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ARTICLES ABOUT GOLF FORMATS

There are many ways to play a standard "match" with other golfers and are referred to as "formats".  

Here are the two main formats

Medal Play (also called Stroke Play) is the most simple.   Just add up the total number of shots in which you "attempt" to hit the ball.  Note I said "attempt".  That means that if you attempt to hit the ball and "whiff" it (never making content or moving the ball at all) that still counts as a stroke.   (And a practice swing that accidentally moves the ball IS also counted as a stroke.)   

Almost all tournaments on the LPGA and PGA Tours use stroke play and all 18 holes are played on each day of the tournament.  Think about it:  If Player A is heading into the 18th hole with a 4 shot lead, it is possible that her opponent could have a great putt and take a 3 on a hole -  while her opponent gets into trouble behind a tree and then in a bunker and then three-putts and loses the the match.

Match Play (whether played in teams or as individuals) results in a hole being "won" "lost" or "tied".  The winner (whether individual or team) of a match play format is the person or team that has won more holes than there are left to play -- even if the remaining holes were tied.  Often match play scores are posted as "3 and 2" -- translated that means Player A was "up 3 with 2 holes left to play".  No way could Player B win that match!  [There are some fun ways to create a second match -- called a "press" which is really a second bet.]

Here are two articles I wrote (with the assistance of Dr. Patricia Donnelly) about Stroke and Match Play.

HOW TO COACH FOR MATCH PLAY GOLF -- https://www.womensgolf.com/coaching-match-play-golf/

MATCH PLAY OR STROKE PLAY - WHAT DO YOU LIKE? https://www.womensgolf.com/match-play-or-stroke-play/

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Watch for articles about golf formats.  I believe that women should understand the common formats that men play... such as "Skins".  I have developed fun formats in my role as Chair of Women's Golf at several clubs.  I will be posting those.  Have you heard of "six-some scrambles" or "Play with Lexi"?