Montana State Match Play Championships

Golfers in the Treasure State might be surprised to hear that Match Play is one of our oldest traditions, as it was the format for the Montana State Amateur Tournament from 1917 until 1966 when it permanently changed to stroke play. After thirty years of dormancy, Match Play was finally brought back to life in 1996 as its own separate event.

Since 1996 some of the state’s best golfers have tested their skills in the State Match Play Championship, with plenty of excitement to boot. For those unfamiliar with how Match Play works, the USGA defines it as “a form of play where a player (or players) plays directly against an opponent (or opponents) in a head-to-head match. You win a hole by completing it in the fewest number of strokes, and you win a match when you are winning by more holes than remain to be played. You may concede a stroke, a hole, or even the match to each other. If your next stroke has been conceded, you are permitted to putt out, unless this will help your partner.”

It’s a different type of competition playing against one person at a time, rather than the whole field, and many golfers enjoy it as much as stroke play events. So, if you’re a Montana resident and want to try a different style of play, then this could be the event for you.