Final round tactics. The Open.

[haplesshacker]

Not having ever played in a four day event, I wonder what the best tactics are for the leaders?

Let's assume that the two leaders are joint leaders. And as usual they are the last to tee off. They have at least a shot lead over the next players, and are on reasonable form on the last day.

Do they play their own game and try as much as possible to ignore the other player. Or do they 'match play' their 'opponent'?

Obviously the later can play big dividends on the mental side, but it can also back fire. However the former can leave you questioning your own strategy at times.

Two questions.

1) What would you do?
2) What do the pros actually do, and is it the right course of action? Or do they change their options part way through the round?

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

They can't play matchplay against each other unless they open up a big gap on the rest of the field, always the danger that someone will sneak past them. They will have their own strategies, holes that they can attack and ones to play conservatively. This will depend on each players strengths and weaknesses, shot shape, pin locations etc.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I am sure there is probably an element of matchplay in there even if the pros don't admit it.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

Play your own game, it's strokeplay, just shoot as low as you can and see what happens at the end

 

[pbrown7582]

Stick to the game plan you've used over the previous 3 days to get yourself in the lead.
Obviously you may have to re-adjust if coming down the stretch, your behind and need to take a chance or 2.

 

[macca64]

Shoot the lowest score possible would be a good start.