Stroke Play & Skins

Stroke Play

            Stroke play is the most popular version of golf.  The stroke play system is simple, it entails counting the strokes for each player on each hole and adding it together.  The player with the least amount of strokes is the winner of the round. 

            The majority of professional tournaments are played using the stroke play format.  This makes it easy for fans of all ages and skill to follow.  However, several tournaments take on other game formats.  This variety and change of pace makes the game of golf much more exciting.

            In matches that involve handicapping, each player would subtract their handicap from their total strokes.  Once again, the player with the least strokes is the winner. Calculating a player’s handicap is performed using several methods.  But in the end, the handicap is the golfer’s average number of strokes over par.  Utilizing a handicap evens up the playing field for all individuals.  Better players have a small handicap while less skilled players have a higher handicap.  At the end of the match, every golfer has an equal chance of winning. 

Skins

            Skins is a form of golf that is centered around an amount of money assigned to each hole.  In professional competitions, a designated amount of money is assigned to each hole.  In amateur and less competitive matches, the players decide on a fair amount of money for each hole.  Sometimes the amount varies for each hole depending on the difficulty and length.  No matter if it’s professional or amateur, the player with the least amount of strokes on each hole wins the money for that hole.  If all players tie on one hole, the money carries over to the next hole until someone wins.  If the players tie on the final hole, all players or only the tying players will play another hole until there is a winner.