This week on the PGA Tour is the Dell Technologies Match Play event.
Sadly, it will be the last year this tournament is contested.
This tournament offers a unique format and high stakes for the world’s top golfers.
Unlike most golf tournaments that use a traditional stroke play format, this event features head-to-head match play battles that test players’ skills, tactics, and mental fortitude.
This article will provide an overview of the tournament, its format, the strategic elements of match play, and the significance of this event as a last chance for those on the bubble to secure a spot in the Masters.
Tournament Format and Group Draw
The Dell Technologies Match Play tournament features a field of the top 64 golfers in the Official World Golf Ranking as of the conclusion of The Players Tournament.
If any of the top 64 choose not to play or are ineligible (see: LIV golfers), the field is filled by going down the world rankings list until there are 64 golfers.
The event begins with a unique group draw, where the top 16 players are each placed in their own groups. Each group is then filled out, at random, with three more golfers of ranks 17-64.
In the end, 16 groups of 4 golfers compete round-robin style over the first three days.
Players earn points for each match they win or halve. The player with the most points in each group advances to the knockout stage, which is a single-elimination format.
Knockout Stage
As the name suggests, it’s win or go home in the knockout stage.
On Saturday, there are two rounds played: the round of 16 in the morning and the round of 8, or quarterfinals, in the afternoon.
On Sunday morning, the two semifinal matches take place, with the finals being played Sunday afternoon.
The winner after Sunday afternoon will have played seven matches over five days!
How Match Play Works
Match play golf is a unique format where players compete against each other on a hole-by-hole basis, rather than counting their total strokes over the entire round, as in stroke play.
In match play, the player who completes a hole in the fewest strokes wins that hole and earns a point. If both players complete the hole with the same number of strokes, the hole is considered “halved,” and no points are awarded.
The player with the most points at the end of the match is declared the winner.
Scores are often presented in terms such as “1 up” or “2 and 1.”
A “1 up” score means that one player is ahead by one hole, while a “2 and 1” score indicates that one player is leading by two holes with only one hole left to play, making it impossible for the trailing player to catch up.
The match ends when one player leads by more holes than there are remaining.
If the match is all square after the final hole, players continue playing in a sudden-death format until one player wins a hole, and the match.
Conceding Holes In Match Play
Something you will see in match play that you would never see in stroke play is a player not finishing each hole.
In match play, a player may choose to concede a hole to their opponent, which means they accept defeat on that specific hole without completing it.
This usually occurs when the conceding player believes they cannot win or halve the hole based on their current position.
By conceding the hole, the players can move on to the next hole, saving time and energy.
It’s important to note that conceding a hole is a strategic decision and a courtesy gesture in match-play golf, reflecting sportsmanship and respect between competitors.
Typically players will concede very short putts, or if they are virtually certain they cannot win the hole.
Strategic Elements of Match Play
Match play introduces unique strategic elements to the game of golf.
Players must consider not only their own shots but also the position and potential shots of their opponents. This added layer of strategy can influence club selection, risk-taking, and course management.
For example, a player may choose to play more conservatively if their opponent is in trouble or play more aggressively if they are down several holes.
Additionally, the psychological aspect of match play is crucial, as players attempt to outwit and outmaneuver their opponents in a direct head-to-head competition.
Match play can be a true test of mental toughness, composure, and resilience.
Repeat Winners
Scottie Scheffler has the opportunity this year to join Tiger Woods as the only repeat winner in the tournament’s history.
Not only is Tiger the only repeat winner of this tournament, but he is also the only three-time winner!
The Battle for a Spot in the Masters
The Dell Technologies Match Play serves as the last opportunity for golfers to move into the top 50 in the world rankings and secure a coveted invitation to the Masters Tournament.
With this added incentive, the stakes are high for players on the bubble, like Rickie Fowler, making the event even more exciting and intense for both competitors and spectators alike.