the event counts individual net scores, a side's selected net score, or another stated team calculation; do not assume that every team event uses the same method.
Does Team Stroke Play settle by holes won and lost?
Normally no. Stroke play compares total strokes over the round or rounds, whereas match play compares holes won, lost or tied. A team event may be organised as either type, so the name and Terms of the Competition should be checked before scoring.
Who decides how many team scores count?
The Committee decides the form of play and how the overall team score is calculated. Rule 24 specifically identifies the number of scores to count in a stroke-play team total as a matter for the Terms of the Competition.