Trevor Ng
Medal play, also known as stroke play, is one of the simplest scoring formats in golf. In medal play, golfers record each of their shots (and penalty strokes) on every hole, and the winner is the golfer with the lowest total number of shots. This format is considered intimidating by many golfers because every shot counts, especially very bad ones. Medal play can be played as a one-on-one competition or with groups of four.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of competition | One-on-one or fourballs/foursomes |
| Scoring format | Add up the total number of shots a player has made during the tournament; the player with the lowest score wins |
| Hole scores | Record gross score for each hole and deduct handicap to get net score |
| Number of holes | 18 |
| Number of rounds | One or more |
| Ties | Settled by playoff |
| Handicap | Used to adjust player's score |
| Gimmies | Not accepted or offered |
| Putts | Must be sunk |
| Tournament duration | One or several days |
| Prizes | Medal engraved with month and year, vouchers |
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What You'll Learn
Medal play is stroke play
Medal play, also known as stroke play, is the simplest of golf's scoring formats. In medal play, an individual golfer records each of their shots over one or more rounds of 18 holes. The golfer with the lowest total score wins. In medal play, one bad hole can have wider repercussions for your final score. This makes medal play the most unforgiving format, and often why a golf club's medal competitions will attract a better average standard of golfer than Stableford ones.
In Stableford or match play, if you rack up a huge score on a hole, you simply score 0 points on that hole or lose the hole, respectively, so the damage is contained to that one hole. But in medal play, you cannot do this. The player’s medal score may be gross or net, depending on whether the competition is using handicaps or not. If the competition is using handicaps, then the player’s score is adjusted by the player’s handicap to get the medal score.
In handicap competitions, the players would subtract their handicaps from the total (gross) score to generate their net scores, and the player with the lowest net score is the winner. Scores may be reported in relation to par for easy comparison with other golfers' scores. For example, a player whose score is three strokes over par after a given hole would appear as "+3" on the scoreboard.
Ties in professional golf are generally settled by means of a playoff. Different tournaments have various formats for their playoffs, ranging from another full round, as employed in the U.S. Open, through to a three- or four-hole playoff as used in the PGA Championship and the Open Championship (British Open). Multi-round tournaments may enforce a "cut" to reduce the field for later rounds. In a typical 72-hole elite tournament, played over one or two courses, there is a cut after 36 holes.
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The winner has the fewest strokes
Medal play in golf, also known as stroke play, is the simplest of golf's scoring formats. In medal play, golfers record each of their shots (and penalty strokes) over one or more rounds of 18 holes. At the end of the round(s), the golfer with the lowest total score wins. This format differs from match play, where golfers aim to win individual holes by making the lowest score on each, and the winner is the golfer who wins the most holes. In Stableford, another alternative, hole scores are converted into points totals.
In medal play, golfers must hole out on every hole. This means that golfers cannot pick up once they can no longer win a point, as they can in Stableford, nor can they concede the hole, as they may in match play. This makes medal play more challenging, as one bad hole can have a significant impact on a player's final score.
When playing in a medal, golfers record their gross score for each hole. At the end of the round, they deduct their handicap to get their net score, which is the one that matters in a stroke play competition. The handicap system helps players of different skill levels compete on a more level playing field. For example, if Player A usually shoots in the 80s and Player B in the 100s, Player B would receive 12 strokes (80-100=12) to compensate for the skill difference.
While medal play is a common format for club competitions, it is also used in many professional tournaments. Most PGA Tour tournaments, for instance, use this format to award their cash purses. This is because medal play allows golfers to compare their entire skill set with that of their peers on a given day and course.
If two or more golfers have the same number of strokes at the end of a medal play competition, the winner is usually determined through a playoff. Different tournaments employ various playoff formats, ranging from another full round to a three- or four-hole playoff, or straightforward sudden death.
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One bad hole can affect your final score
Medal play in golf, also known as stroke play, is the simplest of golf's scoring formats. In medal play, the player's final score is calculated by totalling the number of shots they've made during the tournament, and the player with the lowest score wins.
In medal play, one bad hole can affect your final score. This is because, in medal play, you cannot simply "forget it and move on" as you would in Stableford or match play. Instead, you must hole out on every hole, and your score on each hole is added to your overall score. This means that a single bad hole can have wider repercussions for your final score.
