What Is Stroke Play in Golf?

Stroke play is the most common scoring format in golf, where players count every shot taken throughout the round and the lowest total score wins. Unlike match play, stroke play focuses on overall consistency because every stroke matters from the first tee to the final putt. It is widely used in professional tournaments and club competitions, making it the standard way most golfers play. Players complete all holes, add any penalty strokes, and compare total scores at the end. This format rewards accuracy, strategy, and steady performance, helping golfers track improvement while competing fairly against others on the course.