<P> Golfers can employ a slightly different strategy during a match play event since the scoring is different . The situation in the match and the outcome of each shot already played on a hole will both be taken into account . On the whole, match play encourages more aggressive play, especially at the professional level, where a par is not usually good enough to win a hole . Since a very poor result for a hole is no worse than a slightly - below - average result when playing against an opponent with an average score, it often makes sense to accept the higher risk connected with aggressive tactics . However, in some circumstances players will be especially cautious in match play . For instance, a player may choose to play more conservatively if the opponent has hit a poor tee shot or is otherwise under pressure to compensate a poor start on a particular hole, reasoning that there is a good chance to win the hole with an average result . </P> <P> There is a format of match play called "Irish match play" in which 3 or 4 individuals may compete against each other . A points system is assigned where as an outright win on a hole for a single player constitutes 2 points, a half of the hole for 2 or more players is equal to a single point . This format allows golfers to enjoy the format of hole - by - hole match play in groups larger than 2 people . </P> <P> Another alternative version of singles matchplay for more than 3 people is popularly known as Rowan Matchplay . Rowan Matchplay begins with all participants playing against one another until one player wins a hole outright posting the better score than all other playing partners on a hole . That player is then 1 up versus all of their combined playing partners who now form a team against the player leading and try to get the match back to all - square . The player leading at the end of 18 holes is the winner . For example, in a 3 player game, after someone goes 1 - up, the match then takes the form of the leading player versus the scores of the other two players . </P> <P> Another form is "medal match play", which combines the head - to - head match play style with medal or stroke play scores . Each match between two players or teams of players is determined by the 18 - hole medal score instead of on a hole - by - hole basis . The advantage is that ties in group or pool play can be broken by overall medal scores . This format was used in the Piccadilly Medal, the Liggett & Myers Open Match Play Championship, the 1986 Seiko - Tucson Match Play Championship, the Dunhill Cup, World Golf Final, and starting in 2018, albeit with a nine - hole medal score, the Belgian Knockout . </P>

How does scoring work in golf match play