stroke play: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Sports
Quick answer
What does “stroke play” mean?
A scoring system in golf where the total number of strokes taken over one or more rounds determines the winner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A scoring system in golf where the total number of strokes taken over one or more rounds determines the winner.
A competition format where success is measured by the cumulative total of countable units, analogous to the golf term. It can metaphorically describe any process where aggregate performance is measured against a standard, rather than direct competition against an opponent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling remains consistent.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties; carries connotations of consistency, endurance, and total score pressure.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both UK and US golfing contexts. Almost non-existent outside of golf or related metaphors.
Grammar
How to Use “stroke play” in a Sentence
[The tournament] is played as stroke play.They compete in stroke play.The winner of the stroke play.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stroke play” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The stroke-play format favours consistent golfers.
- He entered the stroke-play tournament.
American English
- The stroke-play format rewards consistency.
- She won the stroke-play event.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically: 'Our quarterly review is stroke play, comparing our total output to targets.'
Academic
Very rare, except in sports science studies comparing competition formats.
Everyday
Almost exclusively used when discussing golf.
Technical
Primary domain: golf. Precise definition governs tournament rules and scoring.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stroke play”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stroke play”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stroke play”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'We will stroke play tomorrow').
- Confusing it with 'match play' by using the terms interchangeably.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Stroke play counts the total number of strokes over the entire tournament. Match play is a head-to-head format where you win or lose individual holes; the total strokes for the round don't matter, only the number of holes won.
Yes, 'medal play' is a synonym for 'stroke play', commonly used because the winner often receives a medal. The terms are interchangeable in modern golf.
Most professional tournaments are stroke play, as it tests consistency over a longer period. Match play is more common in team events (like the Ryder Cup) and some specific tournaments, offering a different, more tactical challenge.
The player who completes all designated rounds with the lowest aggregate (total) number of strokes is the winner.
A scoring system in golf where the total number of strokes taken over one or more rounds determines the winner.
Stroke play is usually technical / sports in register.
Stroke play: in British English it is pronounced /strəʊk pleɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /stroʊk pleɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a marathon, not a sprint—pure stroke play.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of STROKE as a mark you make for every hit. In STROKE PLAY, you count every mark (stroke) to get your total PLAY score.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION IS A CUMULATIVE JOURNEY (vs. a series of duels).
Practice
Quiz
What is the fundamental principle of stroke play?