Match play has the potential to be more exciting to both watch and play than stroke play. Because the downside of a bad shot is just a loss of the hole instead of losing several valuable shots to the entire field, match play encourages players to be more aggressive in their attempts to win holes.

And some courses are better suited to this type of exciting golf because their holes give players several different options for negotiating their way to the hole. Invariably, one of these choices carries a significant risk-reward proposition, such as trying for a longer carry over a hazard to set up a shorter, easier approach.

Not coincidentally, many of the best courses in the world are well suited for match play because they offer plenty of options and risk-reward situations. So while Harding Park (pictured) is a good site for the 2009 Presidents Cup, the following 18 courses would make ideal stages for stirring, memorable matches.

Click the link below to start your tour of the best match play courses in the world.

 

>> Masters of match play