Which of the following event formats allows for players with high scoring potential to compete more fairly?

Match play is the format that best allows players with high scoring potential to compete more fairly. This format differentiates itself from stroke play by allowing competitors to play directly against each other in individual holes rather than accumulating a total score. In match play, each hole is won or lost independently. This means that a player can have a bad hole but still recover in subsequent holes without being overly penalized by their overall score.

For players with high scoring potential, this format levels the playing field, as they can focus on winning individual holes rather than worrying about a cumulative score that might reflect their inconsistencies. This aspect of match play encourages competitive dynamics and can give players more opportunities to succeed despite fluctuating performance levels. As a result, it is a favorite among many golfers who appreciate the direct head-to-head competition it provides.

The other formats, such as stroke play, accumulate scores over the entire round, which can make it challenging for players with higher potential to remain competitive if they have a few bad holes. Best ball and scramble formats, while they can also create opportunities, primarily focus on team dynamics rather than direct competition between individual players, thus not adhering as closely to the concept of fair competition based on individual scoring potential.