The MATCHPLAYER App Review

It's Ryder Cup time again and that means match play golf. For those of you checking out the Ryder Cup for the first time or trying to impress that significant other with some golf knowledge, match play is where golfers go hole for hole, not stroke for stroke. You'll use terms like "all square" and "dormie," neither of which reference your college days or the people you hung around with.

In this "there's an app for that" world we live in, there is exactly that: an app called The MATCHPLAYER. It's the first virtual golf app designed to connect golfers around the world and play matches in a match play format. With The MATCHPLAYER app, golfers can arrange a round of golf, challenge other golfers to a match or simply meet other golfers. "Meeting other golfers" is never a bad thing. You could use the app to simply grow your network of golfers in your area or set something up based on future travel plans. Or "meeting other golfers" could lead to new business partners or, even life partners.

With MATCHPLAYER, you can challenge other players in your area or be challenged. You can challenge single players or pit your foursome against another foursome. You can play for the sheer joy of playing a match or you can try and accumulate points which down the road, can be used for prizes. These matches can be set up at over 25,000 courses around the world. As you gain points you move up the MATCHPLAYER leaderboard; the more matches you play, the more points you can earn. Win or lose, you still get points - kind of like every kid gets a trophy!

As I mentioned, matches can be set up as single player matches or foursome VS foursome. Single matches offer a great way to meet new players, especially if you are visiting an area for a short period of time. Matches can be played anywhere in the world, against any other MATCHPLAYER subscriber.

The first thing you have to do is download the app; it's available on the iPhone App Store and Google Play. Then, simply open the app and create your own MATCHPLAYER profile, including you home course, handicap information and a picture (optional of course). Now you're ready to find other MATCHPLAYERs and have them find you!

Speaking of challenges, it's easy to see all of the matches you have going on by accessing the Challenges option on the menu. Here you can also confirm or reject any pending challenges. Once you've completed a match select the Played Matches option from the menu and enter your score. Once your opponent confirms your score, your ranking will appear with a new points total as soon as the app updates.

The MATCHPLAYER can also be played just for fun, however it requires that your opponent be playing in the same "pleasure" mode. When playing in this mode, you will not earn any points, so it is truly "just for fun."

One of the new features of The MATCHPLAYER is the Play for a Pro feature. Simply choose from the list of available touring professionals and you will automatically receive exclusive news, videos and much more from the leaderboard of your chosen pro. You can also Play for a specific brand (i.e. Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, etc.) and receive exclusive news and offers from the brand and its brand ambassadors.

As with most apps these days, there is a free version and a "premium" version. The free Pleasure Player mode allows you to invite other match players for a round of golf, anywhere in the world. Once you pay the fee (roughly $25 US) and become a Premium Player, you'll have access to everything including Rankings, Play for a Pro, Brand and the prizes. As of yet, the prizes have not been determined, but I have been told they are worth a lot more than $25! Membership fees can be paid upfront for a year with no cancellation required, or monthly (roughly $3.00) which does require cancellation if you no longer wish to see the charges on your bank statement.

The MATCHPLAYER is a new app with an interesting twist on an old idea - match play competition. Use the Invite a Friend function to create your own circle of MATCHPLAYERs or use the app to meet new friends.

For more information about the MATCHPLAYER, visit their website at www.theMATCHPLAYER.com. Don't forget to download the app too!