stroke play

American  

noun

Golf.

1. medal play.

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stroke play British  

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: medal play.  golf Compare match play Stableford

   1. scoring by counting the number of strokes taken

   2. ( as modifier )

      a strokeplay tournament

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Etymology

Origin of stroke play

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

With stroke play, he says, “one bad break like that would ruin your chances for the entire event.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Mark Fine, who has co-written a book about bunkers, says the increased use of rakes after World War I was the result of a shift from match play to stroke play.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

That allowed her to make the cut for the first time since the Women’s PGA Championship, and it was her lowest score of the year in individual stroke play.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 8, 2023

He joined Tiger Woods as the only back-to-back PGA champions in stroke play.

From Washington Times • Jul. 25, 2023

CSK's coach, Stephen Fleming, says Rahane was not in their "initial thoughts" but his form and attacking stroke play forced the team management to think otherwise.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2023