Golfers often struggle with bouncing back from a bad hole, which can lead to a downward spiral of negative thoughts and even worse results. However, there are strategies to help golfers reset their focus and improve their confidence. For example, golfers can focus on the process of executing each shot rather than fixating on the score, which can help them approach the rest of the game with a clear mind and steady hand.
Additionally, golfers can embrace the idea that golf is a game of precision and patience, and that success comes from staying present and executing each shot with intentionality. By adopting this mindset, golfers can view a bad score as a temporary setback on the path to improvement rather than a failure.
It's important to note that, while a single bad hole can impact your final score in medal play, it doesn't have to define your overall performance. With mental fortitude, resilience, and strategic thinking, golfers can bounce back from a bad hole and still post a competitive score.
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You can play with a partner
Golf can be a great way to spend time with a friend or loved one. Playing with a partner can take many forms, but the most common are foursomes and four balls. In a foursome, you play in pairs, with each pair having one ball per hole. Players take alternate shots until the hole is completed. This is a good format for more experienced players, as it requires a high level of skill and strategic thinking. The four-ball format sees each player play their own ball throughout the round. The better score of the two players is then counted as the team score for that hole. This is a popular format for professional tournaments, as it allows for a more relaxed approach, with players able to take risks and play more aggressively.
Playing with a partner can be a fun and social way to enjoy a round of golf. It can also be a great way to improve your game, as you can learn from each other and develop new strategies. Having a partner also means you can motivate each other and keep a positive mindset, even when the round gets tough. Playing with a partner can also speed up the game, as you can discuss strategy and decide on the best approach together, keeping the pace of play moving.
If you are new to the game, or are playing with a beginner, a four-ball format is a good option. This allows the more experienced player to demonstrate technique and strategy, and for the novice to learn without feeling too much pressure. It also means that the beginner won't feel like they are slowing the game down, as they have their own ball to play with and can take their time. With a four-ball format, you can also play a round with three players, which is often called a 'threesome' and is a common way to play.
Foursomes are a great way to develop your strategic thinking and can be a fun challenge for more experienced players. This format encourages a more thoughtful approach, as you need to consider your partner's skills and shot-making abilities, as well as your own. It can also be a good way to meet new people and make new golfing friends. Playing with a partner you don't know well can be a fun way to socialise and get to know someone, as well as a great way to build new business relationships and network.
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You can play just the front or back 9 holes
Golf courses typically consist of 18 holes, but you are not always required to play all of them. You can choose to play just the front nine holes, which are the first half of the course, or the back nine holes, which make up the second half. This can be a great option for beginners who are still learning the game or for those who are short on time but still want to get in a quick round of golf.
Playing just the front or back nine holes can also be a strategic decision for more experienced golfers. For example, if you are trying to medal in a tournament, you might focus your efforts on the holes that play to your strengths. If you're a long hitter, you might choose to play the back nine, which often features longer holes that require more driving distance. On the other hand, if you have a strong short game, you might opt for the front nine, where shorter holes and more greens in regulation can give you an advantage.
Additionally, course conditions or weather may favour one half of the course over the other. For instance, if the wind tends to pick up in the afternoon, playing the back nine (which is typically more sheltered) in the morning may give you an edge. Knowing the course well and understanding its unique characteristics can help you make strategic decisions about which nine holes to play and when to play them.
Playing just nine holes can also be a social decision. Golf is often enjoyed with others, and a shorter round can make the game more accessible and enjoyable for a group with varying skill levels or time commitments. Whether you're catching up with friends or networking with colleagues, playing the front or back nine holes can provide a more relaxed and conversational pace while still offering the challenge and enjoyment of the game.
Finally, playing nine holes can be a great practice strategy. Whether you're working on a particular aspect of your game or trying to maintain consistency, focusing on just the front or back nine allows for more concentrated repetition and refinement. This targeted approach helps you improve specific skills, gain course familiarity, and build confidence, ultimately contributing to better performance and enjoyment. So, whether for fun, strategy, or practice, nine holes can be a valuable part of your golfing experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Medal play, also known as stroke play, is a scoring system in golf. In medal play, golfers record each of their shots and penalty strokes on every hole and aim to finish the round using the
Medal play is considered the most intimidating format because every shot counts, especially the bad ones. Unlike team play formats, there are no teammates to make up for your mistakes. Medal play is also different from Stableford, where the effect of a quadruple bogey is softened.
If the competition is using handicaps, the player’s score is adjusted by their handicap to get the medal score. The handicap number is deducted from the gross (real) score to calculate the net score.
