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Individual Matchplay

Individual matchplay is a head-to-head format where two players compete directly against each other, hole by hole. Instead of counting total strokes, the player who wins the most holes wins the match. Golfify supports two ways to run individual matchplay — using Groups (recommended) or as a standalone event.

Before you begin

Make sure you've already created an event and selected your course. You'll configure the competition format during event setup.

What is individual matchplay?​

In matchplay, two players go head to head on each hole:

  • The player with the lower score on a hole wins that hole (goes "1 Up")
  • If both players score the same, the hole is halved (tied)
  • The match result is tracked as holes up or down (e.g. "3 & 2" means a player won by 3 holes with 2 to play)
  • If handicaps are enabled, strokes are given on specific holes based on the stroke index

Matchplay is a great format for knockout competitions, inter-club challenges, and any event where direct competition adds excitement.

Using Golfify Groups is the recommended way to run matchplay. Groups let you organise multiple matches within a structured competition — perfect for league seasons, knockout brackets, and round-robin formats.

Video walkthrough

This video covers setting up individual matchplay using Groups.

How to set it up:

  1. From the Home Screen, tap the + button and select Group.

  2. Name your group (e.g. "Club Matchplay Championship") and add all participating players.

  3. Create individual match events within the group — each match is a separate event between two players.

  4. For each match event, tap the gear icon to open the Host Menu.

  5. Tap Event Settings, then scroll to Format & Scoring.

  6. Select Match Play as the competition format.

  7. Add both players via Host Menu → Player Manager and assign them to the tee sheet.

  8. Tap Activate on the HOME tab when the match is ready to begin.

Why use Groups?

  • All matches are organised under one group for easy navigation
  • Players can see the full competition schedule and results
  • The group leaderboard tracks overall standings across multiple matches
  • Ideal for knockout rounds, league formats, and seasonal competitions

Option 2: Matchplay as a standalone event​

If you just need a one-off match between two players without the overhead of a group structure, you can create a single matchplay event directly.

Video walkthrough

This video covers setting up matchplay without using Groups.

How to set it up:

  1. From the Home Screen, tap the + button and select Single Round Event.

  2. From your event, tap the gear icon to open the Host Menu.

  3. Tap Event Settings, then scroll to Format & Scoring.

  4. Select Match Play as the competition format.

  5. Add both players via Host Menu → Player Manager and assign tee times on the TEE SHEET tab.

  6. Tap Activate on the HOME tab when ready.

Scoring and leaderboard​

Once the match is activated, players enter their scores hole by hole. Golfify automatically calculates the matchplay result:

  • The leaderboard shows the match status in real time (e.g. "2 Up through 12")
  • When a match is decided (a player's lead exceeds the remaining holes), the final result is displayed (e.g. "4 & 3")
  • If the match is tied after 18 holes, the result is recorded as "All Square"
Handicap matchplay

If your players have different handicaps, enable Handicapping in your event settings. Golfify will apply strokes on the appropriate holes based on the stroke index, so players receive their handicap allowance automatically.