Which form of play do you prefer? In the Rules of Golf, Match Play (Rule 2) comes before Stroke Play (Rule 3). I guess that's the way the game was first contested: Mr. MacTavish against Mr. MacGinnis when all golfers were amateurs. I believe the emphasis on stroke play is due to televised professional tournaments. Even with 36 hole cuts, lots of name players remain for the weekend. And for club outings, everyone can compete on one or two days. Most of the competition I enter is stroke play, but I love a match play tournament. In addition to the course and one's own ability, there is the opponent to contend with. That seems to bring the mental side of the game into sharper focus. I do hope that match play does not become an "endangered species" of golf.