The Match: Bryson vs. Brooks format, explained: Match play scoring & other golf rules to know

The biggest feud in golf this year between Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka will take center stage during the fifth edition of “The Match” on Friday, Nov. 26.

The format for this edition of “The Match” will mirror what the 2021 Ryder Cup used in one-on-one golf matches. It will be a bit more simple than other editions of “The Match” in previous years. 

However, the biggest difference for this fall’s event is the two golfers will only compete in a 12-hole round rather than playing all 18 holes. 

Sporting News has you covered with a breakdown of the rules, format and scoring system to be used in “The Match.”

MORE: A timeline of the Bryson DeChambeau vs. Brooks Kopeka fued

The Match rules and format

“The Match 5” will follow the match play format for the entirety of the round. This will only be the second time in “The Match” history where match play will be the only format. The previous time match play was used was in the first match between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

What is match play in golf?

Similarly to what is used in the one-on-one competitions in the Ryder Cup, players will compete to shoot the lowest score on each hole. A point will be awarded to whoever shoots the lowest score on the individual hole. If they tie on a hole, that hole will be halved. Whoever wins the most holes by the end of 12 holes wins.

In the first edition of “The Match,” Woods and Mickelson went into four sudden death holes because they were tied at the end of 18 holes. It is believed DeChambeau and Koepka will do the same if they are tied at the end of 12 holes.

How does match play scoring work?

Whoever wins the hole earns one point, while the loser of the hole earns zero points. If the two golfers shoot the same score on a hole, they will each earn a half-point. Unlike regular golf play, whoever has the highest score at the end of 12 holes will win the match.

It is possible for a winner to capture a victory before all 12 holes are played. For example, if a golfer is up two holes with one hole to go, they will finish the match because they would win regardless.