The USGA Rules for Match play differ in several circumstances from the rules for Medal play. Here are a few basic examples.

1) If you miss a putt and your next putt is not conceded by your opponent, you cannot hole out unless you or your teammate are still furthest from the hole. If an opponent's ball is further out, you must mark your ball - even if it's a simple tap-in.

2) In stroke play, Rule 3-3 authorizes the player to play two balls when he is faced with a doubt as to his proper procedure under the Rules. This rules does not apply in Match Play (see Decision 3-3/9).

A long comment was posted at Free Drop - a blog about the rules of golf - about the differences between match and stroke play. The comment presents a number of areas where Match and Stroke play differ and his rationales behind those differences. The author of the blog then posted a response including a few comments on his rationales, along with some other differences.

Q: Are these all the differences between Match and Stroke Play?

A: Author's Reply

Labels: Rules