Birdie BankMatch Play Golf: Rules, Scoring & Key Terms
In match play you win holes, not strokes. Learn the rules, terms like "3&2" and "dormie," and how it differs from stroke play.
In match play you compete hole by hole, not by total strokes. Win a hole and you're "1 up"; lose it and you're "1 down"; tie and it's "halved." Win when you're ahead by more holes than remain.
Key terms: "3&2" = won by being 3 up with 2 to play (match ends early); "dormie" = up by exactly the holes remaining (can't lose); "all square (AS)" = tied.
Match play is forgiving — a disaster hole only costs that one hole, making it perfect for head-to-head bets and brackets.
Tired of doing this math in the parking lot?
Birdie Bank scores Match Play automatically while you play and tells everyone exactly who owes who the second the round ends — no spreadsheets, no arguments. Free on iOS and Android.
Frequently asked questions
What does "3&2" mean?
The winner was 3 holes ahead with only 2 left, ending the match early.
What is "dormie"?
A player leads by as many holes as remain — they can't lose, only win or tie.
How is match play different from stroke play?
Match play counts holes won; stroke play counts total strokes.
Tired of doing this math in the parking lot?
Birdie Bank scores Match Play automatically while you play and tells everyone exactly who owes who the second the round ends — no spreadsheets, no arguments. Free on iOS and Android.