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"?
