Matchplay Tips, Etiquette etc

[ainley87simon]

I have entered by first ever matchplay competition, having not played in matchplay event before should there be anything to be aware of? What is the etiquette on conceding putts etc. If I was playing myself I would conceded a 1ft putt knowing the chances are I would miss it, but should I concede puts that should in theory be makeable? Are they any rules, on etiquette points that a rookie should be aware of?

 

[Deleted member 18121]

If you're going second on tee shots get to the tee first and stand there with your driver.

 

[Deleted member 1147]

Only concede if you are almost certain your opponent will make it, there is no hard and fast rule.
It may annoy your oppo' if you don't give any. Some people use it to get under peoples skin.
Some give all short putts until a tougher putt comes along and your oppo' hasn't had the practice on holing out. Puts the pressure on.

You can use the other player as a guide as to how they operate - I've done this before.

Also, be very clear if you are giving a putt or asking them to hole out, and ensure you are certain that they have given you a putt before picking up. I know of people who mumble something, then say they didn't give a putt and claim the hole.

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

Matchplay is great fun but there are 2 schools of thought. One is to play the course, the other is to play the man. I always play the man, I don't see the point of playing safe for a par when the oppo has stiffed one for a birdie.

Regarding gimme's, if there is any doubt in your mind that the guy will miss, don't give it. Simple as that. You are not obliged to give anything....just ask pokerjoke

 

[pbrown7582]

If you're going second on tee shots get to the tee first and stand there with your driver.

Then when your oppo knobbles his into the clag get out your 3 wood and knock in the middle of the fairway.

 

[ainley87simon]

Then when your oppo knobbles his into the clag get out your 3 wood and knock in the middle of the fairway.

I like the idea, but the likelyhood is with the way I am swinging at the moment I would be in the clag too, just further back.

 

[MendieGK]

Always unvelcro your glove as he is swinging it.

also, be prepared for lower handicaps (like me) to moan if you start playing well - calling you a bandit etc

Just give the usual high handicapper response (that really p!sses us lower handicappers off) - oh i never play like this normally etc etc

 

[StrangelyBrown]

Ask your opponent if they breathe in or out at the top of their backswing.

I'll add a :rofl: before anyone thinks of doing this

 

[Darren24]

Ask your opponent if they breathe in or out at the top of their backswing.

Oh I like that 1😃

 

[Duckster]

Be generally nice and everything will go swimmingly.

Oh, don't forget that when they graciously add the usual "Good game" simply reply with "I am going to destroy you.". Then walk off.

 

[Region3]

Some of the penalties for broken rules are different (ie loss of hole instead of 2 strokes), but other than that just treat it like any other game of golf.

If a putt is unmissable then give it. If it could reasonably be missed then don't.
Never get upset if you don't get given a putt. If it's unmissable then there's no problem holing it.
Don't play out of turn, especially when tapping in after a lag putt.
Never assume a hole is won or lost before you're walking off the green. Anything can happen, and often does.

 

[virtuocity]

He misses a two foot putt.

Firstly do this:

Then as you walk to the next tee:

When he holes a 15 footer to take the hole, looks at you and then turns away be like:

You win the match. Act like this on the last hole:

Then drive home, swing open the front door and be like:

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Concede a few early on and then arounf 12, 13, 14 make them putt out. Hopefully they will be shocked, missed and then have it on their mind coming home

 

[Bazz]

I entered one of these, draw made last week, got to the club to find out who I was playing and.....I've got a bye. Rubbish

 

[Crow]

Concede a few early on and then arounf 12, 13, 14 make them putt out. Hopefully they will be shocked, missed and then have it on their mind coming home

Or they might thank you for the ones you concede early on that they may have missed, hole them out anyway for practice, and then hole the one you finally ask them to hole out in the match.
I've never understood the "concede a few putts early doors philosophy" and love it when I have an opponent who believes in it.

 

[louise_a]

Never give up on a hole, there is always a chance they will mess up.

 

[MashieNiblick]

Re conceeding putts; a lot depends on your putting. If, like me, your short putting is dodgy then don't be afraid to be generous with gimmes as I find most opponents feel bound to reciprocate. I have been let off many putts I didn't fancy on that basis. However, never expect to be given anything and never get upset with your opponent if you miss a putt you think you should been given.

Finally remember you are out have fun. Play in good spirit and enjoy the match for what it is.

 

[Captainron]

Play aggressive golf. If you bomb out with a triple its just one hole and not 3 lost shots.

The breathe in or out thing is genius though.

 

[Old Skier]

Just give the usual high handicapper response (that really p!sses us lower handicappers off) - oh i never play like this normally etc etc

I always prefer - nope, your just having a stinker.

 

[delc]

Always give your opponent a chance to mess it up! If you miss a green, try to get down in not more than 3 more shots.