Most golfers know the difference between match and stroke (or medal) play. In match play golfers or teams compare scores on each hole to see who won the hole. Whoever wins the most holes wins the match. In stroke (medal) play, you compare golfers' or teams' total scores to see who won by having the lowest total score. Both types of competition can be played without or with handicaps (gross or net scores).
In match play golfers or teams win, lose or "halve" holes. Halving a hole means that both sides finish the hole with the same score. Typically 1 point is won for winning the hole outright and the losing side receives 0 points. Golfers or teams are "one up" if they have won one more hole than the other side, "two up" if they have won two more holes, etc. If both sides have won the same number of holes, they are "all square."
Additional match play point award possibilities exist when running a league.
Individual Match Play Points (1 or more):
Team Match Play Points (1 or more):
In either individual or team match play points listed above, if an item is tied, the number of points awarded are split (0.5 if 1; 1 if 2, 1.5 if 3, etc.).
Many leagues that play in 2-person teams will use both individual and team match points listed above in some combination to arrive at an event total for each team. Enhance your league by adding some of the above "spice" to your match play in golf.