Page type: Glossary / definition
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Meaning
In match play, a player or side is up when it has won more holes than the opponent. The number states the current lead: being 2 up means two more holes won than lost. It describes the match score, not a total stroke count.
How it matters in match play
Up is the normal way to report a match-play lead as holes are won, lost or halved. The Rules expect players to know whether one side leads by a stated number of holes, or whether the match is all square. If the lead becomes greater than the holes remaining, the match is won; the final result may be recorded as, for example, 3 and 2 rather than 3 up.
Table
| Quick reference | Detail |
|---|---|
| Term | Up |
| Category | scoring |
| Applicable rule | Rules of Golf 3.2a(3) and 3.2d(3) |
| Related concepts | Down, All Square, Lead, Match Score, Won Hole |
Worked example
After Alex wins four holes, Ben wins two and four holes are halved, Alex is 2 up; if Alex then wins the 15th hole in an 18-hole match, he is 3 up with three to play, a dormie position rather than a completed win.
Rule reference: Rules of Golf 3.2a(3) and 3.2d(3)
Sources: www.randa.org , www.usga.org , www.usga.org
Common questions
Does 1 up mean the match is over?
Not necessarily. It means the player leads by one hole at that point, or that the completed match finished one hole ahead. In an 18-hole match, a one-hole lead after 17 holes still leaves one hole to play.
What does 3 up with 2 to play mean?
The match is already won because the lead of three holes is greater than the two holes remaining. The result is normally written 3 and 2, not simply 3 up; this is different from being dormie.
Is up the same as being ahead on strokes?
No. Up measures the difference in holes won and lost in match play. A player can be up despite having taken more total strokes, because each hole is decided separately, including by net score where handicap strokes apply.
What is the opposite of up in match play?
The opponent is down by the same number of holes. For example, if Alex is 2 up, Ben is 2 down; if neither side leads, the match is all square.
Can a match finish 1 up after all 18 holes?
Yes. If the players complete all 18 holes and one side has won one more hole than it has lost, the final match result can be recorded as 1 up.
Does up apply in stroke play?
Not as the normal result notation. Stroke play compares total strokes across the field, while up is match-play language for a lead in holes won, lost or tied.