Which matches are included in the rankings?
The archive includes singles matchplay results from Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup, WGC Match Play, Seve Trophy, Eurasia Cup, The Royal Trophy, Paul Lawrie Match Play, the PGA Championship matchplay era (1916-1957), and the 1904 Olympic individual matchplay event. Team formats like foursomes and fourballs are excluded.
How are player ratings calculated?
Ratings use an Elo-style model. Every player starts at 1000. Matches are processed in chronological order, and expected result is calculated from rating difference. Win/draw/loss are scored as 1/0.5/0, with K-factor by experience (40 for first 10 matches, 30 for 10-29 matches, then 20). Match score margin (for example 1 up vs 6 & 5) adjusts rating movement via a capped multiplier, and ratings decay slightly each new year toward baseline (0.99). Filters on the page change display only; ratings are always calculated from the full dataset.
What does “Active” mean in the filters?
Active players are those who have played a matchplay match within the last five years, based on the current year.
Are halved matches treated differently?
Yes. A halved match awards 0.5 points in records and is treated as a draw in the Elo calculations.
Why do some players have fewer matches?
Match totals depend on who appeared in singles matchplay events captured in the archive. Players from eras or tours with fewer recorded events will naturally have fewer matches.
How often is the data updated?
Updates are manual and continuous. New events and historical corrections are added after results are sourced and verified.
Can I compare two players head-to-head?
Not in a dedicated tool at the moment. For now, use Player Records and table filters to review each player's match list and outcomes.
Do team points count toward the rankings?
No. The rankings only use individual singles match results to keep comparisons consistent across events.
What if I spot an error?
Please get in touch and include as much detail as possible. We verify every correction before updating the archive.
Where does the data come from?
The dataset is compiled from official event records and historical result sources, then manually curated to standardize player names, rounds, scores, and countries across events. Entries are reviewed before publication.
Have a question or correction?