In golf, 4 & 3 means a player is 4 holes ahead with only 3 holes left to play in match play. That means the match is already decided, so they win before finishing all 18 holes.

Quick Scoop

  • 4 = the number of holes the winner is ahead.
  • 3 = the number of holes remaining.
  • It’s used in match play , not regular stroke play.

Example

If you’re 4 up with 3 to play , your opponent can’t catch you anymore, because there aren’t enough holes left. So the result is recorded as 4 & 3.

Related scores

  • 3 & 2 = 3 holes up with 2 left.
  • 5 & 4 = 5 holes up with 4 left.
  • 1 up = the match went all the way to the final hole.

If you want, I can also explain the difference between match play and stroke play in one minute.