Match play golf — hole by hole, not a stroke-play autopsy
Win the hole, lose the hole, or halve it. The match is the scoreboard — not your total for 18. Rounds keeps live hole results so dormie, presses, and “how many up?” stay tied to the card.
Download on the App StoreMatch play rules
You compete per hole. Lowest score wins the hole (with handicaps if agreed). If scores tie, the hole is halved. The match score is expressed as holes up/down (for example, 2 up with 4 to play). A match can end early when one side is up more holes than remain — classic match-play drama stroke play can’t copy.
Dormie, all square, and concessions
Dormie means you’re up by the same number of holes left — the trailing side must win every remaining hole to halve the match. Concessions of putts or holes are part of match-play culture. Whatever you allow, the live match state still needs to be obvious to both sides (and to anyone watching from home).
Match play vs stroke play
Stroke play asks “what did you shoot?” Match play asks “whose hole was it?” A blow-up can cost only one hole instead of five strokes on the card. That’s why presses and side bets feel natural in match play — momentum is visible hole by hole.
Sunningdale and other twists
If your group wants match play without handicaps, try Sunningdale — go two down, get a stroke. Rounds supports live scoring for match-play energy and related formats, with peer-to-peer challenges when you want money on the match. Free for most features on iOS.
Example match stretch
Setup
You’re 1 up after 14. Hole 15 you both make par — still 1 up. Hole 16 you win — 2 up with 2 to play (dormie).
Result
Opponent must win 17 and 18 to halve. They win 17; match goes to the last. You halve 18 and close it out 1 up. Because hole results lived on the live card in Rounds, the match state never depended on a verbal tally.
How to track match play in Rounds
Start the match round
Create a live scorecard for both sides — singles or teams.
Score every hole
Enter strokes so win / lose / halve is never fuzzy.
Watch the match state
Holes up/down stay clear when the card is honest — presses optional.
Settle in-app
When the match ends, settle peer-to-peer challenges from the live result.
Frequently asked questions
Explore more
Scorekeeping
Betting & side action
Ready to play?
Live scoring, side bets, and in-app settlement — free for most features on iOS.
Download on the App Store