What Does Stroke Play Mean in Golf?
By The Fairway Labs TeamReviewed
Play & formats
Golf term
Stroke play
Stroke play in practice
Almost all professional tournaments and club medals are stroke play. Unlike match play, you must hole out on every green — no gimmes — so those short putts genuinely matter.
Related terms
Lost in the lingo? Browse the full golf glossary.
Get better at golf, one email at a time
Join the newsletter for new beginner guides, honest gear reviews, and tips that actually lower your scores. No spam, ever.