Matchplay

nosey003

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Playing my first matchplay comp soon, singles and doubles just wondered if anyone had some advice. No the rules. But nervous as i haven't played this format before. Thanks
 
Hope this thread takes off as i too am in a similar position. So thought id post to send it up the top.

My only advice is dont cough while theyre driving and dont drop your putter when theyre putting.

unless youre losing..... :cool:
 
Attack! Attack! Attack! That's my aim for matchplay, when I try and be too conservative I balls it up. Go flag hunting!

In all seriousness, just play one hole at a time, you will have bad holes but so will you're opponent. Hang in there and never give in, even if 4 or 5 down. Momentum can swing things back your way in this format. Good luck.
 
Matchplay is a great format, forget the holes that have gone, never give up on a hole, don't be too generous when conceding putts, don't take on risky shots when you don't need to.
t doesn't matter how you play against the course, it just matters how you play against your opponent.
And enjoy it.
 
never give up on a hole until it is actually finished. likewise, no matter how bad a position your opponent might be in....

never assume that you'll win a hole until your opponent concedes it...
 
never assume that you'll win a hole until your opponent concedes it...

Yes, play one shot at a time and always expect the unexpected. It's very easy to get ahead of yourself. For example, you can easily find yourself saying something like "....it looks like this hole may be in the bag and I get a shot at the next...". Then, in very quick succession your opponent chips in, you miss the 5 footer for the half and your opponent nails a drive down the middle on the next. You find yourself with loads of pressure on your next drive and the inevitable happens. 5 minutes out of the round can swing the whole match so stay in the present and concentrate on your own game.
 
Remember the missing partner's handicap has to be used when calculating shots given/received.

I didn't know that. Using him as the base I would get 7 shots and they would get 8 & 9. I just thought because I was the lowest on the day off 19 I would just give them 1&2.
 
I didn't know that. Using him as the base I would get 7 shots and they would get 8 & 9. I just thought because I was the lowest on the day off 19 I would just give them 1&2.

it may work out the same, or it may not....either way you calculate it on the basis that he is there (in case he turns up!)
 
I can't see him being committed enough to traverse the channel for the match but I will definitely calculate it on him being there. I wouldn't want any comebacks if I do manage to win by some miracle. Thanks both.
 
I tend to play the front 9 as if I'm playing a monthly medal then see where I stand and decide if I need to get more aggressive or conservative on the back 9.

Never give up even if you are 3-4 down. It amazes how quickly a match can turn, win a couple of holes in succession then all of a sudden your opponent is under pressure.

May sound obvious, but make sure you know where you are getting or giving shots away.

And don't engage in the mind games some people like to play if this is your first match play experience, concentrate on your game and don't get distracted trying to put them off.

Although I do like commenting if they've just ripped one down the middle how well they rescued that shot with their hands as it looked like with that swing it was going right all day long ;)
 
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I can't see him being committed enough to traverse the channel for the match but I will definitely calculate it on him being there. I wouldn't want any comebacks if I do manage to win by some miracle. Thanks both.

be ready to quote 30-3a/3 when they start arguing!
 
Make sure you double check your partner's handicap at the club.
Don't hesitate to ask your opponents how many shots taken at the putting stage if you don't know.
Mark your card for loss, half or win. If I win the first hole I mark the card W in one column and +1 in the next if I loose the next it's L and = in the next and so on.
Confirm the match score between green and the next tee.
Don't tee up in front on the tee markers, drive down the middle, only to be asked to take another one.
Above all relax and enjoy it.
 
I don't mind giving a 3 ~ 4 footer very early if it is for a half.
Later in the match when they have a shorter one and you don't give it, it can cause some mental anguish which can lead to a miss.

If they are (or look like) poor putters I would not give a thing.

Never give a putt that loses you the hole - and as above KNOW where shots are given or received and count accordingly!
 
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