Matchplay Golf Rules
Explained.
How holes are won, how concessions work, what dormie means, and every matchplay rule you need before you tee off.
Definition
In matchplay, each hole is an independent contest won by the player with the lower net score. Concessions, giving wrong information, and playing out of turn all carry unique rules that have no equivalent in stroke play.
How a hole is won, lost, or halved
In matchplay, each hole is an independent contest decided by net score (gross score minus any handicap shots received on that hole).
Lower net score on the hole. One point to your running total.
Equal net scores. The hole is halved — no change to the running total.
Higher net score. Opponent gains a point in the running total.
Concessions — putts, holes, and matches
Concessions are one of the key differences between matchplay and strokeplay. You can concede a putt, a hole, or even the entire match at any time. Once given, a concession cannot be refused or withdrawn.
Conceding a putt (the "gimmie")
You can concede your opponent's next stroke at any time before they play it. The ball is considered holed. This is what's known as a "gimmie" — common for short putts that neither player would miss. The conceded stroke still counts on the scorecard as one stroke.
Conceding a hole
You can concede a hole at any point during play of that hole. Your opponent wins the hole and you move on. This is useful when you've lost the hole but want to preserve time or energy rather than holing out.
Conceding the match
You can concede the entire match at any time, regardless of the score. Your opponent wins immediately. This is covered under Rule 3.2b(2) of the Rules of Golf.
All square, up/down, and dormie
Matchplay uses its own scoring language to describe the state of the match, rather than total strokes.
All square (A/S)
The match is tied — both players have won the same number of holes. You might be all square after 9 holes having each won four and halved one.
"X up" and "X down"
If you lead the match, you are "X up" — e.g. "3 up" means you've won three more holes than your opponent. Your opponent is correspondingly "3 down." The running score changes after every hole.
Dormie
You are dormie when you lead by exactly as many holes as remain — e.g. "dormie 3" with 3 holes to play. From this position you cannot lose the match; the worst outcome is a halve. The word comes from the French dormir (to sleep) — you can relax.
How the match ends — result notation
A match ends as soon as one player leads by more holes than remain. You don't have to finish all 18 holes.
Order of play
On the first tee, the order is determined by lot (coin flip, drawing a name) or by the match conditions. After the first hole, the player who won the previous hole has the honour and tees off first.
During play of a hole, the ball furthest from the hole plays first. This is different from strokeplay, where playing out of turn incurs no penalty but opponents can require the shot to be replayed.
In matchplay, if you play out of turn, your opponent may immediately require you to cancel that stroke and play again in the correct order — but they must do so before another stroke is played.
Key differences from strokeplay
| Rule area | Matchplay | Strokeplay |
|---|---|---|
| Concessions | Putts, holes, or match can be conceded | Not permitted — must hole out |
| Wrong ball | Loss of hole | Two-stroke penalty |
| Out of bounds | Stroke and distance (same as strokeplay) | Stroke and distance |
| Play out of turn | Opponent may require replay | No penalty, no replay |
| Penalty for breach | Usually loss of hole | Usually two strokes |
Common questions
What happens if both players play the wrong ball?
Under Rule 6.3c, if both players exchange balls and play each other's ball, the first wrong ball played determines the outcome. The player who first played a wrong ball loses the hole. If it can't be determined who played first, the hole is halved.
Can you ask your opponent what club they used in matchplay?
No — asking your opponent what club they hit or what distance they carried it is seeking advice, which is not allowed in matchplay (Rule 10.2a). You can ask about the Rules, distances to the hole or hazards, or local rules — but not shot selection or club choice.
What is the 40-second rule in matchplay?
Under the pace of play guidelines, each player has 40 seconds to play their stroke once it's their turn and they're able to play. Consistent failure to keep pace can result in a loss of hole penalty in matchplay, though this is rarely enforced outside of professional competition. In casual matchplay, agree a sensible pace with your opponent before you start.
If I'm dormie and my opponent concedes the remaining holes, do I win?
Yes. If your opponent concedes the match, you win regardless of when they do so. Being dormie means you can't lose, and a concession of the match ends the game immediately in your favour.
Related guides
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