3 vs 2

[Region3]

There were 5 of us playing today and when we were due to tee off there was no-one else anywhere near the first tee, so we decided to play as a 5-ball.

We decided that if anyone were to get anywhere near behind us we'd either split to a 3 and a 2 or let them through.
As it was we were catching up the three a couple of holes in front of us, and pulled away from the 2 ball that started about a hole and a half behind us!
I still felt like a naughty schoolboy all the way round though.

Regardless of the rights and wrongs of playing as a group of 5 (which I'm not asking for debate on), we needed a format as we usually play matchplay when there are 4 of us.

Our handicaps were 6, 10, 11, 11 and 12.

I suggested that the 6 and 10 play together against the other 3 players, but all off levels as a way to balance out the team of 3 having one more score on each hole to choose from.

Whadayareckon? Fair or not? Was there a better way?

The poll is which advantage is bigger, and therefore which team would you have as favourites?

 

[fundy]

If I didnt know you were the 6 capper Id happily have sided with the 11,11,12 group, as it is I expect its a pretty fair way to do it

 

[brendy]

Every man for himself would have been better, nothing like a gooseberry to ruin a match.

 

[pokerjoke]

Im for the 3 to beat 2,even if you are a good player mate.
Everyone can have an off day.

 

[Region3]

Every man for himself would have been better, nothing like a gooseberry to ruin a match.

We do that as well, so there's still something to play for if the matchplay finishes early. That and to know who has the wooden spoon tied to their bag for the next round

 

[Region3]

Im for the 3 to beat 2,even if you are a good player mate.
Everyone can have an off day.

I thought the 3 had the advantage as well, but like playing as the underdog.

To be fair, we're all ok players for our handicaps and winners and losers are rarely the same 2 games running.

 

[garyinderry]

id say the 3 team would be favorites. if it was a track you were not used to then it might be a bit tighter but at your home course id side with the 3ball team.

 

[duncan mackie]

there are a lot of other factors in such evaluatons - but at the end of the day I would bet on the 6/10 combination .

my logic would be that I would expect the team of 3 to have a better gross score on 3 holes against the pair of 11's ie they would improve their BB by 3 and the 6/10 to have a handicap advantage of 4 so an edge of 1 going into the game.

 

[Val]

Better ball stableford pairs, combined score full HC for the pair and 3/4 HC for best 2 of the 3. For me the best and fairest format.

To answer though, team of 3 to win.

 

[mcbroon]

id say the 3 team would be favorites. if it was a track you were not used to then it might be a bit tighter but at your home course id side with the 3ball team.

That makes sense to me - home advantage would probably favour the 3 ball a bit more.

 

[CliveW]

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