Page "Match play" Paragraph 9

Golfers can employ a slightly different strategy during a match play event since the scoring is different.

The situation in the match and the outcome of each shot already played on a hole will both be taken into account.

On the whole, match play encourages more aggressive play, especially at the professional level, where a par is not usually good enough to win a hole.

Since a very poor result for a hole is no worse than a slightly-below-average result when playing against an opponent with an average score, it often makes sense to accept the higher risk connected with aggressive tactics.

However, in some circumstances players will be especially cautious in match play.

For instance, a player may choose to play more conservatively if the opponent has hit a poor tee shot or is otherwise under pressure to compensate a poor start on a particular hole, reasoning that there is a good chance to win the hole with an average result.