From Nationalclubgolfer · Steve Carroll · · 50s
Why Golf Has Two Different Rule Sets
Stroke play and match play rules differ because of how the game is structured.
In brief
Stroke play and match play rules differ because of how the game is structured. Stroke play and match play have different rules because players compete against a field versus each other. Originally reported by Nationalclubgolfer.
Why Golf Has Two Rule Sets
Stroke play and match play rules differ because players compete against a field versus each other.
Key Difference in Competition
In stroke play, players compete against the rest of the field but in match play, a player and opponent compete only against each other.
Teeing Area Penalty Example
Not playing from inside the teeing area gets a two-stroke penalty in stroke play but no penalty in match play.
Why Penalties Differ
In stroke play, a wider field of players could be disadvantaged by errors, so penalties are enforced. In match play, only the player is affected.
The big picture
Stroke play and match play have different rules because players compete against a field versus each other.
