Match Play vs Par

Type Match
Alias None
Format Game
Number of players 2, 3, 4
Team or Individual play Individual
  • In the Match Play vs. Par format, players start off by playing regular match play.
  • Players use their USGA course handicaps to compare their score on each hole with par.
  • If they score a net birdie, they write “0” on their scorecard. If they score better than net par, they write a “+” on the scorecard, and if they score a net bogey or worse, they add a “-”.
  • Once the round is complete, the players compare the pluses and minuses on their scorecards. The player with the most pluses compared to minuses wins the game.
  • For example, a player with six pluses and four minuses would have a +2 score. Another player with seven pluses, five zeroes, and six minuses would have a +1 score.
  • Any score worse than a bogey is considered equal, meaning that even if a player scores a triple bogey, they will get the same score as a bogey.
  • This game can be played by golfers possessing any level of skills.